Grand Lake Meandering

This week, I traveled up to Grand Lake, 3,000-some odd feet higher than Denver, to take a look at two very different but very beautiful boats.

I first stopped off at a garage housing this yet-to-be-named 1947 Chris-Craft Rocket. While on the water all summer, she ran into some hard times just a few weeks ago, taking on water in her bilge at the dock to the point of sinking far below her waterline. Thankfully, she was lifted to safety before the lake spilled over her gunwales, but the question still remained why she took on water in the first place.

It can be very difficult to diagnose these sorts of problems from where it sits on the trailer. The ribs and interior skin of the bottom, from what I could see and feel, seem solid, and, though the bottom paint was not in the best shape needed, at the very least, to be redone. I don’t know what remains unseen, but hopefully I can get her to the shop soon to flip her over and take a closer look.

Venturing a bit outside of town, I picked up this Herreshoff-designed sailing dinghy to bring back and start work on soon. She also is unnamed, owned by the Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School. She will need some planks replaced and a lot of refinishing, being over 40 years old now and just needing some TLC. She’s safe and sound now down the mountain at the shop, patiently waiting her turn.

I love these little trips, especially in late summer when I can see the temperature drop twenty degrees as I drive up there. It’s great to connect with boaters and builders alike, so, if you’re ever in the area, let me know! Chances are, I’ll be around, too.