Comments on: The Wooden Boat Rescue Foundation

By: Keel

Keel — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:52:48 +0000

MacKenzie built these wood inboard fishing skiffs from mid 1950′s to early 1970′s. They evolved over that time from fishing guide boats at “Cuttyhunk” Island to become very popular family fishing boats. They are very fast and handle rough water well due to their deep downeast sytle keels and flared bows. The majority built were 26′ long with oak keels/frames and mahogany planks in clinker (lapstrake) style using bronze or gal. bolts and copper rivits. Many have been restored (80+)and their story and pics can be found on the MacKenzie Boat Club website. There are lots of boats available at reasonable prices that are already restored. Doing your own restoration will probably cost you more than buying a good used boat. I owned one for 5 years and loved it.

By: kevin

kevin — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:45:59 +0000

I am instrested in a resteration project that is not too tough for a beginner. Any guidance wiill be appreisheated.

By: David Churbuck

David Churbuck — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:07:46 +0000

Interesting question — I guess better asked of someone in the marine trades as this is going to be a very pivotal point in the boat business. $4 gallon fuel, with diesel even higher, and marine fuel surcharged at least 10% above street prices — are we looking at a return to sail?

If so, I would predict a big interest in rescuing wooden sailboats — but, would I change my lust to restore a bass boat? Probably.

Boy I miss my Wianno Senior. Now that was a sailboat.

By: Perry Degener

Perry Degener — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:27 +0000

Any creative thoughts about how we can mitigate the effect of high fuel costs on future interest in restoring the wooden classics?

By: Erik

Erik — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:08:48 +0000

Interesting picture on your blog, the Mac in the picture happens to be a 63 and in need of much TLC… this is the boat I rescued last spring and am in the process of a total rebuild/restoration. anybody that wants to lend a hand is more than welcome to help out and enjoy some sea time when she is “Finally” complete

By: Buddy Boudreau

Buddy Boudreau — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:18:39 +0000

Totally enjoyed reading about the wooden MacKenzie Cuttyhunks as I spent many happy years fishing and then assisting with repairs on a 28 footer during the winter haulouts.This boat was owned by my buddy Dick Ward and he kept it in Plymouth harbor. We never saw a day that we could not venture out no matter what mother nature was doing. They are definitely a very seaworthy platform.By chance the boat in the picture is not for sale is it? Oh well enjoy it and post pics as you work on it.

By: site admin

site admin — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:59:14 +0000

Boat carpentry is tough stuff, I’d hate to get my hands on a classic and start learning how to steam ribs and scarf garboards. Engines — forget it. Totally lost there

But I do covet a Mackenzie

By: Mark Cahill

Mark Cahill — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:56:16 +0000

I restored an old Grady White (wood) with my dad. We got the whole thing looking great, put it into Scituate Harbor, and the stern unit fell off. While we got the wood bit right, engine mechanics we were not. Literally didn’t make it more than a 1/4 mile from the ramp and had to be towed in by the Coasties…

By: site admin

site admin — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:00:45 +0000

I feel compelled to get smart on this stuff before bringing a potential flower box into the back yard.
dc

By: Mark Cahill

Mark Cahill — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:47:54 +0000

If you are going to restore a MacKenzie, I’ll be willing to devote some time to help. Of course, I grew up fishing on them…