The show is sanctioned by the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc.(ACBS), an international organization devoted to the preservation and recognition of all types of personal watercraft, whose 54 chapters throughout North America and Europe. The North Coast Ohio Chapter (NCO) of ACBS, with over 100 members manages this show and is very active in restoring, showing, and using their unique boats. Many of these members will have their boats on display at this show.

In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the original fiberglass boats which became popular in the late 1960’s as wood boat production was phased out due to shortages of mahogany, production costs, and desire for easier to maintain boats. Those earlier model fiberglass boats had unique designs influenced by the finned automobiles of the late 1950’s and 1960’s.

You will see some of those boats at the show sporting restored outboard motors. Our feature boat for this year is the Chris Craft Silver Arrow. Of the 92 boats built between 1958-59, only approximately 30 remain. While it was not Chris Craft’s first foray into building fiberglass boats, it was an unusual one.

The boat was built with traditional cedar and mahogany frame and bottom with a fiberglass overlay. All were delivered in the “silver” finish with red and white vinyl interiors. The first six or eight boats were delivered with a Chris Craft 6-cylinder engine. Because of the boats’ weight, they were considered underpowered.

Another 44 of them were delivered with the Ford Interceptor 312ci, 195-hp engines. They developed overheating issues. The remaining production were delivered with the Chris Craft 283ci, 185hp V-8. Come to the show and see this rare Chris Craft.

There will also be “Youth Judging” by a group of area youngsters with a special award presented by their group. There will be many award-winning boats from all around Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania at this year’s show.

Interested in purchasing a classic boat of your own? There will also be a “Field of Dreams Sale Lot” with boats for sale on display, so bring your checkbook.

Come and enjoy a cocktail or meal served dockside at Pick’s Restaurant next to the gleaming chrome and sparkling, varnished, floating works of art. The always popular collectable show posters and t-shirts will be on sale. Over 50 local businesses and organizations have sponsored this unique event and is one of the longest running antique boat shows in the country.

Don’t miss this celebration of summertime and beautiful boats on the Portage Lakes, Saturday August 19th. For show and registration information contact the show chairman, Gil Maringer, gbmaringer@juno.com or 216-310-7475.

Walt Stashkiw | Publicity Chairman | wstashkiw650@gmail.com | 330-289-7849