{"id":492,"date":"2012-07-04T12:41:08","date_gmt":"2012-07-04T12:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sailpandora.com\/?p=492"},"modified":"2012-07-04T13:23:08","modified_gmt":"2012-07-04T13:23:08","slug":"from-kevlar-to-coal-tar-in-one-day-a-visit-to-the-wooden-boat-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sailpandora.com\/?p=492","title":{"rendered":"From kevlar to pine tar in one day. A visit to the Wooden Boat Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

The contrast in the boats at last weekend’s Wooden Boat Show <\/a>in Mystic CT could not have been more dramatic after having spent a day watching the America’s Cup Trials in Newport. \u00a0Perhaps the only real similarity is that many who own wooden boats have really deep pockets, a common theme in boating it would seem. \u00a0Yes, there are plenty of boats for those with modest bank accounts but the “big boys” toys are plenty fancy kevlar or not.<\/p>\n

Two images that illustrate the differences are these. \u00a0High tech and plenty mean looking is one of the current cup trial boats.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This sweet electric launch would surely be a better venue for a cool drink on the water. \u00a0 I guess that a mint\u00a0julep\u00a0here and a Red Bull on the cup boat about a sums it up.\"\"<\/a>However, it’s not all about cruising at 5kts with drink in hand. \u00a0How about this “vessel” dubbed a “boatercycle” by the owner who claims that it will pull six skiers. \u00a0Tongue in cheek? \u00a0Perhaps.\u00a0\u00a0Me? \u00a0I couldn’t even imagine it even floating. \u00a0However, it does have a swim platform. \u00a0\"\"<\/a>Speaking of \u00a0form following function, how about this boat? \u00a0Some might suggest that it’s a good think that this is a one-of-a-kind. \u00a0 \u00a0Do you think that the builder loves music? \u00a0but what kind of instrument does he\/she play dear Watson?\"\"<\/a>How about this for a clue?\"\"<\/a>Need more help? \u00a0I expect that the love of building outweighs the love of being on the water for the owner. \u00a0Not exactly a quick and dirty project for sure. \u00a0 The builder certainly was true to the theme. Yikes!!! \u00a0At least the oar ends weren’t like picks.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Now, this is my idea of a “gentlemen’s launch”. \u00a0 With a jet drive it is high tech meets tradition. \u00a0Everything about this boat is custom, down to the fancy casting on the bow that support the running light. \u00a0 Very elegant and it can be yours for cool quarter mil.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>One of the great things about boating is the quality of workmanship that goes into products that are to be used in a harsh marine environment. \u00a0Want to be heard? \u00a0This cannon, about two feet long, would be a perfect way to salute the sunset. \u00a0Sunrise too? \u00a0Perhaps that will upset the locals.\"\"<\/a>Speaking of attention to detail, look at the great workmanship on the breach?\u00a0\"\"<\/a>This is a nice video of highlights from last year’s show. \u00a0It does give a good feel for what the show is all about, a love of wood and boats. \u00a0Works for me.