This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
GARDEN CITY - Sleek and graceful beauties adorned Bear Lake on Friday and Saturday, where admirers unabashedly examined their curves from aft to stern.
The "ladies" of the lake starred in the third annual Antique Wood Boat Show, hosted by the Intermountain Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society Inc. at Bear Lake State Park Marina.
Layne Miller of Price said he added the boat show to his vacation on a whim Saturday and, though he's not an avid boater, he appreciated the historical and classical elements of the diverse fleet.
“What comes to mind is all the care and attention to detail and the time spent in restoring these old boats,” Miller said. “This is from an era that's long gone.”
Many of the boats have no sign of wear and tear. Yet their owners say they use the crafts regularly.
Greg O'Brien of West Jordan said his family enjoys skiing and even sleeping overnight on his 1953 Chris-Craft. When he pulls it out of the water and takes it home, though, the boat goes in the garage and the car stays out in the elements.
Such protective measures by classic boat owners reflect more than an affection for their vessels. The craftsmanship of these show boats makes them a valuable asset.
Keith Rasmussen, president of the Intermountain Club, and his wife, Marci, found their 1960 Higgins boat for $3,500 in the classifieds in Tremonton a few years ago.
“We spent about $50,000 to completely restore it,” Marci said. “We only know of two other boats like it in the United States.”
Scott Stevenson of Bountiful turned a hobby, which began with the restoration of his grandfather's wooden boat, into a full-time career as the owner of Retro Nautique in North Salt Lake.
A show favorite, Queen Mother, was a $100,000 project, Stevenson said.
Owners Arlen and Marie Nelson of Murray say their 28-foot boat was built in 1901 and has a rich history.
Queen Mother traveled around the world several times on a 144-foot yacht called the Heiress, according to Arlen Nelson. When World War II broke out, the U.S. Navy confiscated both boats and renamed the yacht the USS Williamsburg, he said. Together, the pair served as pleasure boats for presidents Eisenhower and Truman, Nelson said.
“I found it in Long Beach (Calif.) Harbor on 50-gallon drums and it was in pretty sad shape,” he said. “It's been one of the most fantastic boats in the world.”