The Wet Edge TACOMA BOAT MART. AUGUST 2015 Tom Cunningham, Guest Editor NEWSLETTER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY

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Last year I saw a short mention of Tacoma Boat Mart, a boat service plant that opened in 1938 on Commencement Bay in Old Town Tacoma by brothers Mendel and Paul Riggs.

Gallant Lady II was built by the Mart and still navigates Puget Sound waters celebrating her 75th anniversary this year. The lack of more information on this company was puzzling.

Richards Studio Collection Date: 09-06-1947 From the Tacoma Public Library, Image Archives: D29325-2 The restaurant coincidentally was designed by architect Charles Alonzo Kenworthy and built by the

1 The Wet Edge PA C I F I C N O R T H W E S T C H A P T E R NEWSLETTER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY TACOMA BOAT MART AUGUST 2015 Tom Cunningham, Guest Editor As a frequent patron of the Tacoma Public Library s Northwest (archival) Room, I am always discovering. Last year I saw a short mention of Tacoma Boat Mart, a boat service plant that opened in 1938 on Commencement Bay in Old Town Tacoma by brothers Mendel and Paul Riggs. In addition to boat painting and repairing, they handled new and used boats, outboard motors and yachts for charters. In 1940, 65ft. Gallant Lady II was built by the Mart and still navigates Puget Sound waters celebrating her 75th anniversary this year. The lack of more information on this company was puzzling. Photos show their location on Ruston Way was sandwiched in with neighbors Dickman Lumber, Ocean Fish Co. (which still exists) and The Top Of The Ocean Restaurant. Richards Studio Collection Date: From the Tacoma Public Library, Image Archives: D The restaurant coincidentally was designed by architect Charles Alonzo Kenworthy and built by the Griggs brothers in It looked like a ship instead of a building. A very popular place for dancing, dining and receptions accommodating some 700 people until an arsonist torched it off in All very interesting but not the history I was looking for. Richards Studio Collection Date: From the Tacoma Public Library, Image Archives: D OFFICERS President Warren Olson Vice President Steve Snider Secretary Craig Magnusson Treasurer Kirk Knapp BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ingvar Carlson Tom Cathcart Tom Cunningham Linda Cunningham Brian Flaherty Brian Franchini Steve Franchini Frank Gonzales Don Palmer Greg Price ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Rob DaPron Dick Dow Ike Kielgass Ron Stevenson AT LARGE POSITIONS Social Chair Don & Jodi Palmer Cruiser Class Karl Hoffman Historian Rob DaPron Chief Judge Alan Thomle Membership Kirk Knapp Newsletter Production Warren Olson GOS Printing Corporation Webmaster Pat Ford Youth Representative Cole Franchini Safety Officer Tim Dies Compass Point Representatives North - Dick Montage South - Jim Giesey & Rick Means East - Jon Courtright West - Open ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY PACIFIC NW CHAPTER 8704 STATE RTE 530 NE ARLINGTON, WA

TACOMA BOAT MART (Continued) If I had discovered my interest in Tacoma Boat Mart a few years earlier, I certainly would be asking some of the local waterfront business owners what they remembered.

While researching an entirely different boat company one day, I happened upon photos of Chris-Craft Boat kits being assembled at Tacoma Boat Mart after WWII.

2 TACOMA BOAT MART (Continued) If I had discovered my interest in Tacoma Boat Mart a few years earlier, I certainly would be asking some of the local waterfront business owners what they remembered. Like Bud Dickman of Dickman Lumber, or Joe Martinac of Martinac Ship Building but they have since passed. This proves to be a lesson learned, ask while you can. While researching an entirely different boat company one day, I happened upon photos of Chris-Craft Boat kits being assembled at Tacoma Boat Mart after WWII. The Kit Boats were offered at the Day Island Marina in University Place near Tacoma to sell in 1952 and But, where were the kits coming from? I contacted the CCABC Boat Buzz website reaching out for more knowledge from anyone who would listen. Al Benton, vice president of CCABC and Greg Wallace, former Chris- Craft dealer in Russells Point, Ohio both theorized most of theses kits were produced in Caruthersville, Mo. and shipped to customers, distributors and dealers from there. Al noted that Chris Smith (founder s grandson) tells his story of the dealers ordering pre-assembled boat kits to display in their showrooms. Customers began to purchase the kit boat rather that ordering boat kits. The demand for this increased over time, which led to the beginning of the Cavalier Division. Greg Wallace concurred. Richards Studio Collection Date: From the Tacoma Public Library, Image Archives: D Some Boat Kit Cruisers are known to exist that appear to have a traditional hull (double planking on white oak frames) below the chines and plywood construction from the chines up. It s hard to imagine that these hulls would have been shipped in kit form to individual customers, along with the materials to complete them. It was more feasible that Chris-Craft may have worked with one or more companies which would have been able to receive a pre-assembled hull for a 31ft Express Cruiser. Tacoma Boat Mart may have been one of them or the only one. The Boat Kit Division of Chris-Craft brought about changes to the way their Main Division built all of their products. Beginning in 1953 the 17ft Sportsman hull was constructed using the same frame designs that the boat kits were using. The traditional 7- piece frames were replaced with 3-piece frames of wider material that were easily planked with large sheets of plywood. They were wide enough to support the flat sole without additional framing. Chris-Craft still applied solid mahogany planking to the plywood inner planking. This was eventually used on most, if not all Main Division hulls beginning in Told by Al Benton. Richards Studio Collection Date: From the Tacoma Public Library, Image Archives: D It is unclear how many years Tacoma Boat Mart was open for business. Anyone? 2

PRESIDENT S CORNER I want to thank Ron Stevenson for helping get us into Delta Marine last month. This happened as a result of Ron s work at the Big Seattle Boat Show.

Man o man what an eye opener and interesting place. For those who showed up you know what I m talking about. We got to see a 239 Yacht they were building for some uber wealthy folks.

3 PRESIDENT S CORNER I want to thank Ron Stevenson for helping get us into Delta Marine last month. This happened as a result of Ron s work at the Big Seattle Boat Show. One of the powers to be from Delta Marine came thru our booth and Ron spent some time talking about our club and got us the opportunity to have a meeting in their facility. Man o man what an eye opener and interesting place. For those who showed up you know what I m talking about. We got to see a 239 Yacht they were building for some uber wealthy folks. It s just hard to imagine that kind of wealth. Summer is in full swing now. The hot weather makes me want to get out on the water. Hope you are as well. We ve got some outings coming up, would like to see you out there! The dual club cruise to Yale Lake has been canceled due to low water levels. But Tom Horn from Portland is working on an alternative to Lake Mayfiled. Our August 12 th meeting will be on the water. We will meet at Gene Coulon Park in Renton 6:00pm. You can bring a sack lunch or order food from Ivars or Kid Valley. Afterwards we ll run around Mercer Island and back. You don t have to have a boat to come there is usually room in someone s to ride along. I know I ve mentioned Mahogany & Merlot before; there are a few rooms still available at Campbell s. There is a possible overnight trip to the end of the lake, more details to come. The Mahogany & Merlot directors are asking for our help when I get the details I ll pass them along. Blondie is back better than ever I want to thank Mr. 283 Man Karl Hoffman for his efforts and help rebuilding the motor. I m very pleased how well she runs now, better than before. The trick was the cam. Had Delta Cam in Tacoma make some adjustments to the cam they sold me, now it idles down to 500rpm and is very smooth. They printed me a profile of the cam so if you re working on a 283 and need a new cam I can make you a copy. See Ya, Warren FROM WHERE IT ALL BEGAN - by Ed & Barbara Tronca WOW! Is the only thing I can say about this weekend in Algonac home of Chris Smith, Gar Wood, the Chris Craft factory and an original (working) casting foundry suppliers of Chris Craft parts. The 30 th anniversary of the Michigan chapter s boat show, expecting 112 classics started out good. There was a nice lunch on a small private island that (I heard) was a lot of fun. The weather was perfect! Friday s boat turnout of 40 runabouts and cruisers was a good showing of style and grace. A welcome dinner Friday night serving 150 was a great kickoff under the original water tower at the Chris Craft factory. The last remaining factory building is there and serves as a large parking garage and the lift is still in operation all visible and within walking distance from the Harbour Marina, where the show was going on. The Algonac marina and original water tower just steps from the Chris Craft manufacturing plant. This was Sunday, a lot of the boats had cleared out due to the extreme weather on Saturday. Just a few remained. Had 112 scheduled to attend the show - was kind of sad that this was cancelled due to weather. 3

FROM WHERE IT ALL BEGAN (Continued) Ed s cousin, John Pugh, owner of Marine Hardware in Redmond, WA, a friend Janet Matzke, Ed and I found ourselves back in time in Algonac.

In conjunction with the boat show and the foundry, a tour was arranged by Alan Brenner of the Michigan ACBS chapter.

What once employed 150 now with 6 foundry perfectionists and an office staff that go back 3 generations, they still put out incredible cast parts from original drawings and original patterns.

4 FROM WHERE IT ALL BEGAN (Continued) Ed s cousin, John Pugh, owner of Marine Hardware in Redmond, WA, a friend Janet Matzke, Ed and I found ourselves back in time in Algonac. John purchased the Algonac Cast Products foundry in January and has been involved in combining his Redmond business ventures with the new Algonac Marine Cast LLC. In conjunction with the boat show and the foundry, a tour was arranged by Alan Brenner of the Michigan ACBS chapter. Friday morning, what was to be an hour tour, turned out to be a 2 hour experience of a life time. The foundry started in 1925 is still fully intact in 55,000 sq ft of working space. What once employed 150 now with 6 foundry perfectionists and an office staff that go back 3 generations, they still put out incredible cast parts from original drawings and original patterns. Can you picture rooms, shelves, shelves and more shelves of wooden patterns totaling 10,500 they are still there! This picture is of a pouring that is being done for a casting piece. The liquid bronze is poured into the pattern frame and left to cool for several hours before being removed, sanded and polished prior to sending out to the customer. Ed went through a warehouse building and looking in many boxes, found (by chance) 2 vents for his Chris Craft Riviera that he was missing in restoration. I have never seen such a big smile and deep dimples on his face. His words this is like being in an old fashioned candy store. Terry Fiest was also at the show and on the tour and in his wanderings found a scoop for a Cobra the original casting. I think he had a great time also! Woody Boater and Classic Boating Magazine had photographers there, taking what are fantastic photos of the foundry and the wide-eyed boaters in awe. Look at woodyboater.com to see just a few. The upcoming Sept/Oct issue of Classic Boating will be having a segment on the boat show and the foundry tour. Ed and I have been put to the challenge by John, of seeing what we can do to spread the word and inform the classic boat enthusiasts of the finds in this historic foundry. Every part has a number, but they don t correspond with those of Chris Craft or Gar Wood and others, so it is a matter of getting the dimensions of the needed part 4

The Algonac folks are truly welcoming, there was an excitement in those bringing in boats I have not seen in a while.

5 FROM WHERE IT ALL BEGAN (Continued) and then finding the pattern among the thousands. And Yes it can and will be done even making a new pattern, because of the depth of knowledge of these folks in the foundry. So if you are in need simply call Ed or myself. The Algonac folks are truly welcoming, there was an excitement in those bringing in boats I have not seen in a while. Some of the many pieces of machinery used in the foundry - you can see a sample of the items they produce. Unfortunately, Saturday was a bust rain going sideways and 50 mph winds cancelled the event for the rest of the weekend. So you go to the Maritime Museum and the Algonac Community Museum and discover even more about this vintage town of 4,110. Ed and I are going back to Algonac Marine Cast again later this summer and help in the scanning of drawings and current cataloging. This place goes back 40 years in technology and currently all documentation is handwritten but they still put out beautiful parts not reproductions, but from the original patterns. So maybe next year if there is another Algonac Michigan chapter boat show, and an incorporation of a garage sale of foundry parts for all to touch, reminisce and purchase. See you there! Barbara & Ed Tronca Just a few of the attendees at the foundry tour - Terry Fiest for one had a great time. Lots of questions about the various stations of production - loud, but interesting conversations were had by all. 5

Classifieds: Buy - Sell - Trade 71 Century - For Sale to someone who aspires to have a very fast

Contact Pat Mace, 206-409-0366 17-1964 Century Resorter located in Enumclaw $9000 - Call (360)

New decks, bottom and sides. Also restored Hercules model B engine with stainless valves.

6 Classifieds: Buy - Sell - Trade 71 Century - For Sale to someone who aspires to have a very fast and unique V-drive Glassic. Contact Pat Mace, Century Resorter located in Enumclaw $ Call (360) Deluxe Runabut Chris Craft. Total professional restoration with a 5200 bottom. New decks, bottom and sides. Also restored Hercules model B engine with stainless valves. Asking $32,000 - Jim Carr (253) Here s your chance to own a slice of history. A pretty big slice by the way. MV OLYMPUS Classic Motoryacht * Enjoy the good life, use as a live aboard and enjoy waterfront property in Seattle! * Use as a charter to offset some of the maintenance cost. Price: Well, if you have to ask... Details: Diane Lander dianelander@outlook.com

7 EVENTS FOR AUGUST Saturday, August 1st is the La Conner Boat & Car Show! Several of us will bring our boats to this fun event - 9am to 3pm. Saturday, August 22nd the AOMC is having a show and BBQ at the Foss Maritime Museum! Our boats and outboards will be on display. Contact Ingvar Carlson Marine Swap Meets & Events August UPDATE Aug 1 - La Conner Boat & Car Show Display Aug 16 - G-3 & Staletos and other fun fast boats will be at Spencer Lake, Call Ingvar Aug 22 - Foss Museum Event, AOMCI Sept Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show Sept AOMCI 50th Event, Lake Mayfield Sept 12 - Fisheries Supply Marine Swap Meet & Sale Sept FOSS Museum Open House Display Sept 26 - Everett Marina Swap Meet, Inside & Outside Oct AOMCI Snake River Event Oct 3 - Tacoma Marine Swap Meet Nov 21 - Center for Wooden Boats Surplus Sale, This event will be held inside, no worries about the rain 9am Thomas St. S.Lake Union near REI Nov 28 - AOMCI La Conner, Inside Event. We want you at this month s meeting! Are your DUES DUE? Go to the website and update please PA C I F I C N O R T H W E S T MONTHLY MEETINGS & UP-COMING EVENTS August 12, 2015 On the Water - Gene Coulon Park, Renton - 6pm September 9, 2015 Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum (HARM) S 196th Street Kent WA October 14, 2015 At the Center for Wooden Boats C H A P T E R

President s Vice-President s Letter

President s Vice-President s Letter Antique and Classic Boat Society Pacific NW Chapter 8704 State Route 530 NE Arlington, WA 98223 www.acbs.org www.acbs-pnw.org NEWSLETTER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY