Making Time for Some Wooden Classics

No, they're not the fastest, and they're not the biggest, but every boater can appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia these wooden beauties had to offer at the Annual (PLX)Portage Lakes Classic Boat Show, which we went out to see on Saturday, June 26th. This was the 34th year for the one-day show and its eighth at its current location, explained Walt Stashkiw, president of the North Coast Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society. "'It's just fun,'' he said. ''It's fun to bring your boat out and show it off.''

PHOTO CREDIT: Ohio.com

There were 42 boats on display this year, impressively arrayed at the docks in front of The Olde Harbor Inn and Hook, Line & Drinkers. Among the really impressive enties were a 1939 Chris-Craft Custom Runabout named Sashay that is one of only 24 produced, and a very grand 1928 Hacker-Dolphin Triple cockpit speedboat that stretched out to 30' long. It was a real treat for lovers of old boats, gleaming mahogany and memories of good times. Best of all, the weather was gorgeous.