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Online Survey

Every so often the executives of The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club will pose a question asking for your thoughts. Or maybe you have something that you would like to share with us. Step up on the soap box here.

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Bill Basler
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Online Survey

Post by Bill Basler » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:25 pm

Most of you are probably aware that we launched an online survey a couple of weeks back. If you have not taken the time to do so, please give us some feedback by taking the survey at:

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=U27QUCSER8TF

One of the things that we are hearing about in the recent Survey is that every member has their own vantage point...and everyone wants more of everything based on their own vantage point. Cruiser guys/gals want more coverage on cruisers. Cavalier folks want more coverage on Cavaliers. Sea Skiff enthusiasts want more Sea Skiff info, etc. This is kind of a no-brainer, but it never hurts to be reminded of this.

The cover of the Summer Brass Bell I am quite proud of. Not only is it a painted, post war, plywood Chris-Craft...but a super clean, all original boat owned by a new member of ours, Mark Still. This boat symbolically represents everything that the survey is pointing to. Pre war mahogany runabouts are undeniably cool, and in many cases very rare. But as a Club we need to be conscious of our own diversity, and try to reach as many members as possible.

One of my goals in the past year was to lessen the splintering effect that has happened over the years, by bringing as many enthusiast groups into the fold as possible. To that end, we welcomed the Chris-Craft Sea Skiff Club back under our wing last year at Mt. Dora. Also, we set up the vintage glass section of Boat Buzz to appeal to our members who are most in touch with this part of Chris-Craft history. It has been kind of a "slow-go" over on the fiberglass side, but it IS growing. In time, I think it will get to be a pretty active part of who we are.

I think that our mission is pretty simple. To bring as many Chris-Craft enthusiasts together in one place as possible. In order to do that, we need to make each enthusiast group important, and to feel well represented.

Cruiser owners are a huge challenge. Due to the non-portable nature of a cruiser that is over about 28-feet in length, we need to get out where the cruisers "live."

These are all the challenges that we are working on. Boat Buzz is a huge component of our Club right now, in that it truly has the ability to "flex" and "mold" itself to whatever everyone wants it to be.
Last edited by Bill Basler on Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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E-J Ohler
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Cabin Cruisers

Post by E-J Ohler » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:56 pm

You are right on again Bill especially with the non-portability. I tried it 8 years ago and we all know where it got me. (LOL) Taught me how to repair a wooden boat of that type though, so not all was lost.
Yes it is difficult to bring our cabin cruisers to the foreground eventhough I believe they are more used than the wonderful run-a-bouts (I want).
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:39 am

Bill I took the survey but can't remember if it included a query relating to thoughts of having a big Chris Craft Rendezvous some time in the future. I recall you dreaming of such an event some time ago. If planned far enough in advance and in an appropriate location this could still become a reality.

In order to have a representative collection of cruisers it would need to be accessible via the Inland Waterways. With a target date and stable economy we cruiser folks could plan a family vacation/cruise around such an event. Those of us who depend on hard pavement and trailers could do the same from/to just about anywhere in the country.

As with Bill, I think it's something we need to give some serious consideration to. Any thoughts?

Al

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 11:49 am

Al, since this is a wandering post, we'll continue with no real focus! The survey did not ask for specific thoughts relative to a rendezvous...by design actually.

In the closing question we asked "What is the single most important enhancement that you would like to see us offer as a Club."

We kept this question pretty open, without asking any questions about a Rendezvous prior. We did this so that we get the best "unaided" response.

What we are seeing in the responses is that an annual or semi-annual Rendezvous is a strong contender for the top spot on members wish lists. we have also had some VERY preliminary discussion about this type of event with Chris-Craft, and I know there is interest there.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say it will happen in the future. When? I just don't know. I would only want to do it if it could be a World-Class event...you know, great hotels, great climate, great food, marching bands, great events for kids, spouses, and so on.

It can happen. It will be a lot of work. As always, I'd love to hear as much feedback o this as possible.

As for where? well, this would be a perect opportunity to get our cruiser members together if we held it at the right location. If you think about logistics, it would probably have to be done on a rotation over a series of years...East, Mid-States, West...Possibly even North East, North Central, North West, then South Eat, South Central, and South West.

One would then need to research the best bodies of water within each region to afford the best accessibility by the highest number of cruisers. The oceans are big and accessible. the Gulf is big and accessible, The Great Lakes are a huge contender, as is the Mississippi. But is that the Northern Mississippi, Mid, or Southern?

All things to think about. It is a popular wish on the survey.
Bill Basler

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Brian Robinson
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Post by Brian Robinson » Tue Oct 16, 2007 11:59 am

At Tahoe in June there is already a "Crossing of the Chris-Crafts" Show. We could, as a club, do a hostle takeover of that event for something on the Left Coast.

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:08 pm

OK. We'll take that one. I hear that Tahoe is a pretty decent place to visit. :D

Also, there's the Pacific Northwest Rendezvous in Port Orchard, WA, arguably one of the premier cruiser venues in the country.
Bill Basler

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E-J Ohler
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Rendevous

Post by E-J Ohler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:17 pm

Okay guys I'll bite too.
Lets not forget where it all started. MICHIGAN
Then of course where?
West Michigan (Lake Michigan) has many great harbors that could handle a venue like this, but it would be quite a haul for the East side cruisers as well for some of our Canadian friends.
Therefore pick a spot in the middle, this would be the Mackinac Bridge area. Right between Lake Micigan and Huron
Easely accessable by water from IL, IN, WI, MN, OH, ONT, NY and PA.
Lots to do in that area for any and all. Although hotels aren't that important as most bring their own sleeping quarters, that is the advantage of a Cabin Cruiser. (LOL)
Oh, what a blast it would be to caravan up or down any of these Great Lakes to get to this rendevous. And there will be enough Captain/owners that would love to have other CCABC members as "mates" on board.
I'll be happy to help out when we get to that point in the future.
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:20 pm

E-J, having spent my entire life boating on northern Lake Michigan, I am a sucker for this recommendation. There are few places prettier than the North Channel for scenery, island hopping, etc. Bring the sweaters or sweatshirts...even in August. Sounds like a great time. I want to be there already.
Bill Basler

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E-J Ohler
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Post by E-J Ohler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:23 pm

Drive your trailer over to West Mi. and we'll tow your run-a-bout and you can be my "deck-hand"!
That would be a much nicer dinghy than my Achilles
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:47 pm

Well, there you go. Sounds like we have 3 venues already in the making. A fourth may be some where on the upper Mississippi, maybe on my bend of the river where there's probably 50 or more CC Cruisers already and plenty of waterways to attract more from IA, WI, MN, IL, MO, OH, KY, TN, AR, MS and more.

This would be a great recruiting means to attract more CC owners in our regions to join us. If they own a Chris Craft they would want to join in such Grand Events.

Al

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:53 pm

E-J, what is air travel like for northern MI? I know that one could fly into Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids, but that's a pretty good hike via rental car up the Eastern Shore of Lake Michigan. A stop in Holland area would be great, but for those with limited time, are there options for coming in closer to Mackinac?

Al, flying into St Louis as it is centrally located to the entire US, and is a stones throw to the Mississippi.

Any other thoughts? East Coasters? Anyone South of the Mason Dixon line?
Bill Basler

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E-J Ohler
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Cruiser get together

Post by E-J Ohler » Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:57 pm

Bill
Sorry for not responding earlier, but as for travel close to Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie is your best chance from both ORD(Chicago) & DTW(Detroit). It is approx 50 miles from the bridge. Closer to Hessle too. 90 miles to Cheboygan (East Side).
Than on the West side you can fly into Traverse City with its marvelous bays, which is approx. 125 miles from the bridge. As a matter of fact TC would be a nice area too and there are many hotels, casinos, waterparks, etc. or Petosky where the kids can look for stones.

Why don't we plan it several years from now and take over the whole Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel. The American Indians, the French and the English have done it in the past and they did not even have motor boats or a Grand Hotel to stay in.

Logistics is a small problem when doing it "Up North" but this State is where it all started and most of our boats came from, also most of us would be "sailing" there, as all is accessable by water.
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

talkintojose
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Post by talkintojose » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:59 pm

I would like to give my vote to the north channel.What a beautifull place to have A rendezvous.I could certanly plan A year or two in advance to make it just about anywhere on Huron and Michigan.It may take me that long to persuade my first mate but she would be by my side in the end.I have been working on this boat for four year's now and she is now ready for a long cruise.Keep up the great work Bill,You certanly put your heart into this club
Rod

Wilson Wright
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Rendezvous

Post by Wilson Wright » Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:02 am

If you are talking marching bands you might think N'Awlins. There are plenty for hire and we could all march thru the French Quarter...Also it is a good site for cruiser owners.

I like the Algonac/Mackinack idea but realistically you have to fly to Deetroit...and that is 6 hours driving time down the road. A few carriers go to Traverse City. The Upper Peninsula is great once you get there.

In the early days we had " Jamborees". I can only assume the reason they didn't continue was lack of popularity...Gordon Houser might know.
Wilson Wright
Executive Director Emeritus
Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club

wdnboats1
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Here's a headline..."Clayton Boat Show - Cruisers Take

Post by wdnboats1 » Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:34 am

Not one to usually jump in on these, I had to chime in on this one.

North Channel sounds great - As a 1000 Island boater I could see a Trent-Severn trip to a Chris~Craft gathering would be a fantastic excuse for a long vacation...

Here's another thought...The number of cruisers at the Clayton Boat Show has really fallen off, those little boats are everywhere (I'm gonna take flack for this). The venue is fantastic; the cruising grounds are equal or better than just about anywhere. With the show being the 1st weekend each August that would give those coming a distance the weeks before and after to make the trip...

That's my input, love the idea of a large CC Cruiser gathering, the Commander Club has been doing this very successfully for a few years now. commanderclub.com

Dave
David
1980 Chris Craft Catalina 310
1968 19' Lancer
1969 31' Commander Sedan - Parents

kcupido
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Online Survey

Post by kcupido » Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:50 am

Hello fellow Clubbers
Being new to the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club, Ive been slowly going through old posts in the Buzz; a wealth of info and insight.
Just took the Online Survey only to find my Chris as an example of the success of Trading Dock. I had been looking for a Chris Craft most of the summer to no avail, when low and behold I literally stumbled across Trading Dock. I bought her in September.
I am very excited to find out what else I can learn here... though it may take me a life time![/i]

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Wed Oct 24, 2007 11:50 am

Keith,
It's great to have you "on board". Congrats on your purchase via Trading Dock. It's just one of many great assets the CCABC has to offer these days.

The latest being the ARCHIVE which is now up and running. It's fun to use and it's only the beginning. It's a great research tool already for our old CC's. It contains all of the past issues of The Brass Bell which are packed with great information as well. Using the Search feature you can find content on just about any subject that's boat related.

Boat Buzz is an amazing resource as well. I still find great info using the Search feature. If you can't find the answer just post a question or comment in the appropriate Forum and someone usually replies before long. It's a great way to pool the resources of many very knowledgeable folks.

I've passed through Sault Ste Marie a couple of times and was impressed with its beauty (don't care for gravy on my french fries though). It may be very near the site for a future Chris Craft Rendezvous if plans develop.

Al

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gravy on fries.

Post by dragonfly » Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:41 pm

Al,Al,Al, gravy on fries is what makes Canada great. You gotta try it w/ the cheese curds.can you say coronary, eh? see ya pete.
1955 18'CC Sea Skiff & 1959 18' Mercury Sabre

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E-J Ohler
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fries & Brass Bell

Post by E-J Ohler » Fri Oct 26, 2007 5:17 am

Hey guys we Dutch put mayo on them, delicious. Now that I think of it, we make our potato salad with mayo too and not ketchup and put gravy on our mashed potatoes (never tomato ketchup). So who has the strange food combo herer? Also we call them fried potatoes as they have nothing to do with the French.

Why are we talking about food. Isn't the new Brass Bell fantastic again, what a publication. Even with the "plastic" boat on the cover it is still the best magazine I read. Don't get me wrong I do love those Classic FG boats especially the model shown.

Great job again, thanks for all that had a hand in getting this TOP publication out to us members.
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Fri Oct 26, 2007 7:51 am

I thought it was fiberglass too but actually it's a plywood Cavalier. Cool boat!

I have truly enjoyed my trips to Canada. Folks are very friendly and trusting there. I look forward to my next visit. The food's actually good too (except the FF's w/ gravy).

Al

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E-J Ohler
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BB

Post by E-J Ohler » Fri Oct 26, 2007 8:33 am

Al that shows you how much I read.
We just received it yesterday and I just saw it in my wife's hands and later was able to quickly turn the pages and scan it but have to wait until this weekend to peruse it in detail.
I just saw the age 1967 and assumed FG. Man those Cavaliers are good looking boats now if I could only make that PW look like planked Mahogany.
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:28 am

E-J, if it looked like planked mahogany it wouldn't look like a Cavalier any more though. There's a '62, 28' Cavalier Custom Cruiser docked next to my '60, 27' Connie at the marina. They look great side by side, each with their unique features. I offered to trade, his reply, "No Way, get your own Cavalier".

Al

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E-J Ohler
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cavaliers

Post by E-J Ohler » Fri Oct 26, 2007 10:13 am

Al
Smart guy (lot less maintenance) but that Connie rides so much nicer though.
Thanks,
E-J
"Dad Gawn Crazy" - 1963 31' Cavalier Futura Custom (Twin 283)

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