Restoring and maintaining antique boats: 39 people attended a recent annual event in Virginia
The Antique and Classic Boat Society’s SML Chapter recently held their annual winter workshop at the home of Alan and Jean Frederick. The 39 members and guests who came learned from experts about four things that can help them restore and take care of old boats.
Mark Thompson, a local member who used to run a successful custom woodworking business before he retired, talked about what to look for when buying wood for different uses in restoring old boats.
Margaret Gober, the owner of a local business called Virginia Canvas near Hales Ford Bridge, was a guest. She talked about different materials, how they are used, and how well they work on the boat covers and bimini tops she makes and fixes.
Chuck Breen, a local member, talked about his experience with industrial fasteners and how to find and choose the right bolts, nuts, screws, and other fasteners to restore, fix, and maintain old boats.
Alan Frederick, a local member and our host, told us what was going on with the 35-foot, scratch-built, mahogany runabout he has been planning for nearly 30 years. He also told us what he had learned. He has been working on this dream project for almost three years, and Olivia Dow, a student at Franklin County High School, helps him when she can.
For more information about the chapter, visit www.woodenboats.net or call (443) 204-6500 and ask for Chapter President John Coffman.
