What is it about these wonderful old boats that draw us to them, many times investing significant amounts of time and money to maintain and/or make them whole again? I ask this question of my clients and most of the time the answer is pretty much the same…"it makes me feel good" or something to that effect.

The more senior group of boaters I talk with are nearly always reliving their past, mostly their own boating experiences growing up and sharing fun times with family and friends. It was the kind of boat they first skied behind or even dated their spouses in during the "courting" years. It’s a time machine that takes them back to younger days. They just feel at home behind the wheel of a mahogany boat. It’s part of "their era".

Now, however, I’m seeing more of the younger generation getting involved in the classics. Our shop has done quite a few boats lately for younger, more affluent professionals that yearn for something different, boats with a history that the newer plastic boats don’t offer. Everyone on the lake has a white plastic boat, and they’re weary of driving what their neighbors have. In other words…they want to be "noticed". One young owner actually confided in me he feels "classy and successful" when cruising in his freshly restored Chris-Craft. I must admit I share the same feelings behind the wheel of a mahogany beauty when heads turn to gawk as I drive by in varnished wood.

All, whether young or old, have one common denominator…they think the boats are "cool". My father-in-law (who’s now in his mid-seventies) never owned a mahogany boat, but he sure enjoys mine. He will often walk down to the dock and just stare at my boat. I’ve heard him tell the story many times about when he was a young boy at summer camp on a lake in northern Indiana. One of the local lake residents would cruise by every day in their Chris-Craft. He still remembers how "neat" that boat was and how it made a big impression on him. He’s never forgotten it, and I doubt he ever will.

My twenty-five year old daughter loves them just as much and came to tears when I had to sell a Chris-Craft Capri she learned to boat in to pay for her college tuition. She still holds a grudge about that, even though we’ve had many other woodies since then. I guess my point is the affection for this beautiful craft is ageless. That’s a good thing..... Until next time...