Shavings from the Boat shop 2017 by Paul Wilson

The summer of 2017 saw the unveiling of one of our most spectacular raffle boats.  The material used in the boat was cut from a tree donated to the museum by Dan Izzard and harvested by Dan and Conrad Izzard with the assistance of Mike Jellison and Bob Smith. The logs were cut into planks by Bob Smith and Dave St Onge on Dave’s band saw mill.  This lumber was made into strips that became a modified Wee Lassie 2 with diamond inserts on the side below the gunnel and tapered diamonds on the front and stern decks.  Finished with 12 coats of gleaming varnish by Bob Smith.   The craftsmanship was accomplished by Mike Jellison, Bob Smith, Lynn Wolters and Dave Meninga.  Stop by the museum to look at a beautiful book created by Bob Smith showing the construction of this boat.  It was well received by the public at the shows where it was displayed.  Hopefully it will be enjoyed by the winner in Arizona.

A new raffle boat followed in mid-summer.  It is a 12’ Wood Duck kayak. This will be raffled in 2018.  Special thanks go out to the loyal crew that works each summer.  You are appreciated.

We cannot overlook the Historical Board in these thanks.  It has been supportive of the Boat Shop since its inception.  The summer of 2017 saw the installation of two new air filters in the shop.  This will improve the air quality in the shop greatly, especially when we get to sanding on these raffle projects.

Additionally, special thanks to those of you that bought tickets on these projects.  Your loyalty keeps the shop open and supports the many other projects conducted by the Historical Association.  Keep up the great support; we need you now as always to help provide the area with its rich local maritime and family history.

Maritime Museum

The O.M. Reif Boathouse (circa 1920s) is home to displays of vintage boats, marine artifacts, antique outboard motors, historic photos of area boating, a boat building workshop, and a gift shop.






Displays
Models of boats used to navigate the waters surrounding the Les Cheneaux Islands.