When a Saturday is picture-perfect and the sky is crystal clear… one must take advantage. As we like to remind each other, my husband and I like old things. So as soon as his co-worker told him about a vintage boat show on Lake Norman, we planned on attending. A dead battery en route made us miss the boat parade, but not to worry. The boats docked on display, aging from the 1930s to 1970s, were beautiful representations of another era. Timely styling, exquisite wood and laborious love were all hallmarks of the collection. One boat had been used and loved by five generations, even raised from the lakebed after it sunk beneath their boathouse. Another boat has been owned by one family since 1956, when they bought it directly from the manufacturer.Most of the boats were made by Chris-Craft, America’s oldest powerboat builder, and were mahogany hulled. They represented the best in design from each decade and give definite nods toward the automotive styling of different eras (not surprising, as Chris-Craft’s original headquarters was located not far outside of Detroit).
To me, the boats are reminiscent of a simpler time and a time when craftsmanship itself was prized.
To my husband with the active imagination, they are representative of a more mysterious time–he was certain that someone had been killed aboard a particularly stylish cabin cruiser. I prefer to think that members of the Brat Pack sailed it across Lake Tahoe at quite a clip. Oh, wait…
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