2005 Restoration
1973 Invader Tri-Hull A view from the front after one of the trips out to the lake. This boat was a donated boat from a friend, which I gladly took. The boat came with a well conditioned trailer an 85 hp Chrysler outboard and several extras. The floor and stringers were completely replaced as well as minor conditional work on the motor and replacement of the control cables. This adventure took about 3 to 4 weeks working mostly evenings and weekends.
This side image shows the true 16 ft size of this classic. Tri-hulls are great on small lakes and calm waters, but are just as much fun to jump waves. This Invader seats 2 in the bow area and 4 in the middle. The orange and white color of the Invader are true vintage 70's. Talk about turning heads!
2004 through 2007 Restoration
1957 Wonder-Craft This project started as a boat that would not need much attention, but as time would tell the boat continued to need more assistance. This Wonder Craft was purchased in Holland, Michigan. The boat came with a Golden Rod trailer and an 1957 Evinrude 35hp Big-Twin in working order. Complete restoration of this boat from the interior to exterior is in the works. This boat will ride low in the water, but with the right motor will be a fun runabout to cruise Lake Charlevoix on during those sun set summer evenings. This boat was completed Spring of 2008 and has shown was on display in several shows that summer.
2001 Restoration
1959 Skipper-Craft In the summer of 2000 I first came across a Skipper-Craft runabout on Lake Charlevoix. It was owned and is still owned by my friend Geoff Reynolds. I mentioned to him if he ever came across another Skipper-Craft that I would be interested. A year later I received a call from him and the restoration process began. I purchased the boat, full of leaves and other debri in Spring Lake, Michigan. Today after many hours of restoration it has become our family boat and I have had the opportunity to show it in many boating events. The name chosen is Miss Lucky 59' , it is powered by a 1959 Evinrude Lark which after a little tinkering with it was ready for the water once again. Miss Lucky 59' s home port in on Lake Charlevoix. This boat is shown often in shows throughout the state.
Project in the Works
1956 Crosby Hydradyne This particular boat is a project that I have been anxious to get to. The 1956 Crosby was acquired in Constantine,Michigan in 2005. I brought it back in rain storm to a storage barn in Holland, Michigan. The boat came with really well built gator trailer and two additional sheets of Mahogany plywood. Crosby runabouts handle really well in the water and are fun for small lakes.
1948 Foster
These boats were designed and produced in Charlevoix, Michigan. The boat is a runabout version. This company was known more for their row boats that people became familar with. This boat has plywood sides and a canvas deck with an open bow. It arrived with a 1957 35hp Johnson outboard. Currently I'm working on the flooring of this boat.
1960 Americraft
This boat was purchase in Central Lake, Michigan. This is vintage fiberglass era. The boat is 15' and came with a homemade trailer along with a 1956 Evinrude Lark. This boat has some great fins and will be a fun boat to retore. A full cosmetic overal is expected.
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