Jim and Marcia Aamodt

About twelve years ago, while boating on Lake Minnetonka in an-alternative-construction-to-wood boat, Marcia remarked to me how beautiful a wooden boat was that passed us. I agreed with her and added that if we ever became involved with wooden boats, it would become a disease. I remembered the two years my parents had a 1947 Truscott cruiser docked at Tonka Bay Boat Works. I took it out twice alone, and with its 8000 pound weight, the Chrysler 115 hp engine still seemed like a lot of power. Marcia also remembered the may pleasant days of her childhood riding in her godparents ‘28 Chris Craft Cruiser docked at Minnetonka Boat Works.

It was about 1992 that our “dementia” set in. We sold our Sea Ray and bought a sound, but unrestored 25’ Chris Craft Continental. Although the original MBL 158 hp was long gone and the replacement 200 hp Cadillac V8 was work out, a used Chrysler 280 hp, 413 V8 engine was to power the boat. After discovering its cracked block, a new block was found and complete finishing done. The boat turned out quite remarkable after six months of intensive work. Fortunately, the entire boat was of original wood except the transom, and all the wood was very sound.

Upon completion of the Chris Craft project, I “accidently” ran across an abandoned restoration of a 1934 15 1/2 foot Chris Craft and, of course, bought it. We missed the excitement of having a boat to work on, but this fulfilled every expectation for the next year’s project while enjoying the Continental.

In 1994, while vacationing in upstate New York, we stumbled upon Morgan Marine on Lake George. We rode in a new Hacker Craft boat and its performance rekindled “the disease.” Our Continental was sold to Liz and Brian Fanning of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Since then, we have visited them twice and enjoyed riding again in “Timeless.”

In 1995, we still had the 1934 “Relic” and took delivery of the 28’ Hacker Craft “Untouchable.” It was thus named for the prohibition days’ exploits of the Hackers. For the sale of “Relic,” we made a quick trip to Michigan and even picked up engine parts. Thus we started the fascination with intriguing engines (the first of five.) Shortly thereafter, while taking to Bill Morgan of Morgan Marine, I mentioned that I missed working on a boat. He had a quick cure for that, and three days later, we owned “At Last,” a 1929 26’ original Hacker. 

Marcia and I have discussed our “affliction” and questioned its origins. Our diagnosis is as follows:
1. We both enjoy items of history and antique boating is a research and preservation of that interest. Each wooden craft has its own expression of the past, its own story and excitement.
2. Wooden boats are enjoyed by people across the world, so wherever we travel, we seek out water, boats, boat shows, and clubs. We enjoy life’s people!
3. We both enjoy planning and organizing activities and the Boat Club is an ever-changing opportunity in which to meet people, to share ideas and time, and to grow in knowledge and dreams.
4. Some of our best memories are the times we spend on the water, just the two of us, or sharing it with friends.
5. I have always enjoyed mechanical items. So, the challenge of hands-on mechanical, electrical and assembly boat projects is educational and exciting. Our boats, as well as the Kermath Engines, have been thought provoking and rewarding.
6. You really know that you are “afflicted” when the “objet d’art” in your home are the pistons and valve cover of an engine. Outboard motors become floor pedestals, and dashboards and Ivalites become curios on shelves.
While having Tom Juul working on “At Last,” I saw the beautiful 1947 Higgins Speedster he restored. It reminded me of all the Higgins I used to see on Gull Lake years ago. I mentioned that if he ever ran across one to let me know. Currently, the 1952 Higgins acquisition will be completed in 1999.
Marcia and I have concurred that our “dementia” in incurable, but it can be controlled by regular injections of activities pertaining to wooden boats!