Restored to its 1950s splendor

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor Among the vintage wooden boats to be displayed during Saturday?s 18th Annual Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show will be a new entry. A classic Lyman had been mothballed in a carport in the Grand Lake area for more than 30 years, but since has been restored to its original splendor. The boat, owned by John Hamilton, had long lost its varnish shine when it was brought into Straight Keel Boat Works, a Presque Isle business owned by Dave Kowalski. Hamilton, a return customer, asked Kowalski to begin restoration work in February. Structurally, the boat was sound; however, the appearance was much to be desired. Kowalski?s father, who goes by the same first name, but has a different middle name, continues to work with his son, and did most of the work on this project.

?The whole boat had to be stripped,? said elder Kowalski. ?I probably put in ab

out 100 hours.? The owner was receiving e-mailed updates on the progress. The restored boat was originally shipped and delivered to Grand Lake in the 1950s, said the younger Kowalski, but hasn?t been in the water since the late 1970s. It won?t be in the water this weekend either, as a new motor is still needed. Younger Kowalski has operated his business since 2001, but it was his father that started the family?s interest in wooden boats back in the 1980s. He?s parlayed that love into making sure the wooden boat continues to have a stage in Presque Isle, and is currently serving as the chairman of the event.

As the 2010 show approaches, 35 to 40 boats had been registered. Launching starts at 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony. Arts and crafts will be on display and the Presque Isle County Council on Aging shuttle buses will be in operation, taking visitors to the lighthouses. Keep in mind, there has been a charge to climb the seaside landmarks in recent years. At 4:30 p.m. awards and raffle winners will be announced. Spectators, skippers can vote on their favorites. There also will be an award for the ?best transom name.? There is no admission.