What Started It All!
"One of a kind, hand-crafted, complete cabin cruiser hull. All wood superstructure (probably mahogany) with fiberglass. Length about 22-24 ft. Cut for an outboard motor. In dry storage for 40+ years. NEVER LEFT THE GARAGE! Put your trailer beneath her, haul her away, spruce her up and make her your own! I WILL CONSIDER ANY AND ALL OFFERS. I WANT HER GONE ASAP!"
This is the actual advertisement from the boat seller.
Now a little history:
We ALL owe a great debt and gratitude to the members of the United States armed forces unsung heroes. Way back in the 1950's the builder served OUR country in the Navy only to come back from the Korean Conflict feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated. Wanting to avoid medicinal intervention this boat turned out to be therapy for what we now know as "PTSD" Jim started building this major project to ease his troubled mind. After a few years of working it out he no longer needed this diversion and went on with life. There it sat until Sept 21, 2019 when it finally emerged to see the light of day for the first time. With the help of our good friend Chris and the property owner, Fenton, the door frame was removed and the boat pushed outside. A custom trailer freshly built and delivered thanks to Dave at EMI Boat Trailers, Hanover, PA. was positioned under it and away it went in a mere 3 hours time. As an aside - It is interesting to note that the paperwork for the trailer was enclosed in a folder bearing Beth's unusual maiden name. - I cannot say enough thanks to all involved as I have no idea how long it would have taken without help from all who selflessly gave their time and effort. I am still working with the seller to obtain more information about Jim and his service to our country. Is it possible he served with my grandfather in the Korean Conflict? It would be really interesting if they once knew each other. My grandfather has passed on many years ago to there is no way to find out from him but maybe a link can be made as he served on the hospital ship "Repose".
Now a little history:
We ALL owe a great debt and gratitude to the members of the United States armed forces unsung heroes. Way back in the 1950's the builder served OUR country in the Navy only to come back from the Korean Conflict feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated. Wanting to avoid medicinal intervention this boat turned out to be therapy for what we now know as "PTSD" Jim started building this major project to ease his troubled mind. After a few years of working it out he no longer needed this diversion and went on with life. There it sat until Sept 21, 2019 when it finally emerged to see the light of day for the first time. With the help of our good friend Chris and the property owner, Fenton, the door frame was removed and the boat pushed outside. A custom trailer freshly built and delivered thanks to Dave at EMI Boat Trailers, Hanover, PA. was positioned under it and away it went in a mere 3 hours time. As an aside - It is interesting to note that the paperwork for the trailer was enclosed in a folder bearing Beth's unusual maiden name. - I cannot say enough thanks to all involved as I have no idea how long it would have taken without help from all who selflessly gave their time and effort. I am still working with the seller to obtain more information about Jim and his service to our country. Is it possible he served with my grandfather in the Korean Conflict? It would be really interesting if they once knew each other. My grandfather has passed on many years ago to there is no way to find out from him but maybe a link can be made as he served on the hospital ship "Repose".
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