Home boat builders display at Wooden Boat Show

[Bob Perkins]

All,

While thumbing through the new Woodenboat at the news stand, I noticed a call for home builders with trailerable boats to sign up to bring their boats to the show and display them .. free. 1-2 or 3 days. (the boats can't be for sale)

WB wants to show the public the crazy subculture we are in I guess. It sounds like fun .. if mine gets done in time. It will be close.

Anyone thinking of doing this?

[C. Ross]

Bump.

Any of the great projects displayed on these pages going to be at Mystic?

[StevenBauer]

I'm in. Can we put them in the water too, or is it just an on land display?


Steven

[Vince Brennan]

Hey! Anyone awake here?

[paladin]

They're all in the bilge and can't be pried out with a 10 foot pole....:p

[Clinton B Chase]

Could we TELL people the boat is for sale?

Cheers,
Clint

[Old Sailor]

O guess you could tell them, ya just can't have a For Sale sign up. And no it's a dry land display.
Old Sailor

[boylesboats]

Wow thats interestng...

[Clinton B Chase]

When is the show this year? Is this all officially announced yet?

Clint

[Tom Mac]

Is it just recently builded boats, or 3 or 4 yrs ago? Tom Mac

[JBreeze]

I vaguely remember that at the Newport show when it was held at Ft. Adams....

Good idea:)

[kenjamin]

Unless I'm missing something, there doesn't seem to be any mention of this home builders boat display on the WoodenBoat Show 2008 web site. Is this for sure going to happen?

[Brian Palmer]

It was on page 10 of #201 at the end of the "Letters" section.

Brian

[Ron Carter]

I have submitted the formal application received from WB. Have not heard any disposition at this point. Since the agreement is that the boats not be offered for sale I think that ought to be honored. This is an opportunity for those of us that do it for fun to show our stuff. The Maine Boatbuilders Show was just held for the commercial crowd.

[skuthorp]

I recently wanted to take my Mac to a WB show locally, mostly couta boats. I found that I had to insure my Mac separately as against an extension of my present household policy and take out a $2,000,000 public liability policy. Festival sponsored by a legal firm and an insurance Co. "What?" they said "insure a canoe?" There wasn't a category listed, I wasn't taken seriously, so I didn't go. Dissapointing.

[JimJ]

The Hartley Association here in Qld have a TS16 and TS18 at the Brisbane International Boat Show. Insurance is a cost and we look at this every year.

We do get a lot of interest and contacts. Most years we are the only sailing boats amongst all the FG power boats.

We also feel that we are promoting our end of the market.

JimJ

[CJ]

I saw the same "call for boats" ad in the magazine. Dismissed the idea at first, but now giving it a second thought. Just finished a Penobscot 14, but my question is: How can I tell if my boat is worthy of putting out there? I mean, I went to last year's show and wow! This being my 2nd build it doesn't exactly scream perfection.

So, how does one determine 'displayability' of a new build?:confused:

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/190.jpg?t=1205826846

[sawcutmill]

Put your boat in the show, it is worthy!

[Brian Palmer]

CJ,

Looks good enough for show to me!

Brian

[Ron Carter]

So, how does one determine 'displayability' of a new build?:confused:



I've shown my boat several times. There will always be someone that shows up with a piece of floating furnature that probably has never been wet. I always clean mine up and touch up the obvious dings from regular use. The questions about design and construction seem to confirm people enjoy looking at and talking about "ordinary" boats.

[Andrew]

I was a judge at a TSCA show once. All three of judges, myself included couldn't help but giving "Best in Show" to a well built sharpie that had sailed to the show. The paint was at least 6 months old and the gear looked like he had just landed. The other boats in the show were beautiful but this boat truly epitomized what we built boats for.

[erster]

I was a judge at a TSCA show once. All three of judges, myself included couldn't help but giving "Best in Show" to a well built sharpie that had sailed to the show. The paint was at least 6 months old and the gear looked like he had just landed. The other boats in the show were beautiful but this boat truly epitomized what we built boats for.
I make no excuses for my dings, sand or dull finish work when someone looks too close or I happen to be in the company of furniture. ALL of mine are earned just like new furniture that will eventually age too if used.:cool: My hull are built to be used more than an occasional weekend or day trip, something that seems to be lacking. There seems to be the same ones that always win those blue ribbons. All folks seek out different levels of finish work and should not feel guilty when you have done something with your own hands to completion. I say go for it, as most Yahoos that visit most shows do not take the time to scrutinize your hull like you will anyway.

[George Roberts]

"I found that I had to insure my Mac separately as against an extension of my present household policy and take out a $2,000,000 public liability policy."

That is common. Often time necessary. I think last time I paid $1K for a 3 day policy.

[Stu Fyfe]

I've had my "blue collar" Bolger boat in three of the WB Shows. In order to get it there I had to sail 3 days to Mystic on two occassions and five days to Southwest Harbor, ME once. All of these trips were single handed. That can take a toll on the appearance of a boat. Don't worry about the cosmetics. Those chips, scratches, holidays, discolorations all add to the personality of the craft. On the other hand, a neglected or a poorly constructed vessel probably doesn't belong in a show. There are all kinds of boats shown, not just the museum pieces. I appreciate seeing different designs. You know there will always be a NY 30, a Haven 12.5, Concordias (no offense Margo), a commuter, a Hinckley etc..... You don't have to compete with them. The best part of the Show is talking to people and being a part of a wonderful event. You'll make new friends that will last a lifetime. If you can arrange the insurance end, I say go. I keep coming back. The Wooden Boat Magazine staff are fantastic

[erster]

On the other hand, a neglected or a poorly constructed vessel probably doesn't belong in a show.
I may have missed it, but I have not read anything approaching an approved list of designs or any prequalifying. I think most folks that have taken the time to build a hull at home feels their boats are truely the best and have every right to be proud, whether others feel that way is all up to interpretation, IMO. I know I do......;)

[Stu Fyfe]

Every right to be proud. But do you really want to display a poorly constructed in a boat show?

[erster]

Every right to be proud. But do you really want to display a poorly constructed in a boat show?
I ask you again, what do you from afar consider poorly constructed? If an individual has built a boat at home, which is all that I see listed as a guideline for showing a hull in this division, who is to judge that a particular hull is poorly constructed. This has long been a real issue here when one offs have been on display. I surely would like some clarification, certainly after an individual was to drive over a thousand miles to be turned away, according to someone elses ideas of poor construction. Are there some guildlines listed? TIA

[Stu Fyfe]

I ask you again, what do you from afar consider poorly constructed?
No, you're not asking me again. This is the first time. Only the person who wants to enter their boat can decide if it's worthy. I said a neglected or a poorly constructed vessel probably doesn't belong in a show. It's up to the owner/builder to decide if they want their vessel exhibited. I would never try to be that judgemental as you seem to allude. I want Bob to feel comfortable to bring his boat. That's what this show is all about.

[rbgarr]

Is it a fact that the home-built boats for this display-only aspect of the Show have to carry liability insurance ?

[openboater]

Woodenboat can learn a lot from EAA and the Oshkosh air show.
hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of home built airplanes. When I went to Mystic last year, I was severly disapointed.

At Oshkosh (last I knew) just show up and put the plane on display.
4 sale sign and all.

[erster]

Is it a fact that the home-built boats for this display-only aspect of the Show have to carry liability insurance ?

I cannot answer this, just getting up to speed, as we have a preplanned trip north this year for a gathering. But if there are issues with buying huge liability policies, this pretty much rules out the average guy under normal circumstances that have gathered in many local shows. If you add this to some predetermined set of approved plans, this really rules me out. The few shows that I have been involved in has been more about kabitzing with other like minds.

[Tom W.]

There is an email address to contact WB to get included. I sent an email and got a reply that they would be very happy to have my Penobscot 17 amongst the owner built boat on display, and I would have to be around to talk about the boat to viewers. There was no mention of insurance whatsoever, and I would not go if I had to take out a policy for the show, even if it was really cheap.
The boats are not expected to be chippendale furniture, they are boats that have been built to be on the water, and look the part, so send off an email to the contact person, and if you would like to show your boat clean it up and be proud of it. That's my opinion, for what it is worth.
Contact is:
kate@woodenboat.com

[StevenBauer]

I'm not sure what you're fussing about Mike. We've seen your boats (in pictures at least) and I'm sure they'd fit right in at the Show.
We missed you last weekend, maybe next year. :)


Steven

[erster]

I'm not sure what you're fussing about Mike. We've seen your boats (in pictures at least) and I'm sure they'd fit right in at the Show.
We missed you last weekend, maybe next year. :)


Steven
Thanks, I got the OPEC flu and its sidelined me.;) We have a big anniversary coming up and a visit across the border planned around that time of year. Grandkids takes a front seat too with a visit west. Its a busy year.

[almeyer]

I saw the same "call for boats" ad in the magazine. Dismissed the idea at first, but now giving it a second thought. Just finished a Penobscot 14, but my question is: How can I tell if my boat is worthy of putting out there? I mean, I went to last year's show and wow! This being my 2nd build it doesn't exactly scream perfection.

So, how does one determine 'displayability' of a new build?:confused:

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/190.jpg?t=1205826846

By all means, take your Penobscot 14, it's a fine boat. I'm jealous, I'd love to go to the WB show, but I'd spend more time driving halfway across the country and back than I would at the show. I've entered my Penobscot 14 at the local Keels and Wheels, and had a great time, parked right next to some absolutely showroom-new finished Chris Crafts and the like. Some of the boats were strictly show pieces, I think, as they didn't have any registration numbers. Mine has the registration numbers, and also a few dings and scratches to show that it sees honest use. I don't have a problem with that. And yes, the finish on mine isn't quite as nice as ones that are professionally built or restored, but I still got a lot of nice comments from the judges, other owners, and the public.
Al

[Lew Barrett]

I make no excuses for my dings, sand or dull finish work when someone looks too close or I happen to be in the company of furniture. ALL of mine are earned just like new furniture that will eventually age too if used.:cool: My hull are built to be used more than an occasional weekend or day trip, something that seems to be lacking. There seems to be the same ones that always win those blue ribbons. All folks seek out different levels of finish work and should not feel guilty when you have done something with your own hands to completion. I say go for it, as most Yahoos that visit most shows do not take the time to scrutinize your hull like you will anyway.

Whatever discussions I may find to argue with you about Mike, I agree 100% with the sentiment expressed above. Anybody who has taken the time to research and build a working boat that meets their personal criteria has every reason to be proud. And while I cringe seeing the work that needs doing on my own boat, others see it and dream of being aboard in beautiful places and enjoying it as a boat. Most of the hard fought work I've seen on these pages over the years have been truly inspiring. Gentlemen (and ladies) show your efforts with pride. I want to see them this summer and so be inspired.

[CJ]

Thanks, Al (Almeyer) and others. You've convinced me to fire off an e-mail to Kate at WB to get more info on bringing my Penobscot 14. I guess I should feel fortunate to live only 45 minutes away, and keep a boat about 2 miles away by water.

I must say, I've mixed feelings about you not bringing your P-14. I've seen, and used, pictures of yours while building mine and, well, let's call it what it is: Yours is better. There, I've said it. Now I can go to the show...

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/196.jpg?t=1205895459

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/205.jpg?t=1205895836

[Philip Maynard]

I find this whole discussion very strange, the idea that anyone would be excluded or needs an "invitation" to bring their boat I guess sort of confirms my impression of the last issue of WB. It is so slick and perfect it was more like "Smooth Boat", almost has a gated community aesthetic. Maybe it's partially my experience from St Michaels small craft festival where certainly there are plenty of professionally built boats there (if not the majority) but that is not the least bit of a requirement to bring, display, sell, etc.

[Katherine]

I'd like to see all level of homebuilts at the show.:)

[almeyer]

I must say, I've mixed feelings about you not bringing your P-14. I've seen, and used, pictures of yours while building mine and, well, let's call it what it is: Yours is better. There, I've said it. Now I can go to the show...

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/196.jpg?t=1205895459

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh147/cjg0601/205.jpg?t=1205895836

I don't know that I'd call my boat better - I built it and added the details to suit my tastes. A little different than yours in some areas, maybe, but not better. I did as good a job as I could, but still made some mistakes. That happens. In the end, I've got a boat that I'm pleased with, a boat that has already given me a lot of enjoyable hours on the water, and occasionally gets a nice compliment from other folks. I suspect your P-14 is the same.

In the end, how much "glitz" a boat has is strictly a personal thing. To me, building a boat is a long and fairly expensive process, so I don't see any sense in building an ugly boat when I can build a pretty one for just a little more effort. But I don't look down my nose at someone's boat if it's not as fancy as mine. I've been to messabouts where the fellow having the plainest, roughest built PDRacer was out on the water having just as much fun as I was. He's got a boat that suits his needs and desires, he's having a good time with it, and he built it. That counts for a lot.

I'd love to come up to the WB show; I did the mapquest thing this morning and it's 1800 miles one-way. It ain't gonna happen. So enter your boat, and have a grand time. I'm still jealous.

I'll get off the soapbox now.
Al

[Mrleft8]

I'd bring the "Marjie B." if I wasn't expected at my stupid sister's stupid wedding.....

[kenjamin]

Al, traveled 1237 miles there and 1237 back to Tallahassee last year to show off my funky birdwing mast at the show. Caught a lot of grief from one guy about the fishing boat finish of Xena. She wasn't really finished yet but that was no excuse for him. Still, I think she looked good from a distance. It's all in your perspective. It is well worth the trip even though you have a little further to go.

http://ford.physics.fsu.edu/XenaPortrait-0361.jpg

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

Woodenboat can learn a lot from EAA and the Oshkosh air show.
hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of home built airplanes. When I went to Mystic last year, I was severly disapointed.

At Oshkosh (last I knew) just show up and put the plane on display.
4 sale sign and all.

ABSOLUTELY! Been to OSH twice and have always thought it the BEST run event hands down. And you're right, everyone shows up and some even put FOR SALE signs on their plane. Don't know why this couldn't be done at the WBS. And BTW as far as homebuilts go, boats, planes or anything.... my best friend built an airplane that is hands down better looking and better craftsmanship than any production bird that ever rolled off Cessna/Piper/Mooney etc.

And why would anyone need liability insurance if they are just displaying their boat. Oh sure, some kid could drop his ice cream cone causeing some behemoth of an old woman to slip, tumble and crash into a crowd of people knocking Joe Blow's PERFECTSLOOP17 off it's trailer smashing some lawyers toes.... :rolleyes: Just think it's all a bit overblown.

Hope to see y'all there.

[Kate @ WB]

The owner-built boats display at the 2008 WoodenBoat Show is designed to allow home wooden boat builders to be a part of our event and to share their building stories with others. Our hope is that the I Built it Myself display will encourage and inspire others to build wood boats. Boats that are for sale should not consider registering; that is not the purpose of this display. There is no charge to participate, but boat owners will be asked to answer questions and talk about their boat project while at the show.

If you are interested in being a part of this display, your boat is NOT for sale, you built or restored it yourself, and you are willing to talk about your boat project, please contact me directly by e-mail, <kate@woodenboat.com>. I will be happy to send you the appropriate registration forms.

-Kate Holden

[Raka025]

I have a friend displaying his Swift Solo for 3 days - Tell him Raka says hello.

[bamamick]

O.K., to my mind this is what it's all about, showing your boats to people who WILL appreciate them and the fellowship that comes from shared experiences. I have never built a boat. I couldn't build a popsicle stick, but I LOVE boats of all kinds. I love work boats with stinkin' fish guts and sea gull poop on them, and I love racing boats with the scars to prove it. I just love boats.

I have been to Mystic Seaport before. Believe me when I say that I would not be driving 3000 miles just to visit Mystic again. I am coming to meet my old friends here, and hopefully make some more. The chance to see what you guys have built, what you are talking about in your posts, well that's an added extra incentive for me.

As far as personal preference goes, I like 'work boat' for my finishes, EXCEPT on my racing boats. Racing boats just have to be slick, and a sharp paint job just makes you feel fast. But on the schooner? It's work boat all the way.

Mickey Lake