Complete with Shop Update!
August, 2011

Sign Up Now for Ride 'n Show, Aug. 26-28!

The Hilton Bella Harbor, Rockwall...

In just a few weeks, we'll be gathering on the docks at the harbor of the city of Rockwall on the east shore of Lake Ray Hubbard. You may be among those who are coming but you haven't registered yet. All the planning is in place, from a welcome dinner at Luna de Noche to the show along the beautiful municipal docks in front of the Hilton Bella Harbor, to a moonlight sail on Saturday aboard the 40-foot wooden catamaran, Seawolf, skippered by builder Scott Self. As a special treat, Dallas area waterskiers will be putting on a classic-style waterski show with 12 different

  

...and the adjacent dining and shopping complex

acts. The show will start between 4 and 5 p.m. on Saturday. That'll make an exciting addition to our event! We've even found a way to continue our Sunday Brunch tradition, since the Hilton serves up a nice buffet on Sunday mornings. Hotel rooms are going fast, so if you need one, book now, either through your favorite travel site, or directly with the hotel. This year, the Ride 'n Show will be classier than ever. Please register separately for the event, and for the sail aboard Seawolf. Let's have a great turnout and make some real memories! Read more!

Haug's Shipbreaking Presentation Reveals Rare Facts

WBA members learned a good deal about a relatively unknown aspect of the maritime world at the July meeting, thanks to an insightful presentation by Richard Haug. Shipbreaking is the term applied to the dismantling of scrap ships for the salvage and resale of steel, iron, rigging and hardware.

  

Citing his early interest in treasure hunting, Richard showed that shipbreaking is a treasure hunt all its own, producing unexpected and valuable finds in the hulks of these discarded monsters. Thanks, Richard!

Lucas Shop Sees Real Progress!

Above, Marc Hill removes bungs from the old planks of his '68 Chris Craft Grand Prix, as his attention turns to the sides follow successful completion of the boat's brand new bottom.

Below, Mark Wilson's Grand Prix isn't far behind as he puts the finishing touches on his boat's bottom, which will soon be given a good dousing of Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. Note the two raised strakes on the bottom which aid the speedy Grand Prix to plane quicker and maintain control at speed.

  

Above, note how the nicely sealed bottom of Marc Hill's Grand Prix gleams. The CPES coating not only seals the wood, it reduces swelling and shrinking of the wood due to moisture differences and improves adhesion of the bottom paint.

Below, Robin "Old Guys Rule" McGeorge has been advising Marc and Mark on their restorations, and, since he doesn't have a project of his own just now, is also lending a skilled hand. These two Grand Prix are among the most ambitious restorations to be done at the shop. (R. Haug Photos)

Next Monthly Meeting is August 18 at Midway Point, Don't Miss It!

Join us at the Midway Point on Thursday, August 18 for the next monthly meeting of the WBA. We'll be finalizing details of the Ride 'n Show at Lake Ray Hubbard (Aug. 26-28). Roving Bilge Pump reporter and WBA VP David Kanally will have the program entitled "Cowell Boat Works, The Rest of the Story", which includes tidbits about the Boat Works founder Tommy Cowell's early years as a rum runner and this year's unprecedented gathering of Cowell Boats at Chautauqua Lake, NY! The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th 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.

Shop Talk and Musings:

I'm grateful this day for several reasons. First, my dear wife Cheryl is home after five days in the hospital, recovering from surgery. Second, on the counter between the kitchen and the living room is a lovely bouquet of cut flowers sent to Cheryl by WBA signalperson Lisa Daniels, which reminds me of the caring group of people in the WBA who have become good friends over the past decade. Cheryl is grateful for your thoughts and prayers as her recovery continues at home. She's thinking she'll feel pretty good by Ride 'n Show time. No boat rides, of course, but she'll be demonstrating a new activity, which we'll call "Hangin' at the Hilton", which she'll be happy to have other boatresses join her for! The hotel provides a panoramic and air-conditioned view of the harbor, the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the event. Next time you see her, ask her how she enjoyed her trip to Pennsylvania and New York earlier in July, especially the part when she went deer hunting with her husband and mother, and her husband bagged a doe with a Nissan Quest.

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.