Skiff Craft Wooden Boat Classic Care Restoration and Maintenance

This Skiff Craft Mahogany Flybridge convertible was purchased from the original owner that commissioned the custom built boat in 1978.
The boat has been fully restored to original condition, with many upgrades, during its life.
From generations of boaters learning about the intricacies and etiquette of boating, to marriage proposals, this classic boat has many stories to tell, and many more adventures to embark.
Leave comments with any particulars that you might enjoy watching us cover or discuss as we begin our journey with our second Skiff Craft runabout. These boats have a way of becoming part of your family, and decisions surrounding your Skiff Craft purchase may be the difference in a complete financial fire verses welcoming a new member to your family.
Let's hear it from the comments about what to avoid and what to cherish when reviewing a classic wooden boat for a possible addition to your family!

[@willythewave]

I worked at Skiff Craft/Henry Boats back in the early 80`s. I prepared the new boats for paint. I was 17 when I started working there. I left work at lunch time to go to the post office with my buddy to sign up for the draft.
I was standing on top of a 26` Runabout spraying varnish when I heard on the radio station QFM96 that Ronald Reagon had been shot.
I was spraying primer paint on a Fly Bridge when my sister came to pick me up to go to my dads funeral.
I used to leave work and go to the painters house and work another 8 hours at his shop for extra money on the side.
I put my time in at Skiff Craft Boats.I know those boats inside and out.
I probably worked on the one in this video.
Even If it was a 78 model it probably came back to the factory for maintenance or repair at my time that I worked there.
We only made about a dozen or two boats a year, and I had my hands on every one of them. Those boats are rare and awesome.
She performs beutifully dont she?

[@Denver1976Man]

Nice!

[@willythewave]

The Amish guys I worked with names were Noah (two of them) and Jonah. I`ll never forget when friday came along when they said "It` Fradog" or in the middle of the week when it was hump day and the would say 'Mitvog" (German/Dutch) sort of thing. There was a guy in the repair shop who`s name was Jim Mooney that died from brain cancer. I just want you to remember that. They were all good guys.

[@willythewave]

The guy that did the mahogony work back in the day`s name was Harold Clevenger. He used to stay F**ed up on Qualudes, but he did his job. I did the Mahogany work on the transoms as well as the paint prep work.

[@danielrosolen9875]

She is a Beautiful Boat. I owned a 1949 ChrisCraft 20 Foot barrel back runabout, with straight 6 cyl Hercules engine, with a Zenith updraft carb.

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

What an awesome boat to have owned! Those barrel-backs were beautiful but often cramped and segregated. Especially the triple cockpits which yours probably wasn't based on length.
I wonder what value a Hercules added to the boat; I really have no idea, but could speculate. And I know nothing about Zenith carbs, but I'm going to learn about them.
Our boat has an Edelbrock 4-barrel, and its intake sound is impressive even from the fly bridge. It's also really responsive and only hiccups on occasion, but gathers itself quickly.
These wooden classics get into your blood!

[@Jakfilm]

That's a beaut.

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

Thanks! She's been cared for.

[@joshcarlton6523]

Beaver Lake in Eureka Springs, Arkansas? I swear I've been seeing this very boat cruise by our camp site at Dam Site Park the last two days.

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

Yes, you have. How did she look?

[@willythewave]

You own a wooden boat. You own a 40 + year old wooden boat. Its going to deteriate. It sure does perform well doesnt it and it`s sure a beauty.

[@danielrosolen9875]

May you have Many Happy Advantages on her.

[@bbobby5ice]

She's a beaut, Nate-Dawg!

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

Thanks! Couldn't agree more!

[@bbobby5ice]

Do you ever do any fishing? I'd have a hard time being out on the lake and not trying to catch something. 😁

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

This summer, it's been more of a family and friends runabout. Too many friends and family with dedicated fishing boats!

[@walterhammond290]

Lose the music!

[@rockymiller704]

Looking at buying a 1978 Skiff Craft. Do you have a number that I can contact you for questions? Thanks.

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

Email me at [e-mail]
I'll respond with an email that has my number in the signature.