Including an Update from Lucas!

April, 2019
Keels & Wheels One Month Away...May 4-5!

Keels & Wheels is almost here! If you haven't registered your boat, you'd better get to it! The deadline for having your boat's photo in the program has passed, but you may still be able to get into the show. It's one of the finest shows in the country! Click logo above for details.

(Above) WBA member Charles Still holds his trophy beside his award winning boat in the 2017 show. WBA members who enter their boats have done very well over the years in the many boat categories that are judged.

 

(Above) The Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, TX is the ideal venue for a nationally known classic car and boat show. It is also a unique opportunity for you to see some of the finest restorations out there. And, of course, you may enjoy the cars as much as you do the boats!

(Above) The WBA launch crew gathers for a kickoff dinner each year on the Thursday evening before the show.Thanks to all who have volunteered for the launch crew this year. Looking forward to another successful event!

WBA Wins Bar Brawl at Two Guys

Sometimes you have to fight for what you believe in. WBA members proved this old adage at the Club's March meeting at Two Guys from Italy. The evening began peacefully enough, but a few minutes after the opening bell, a rival club, "New Boats Rock" rumbled into the restaurant looking for trouble.

Well, they picked the wrong Thursday for their little show of force. The intruders, of course, were the ones who threw the first punch, an act they now regret. Apparently, they thought that the age of the WBA members would make them an easy target. What they

 

forgot was that antique and classic boat guys are stronger than they look, and have also honed their skills by getting out of every imaginable difficult situation.

It was like a scene out of a motorcycle gang movie, with fists flying and disrespectful language being used with abandon.

When the dust settled, the New Boat Rocks group limped slowly out of the restaurant. Their only consolation was that one of them, who signed in as #27, won a classic boating book as a door prize. April Fools!

Wood, Waves & Wheels May 11. Sign Up Now!

 

Our friends at the Eagle Mountain Classic Boat Club will once again provide a wonderful opportunity for us to show our boats at the Fort Worth Boat Club on Eagle Mountain Lake on Saturday, May 11th.

The Fort Worth Boat Club is a fine venue, and this show attracts some beautiful boats, cars and bikes.

It's a perfect place for a show, and this is a great opportunity for us to support a sister club and mingle with a fine group of antique and classic boating enthusiasts from the other side of the Metroplex.

Please register by contacting Trey Bull at louisbull@charter.net or by giving him a ring at 817-247-7980. We've already heard about plenty of interest. Let's have a good turnout for this show!

WBA Learns Lube Lessons at March Meeting

The program for March 21 meeting of the WBA was conducted by motor oil expert Bill Asher, with assistance from Bill Mott on the advantages of switching over to Royal Purple synthetic oil in our boats. It was explained that Royal Purple is more slippery than paraffin based oils, and virtually eliminates wear. For this reason, it should not be used in freshly rebuilt engines until after the break-in period with a proper break-in oil or the rings will not seat properly. While it costs about twice as much as normal oil, the time between oil changes is more than twice that of petroleum based oils, making it a good value. Everyone learned a lot from the discussion and found the program enlightening. The Club extends its sincere thanks to Mssrs. Asher and Mott for sharing their knowledge!

 

Hafer Restoration Complete! Fine Tuning Now.

(Above, l-r) Robin McGeorge, Dennis Fisher, David Kanally, new Hafer owner Steve McCune, Seb Borrello and Jim Donovan pause after an intensive, long morning of work to finish the donated Hafer. (Photos by Jay Emerson)

(Below) Jim Donovan and Steve McCune check out the work that has been completed over the last eight months. Only engine tuning and flooring installation remain before Steve takes possession of the boat in time for Keels & Wheels.

 

 

(Above) Robin McGeorge, David Kanally and Steve McCune prepare the engine for its first startup since the restoration. After a little coaxing, the Gray Marine 75 turned over and ran just fine.

(Below) David Kanally and Steve McCune attach the stern pole and connect its light. Steve has named the boat "Dee Dee's Hafer". Special thanks to Scott Reichardt for donating the boat, and to all who helped restore her!

Next WBA Monthly Meeting April 18, 2019, Mark Your Calendar!

boatOur next meeting will be Thursday, April 18th, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy at 11637 Webb Chapel Road, just south of Forest Lane. We'll be continuing our door prize tradition, giving out a classic boating book from collections donated by Pat Baldwin and Bill McNally to a lucky winner.

Our meetings are a great opportunity to socialize with fellow WBA members and to talk shop on questions on everything from paint and varnish to carburetor kits. We'll be swapping stories of our various boating and project adventures. Plus, we'll have a presentation of general interest to antique and classic boating enthusiasts. And, of course, we'll have generous helpings of fellowship and Italian food.

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy prior to the meeting. We encourage you to join us for dinner, so we'll always have the required minimum number of diners to avoid a room charge.

Shop Talk and Musings: Walter Hill, 1933-2019

The Wooden Boat Association said goodbye to one of its longest-standing and most loyal members, Walter Hill. Walter passed away on March 25, 2019 after a battle with cancer. Walter was part of the earliest days of the WBA, consistently participating in its shows, meetings and other gatherings. He loved his wooden boats, and enjoyed the company of his friends in the club.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 29 at the Gateway Baptist Church in Whitehouse, TX, near Walter's hometown of Tyler. Nine members of the WBA made the journey to bid Walter farewell. They had a chance to meet Walter's sister and two sons and their families.

Walter had named the members of the WBA as well as the members of his car club as honorary pall bearers. Walter, we will miss your friendship, your warmth and and your cheerful conversation. Rest in peace, Walter Hill.

And finally, please take a look in the shed or garage for leftover parts or other salable items you can donate to the Club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for pickup.