Ride 'n Show Moved to Lake Ray Hubbard!

Following meetings with the City of Rockwall's Parks and Recreation team, we are proud to announce that this year's Ride 'n Show, slated for the weekend of August 26-28, will be held at the beautiful Bella Harbor area of Rockwall (above) on Lake Ray Hubbard.

We will have a full schedule of events, including a cruise aboard the 40' wooden catamaran Sea Wolf (above), in the next edition of Bilge Pump. We're also in the process of negotiating group rates for the host hotel, and will make these details available in plenty of time for booking.

Yellow Jacket Sleeper Project for Sale!

The staff of Bilge Pump took a field trip to Valley Mills, TX this week to check out a '58 Yellow Jacket Riviera project boat that could make the perfect entry-level restoration for the right WBA member. The boat has had a new transom installed. The hull is sound, with one good glass repair on the bottom near the transom. The old decking has been removed, and three sheets of marine plywood for re-decking are included with the sale.

Original hardware includes bow handle, transom handles and very rare Yellow Jacket windshield brackets. Laminated seat springs are there, but are rotted, and can be used as patterns for new. Deck framing and gunwales are OK. No motor or trailer, so you'll need to bring a trailer to pick everything up.

See 33 pictures of the project by clicking here. Contact David Kanally for details. Asking price is $650.

Hibbs Gives Tour of Nimitz

WBA member and Riva owner Billy Hibbs shared his rare experience aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Nimitz at the February meeting of the WBA. Billy visited the carrier with friend Brig North. The guys were given the VIP treatment, including a dinner and on-deck viewing of takeoffs and landings.

The presentation included many slides of the Nimitz taken by Billy and Brig. In addition, at the conclusion of his talk, Billy showed videos of the takeoffs and landings that they saw while on board. Thanks, Billy, for a great presentation!

Varnish Brings Out Natural Beauty of White Willis!

Lew White is making good progress on the deck and sides of his '56 Willis outboard runabout. Above, Nancy and Les Burton check out Lew's work. Original steering wheel has been refurbished, and new flooring plywood is being installed.

Les checks out Lew's inlaid basswood in the seams of the foredeck, creating permanent seams with a nice, flush appearance, correcting the v-grooves in the original deck (above).

Lucas Shop Update: Wilson Super Sport, YJ Hybrid, Capri Motor In!

(Above, left and right) Mark Wilson fastens down the marine plywood underlayment for the 5200 bottom of his '68 Chris Craft Super Sport. (Below, left) Robin and Troy's Yellow Jacket/Willis hybrid has fresh bottom paint and a refurbished trailer.

(Below, right) Robin McGeorge installs engine mounting bolts through the stringer of Troy and Robin's Chris-Craft Capri, as the project nears completion. Engine has been successfully bench tested and carburetors synchronized. Look for both boats to make their debuts soon!

Keels & Wheels is Almost Here!!

It's not too late to sign up for Keels & Wheels, the premier antique car and wooden boat show in the Southwest, April 30-May 1, 2011. Just a few hours' drive and you're there on the sumptuous grounds of the Lakewood Yacht Club, drooling over the finest antique and classic boats and cars you'll ever see anywhere! Want to get in free? Volunteer for the launching or judging team by contacting Bob Van Guilder.

Commit Now to Participate in White Rock Centennial!

We're getting down to the wire on commitments for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show your boat in the White Rock Centennial Celebration on White Rock Lake, June 24-26, 2011. If you haven't already let David Kanally know that you will be there, please do so today! We realize that it may be tough to commit this far out, but we also need to put forth our best effort for this important community event. Check out the parade route.

Next Monthly Meeting is March 17, 2011--Don't Miss It!

Join us at the Midway Point on Thursday, March 17th for the next monthly meeting of the WBA. Longtime WBA member and trend-setter Bill Baldwin will be sharing the important work going on at Chautaqua Lake, New York in the creation of a maritime museum. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 17th at the Midway Point at LBJ and Midway Road.

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at the Midway Point prior to the meeting.

Dues Reminder!

It's dues time again, so save us a stamp and send in your $35 for your 2011 dues to: John Parish, 4415 Rosser Square, Dallas, TX 75244. Thanks to all who have already renewed!

Shop Talk and Musings:

Momentum is a wonderful thing. The sawdust is flying at the shop and in members' garages. New folks are joining. And the weather is beginning to warm up. All these things remind us that the best ever season of antique and classic WBA boating is just around the corner. Get involved! Sign up for White Rock. Block your calendar for the Ride 'n Show.

And, finally:

Please take a look in the shed or garage for the leftover parts or other saleable items you can donate to the club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact Phil Wolff at myoldboats@gmail.com for pickup.