Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Hotwired on July 08, 2010, 11:37:22 AM

Title: Dream boats
Post by: Hotwired on July 08, 2010, 11:37:22 AM

After looking at that classic Chriscraft ... I thought this may make an interesting thread.

My dream boat ... one of many actually ... sits in a boat house on Lake Tahoe ... anyone been there? The Thunderbird is a 55 ft custom commuter boat that was owned by George Wittel who also build the Thunderbird Lodge there on the lake in the 40's. Attainable ... not in my lifetime but we all have dreams!

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/Dsc04576em.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/Dsc04579em.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/Dsc04580em.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/Dsc04584em.jpg)

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Jason on July 08, 2010, 12:39:45 PM

I think that's my dream boat too!

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Jerry on July 08, 2010, 02:02:59 PM

I love Tahoe. You can have the boat Chris, I can't afford to fill the gas tank.
There's a campground just south of Tahoe City, it the Ponderosa Pines that is the greatest place on earth (well close) Getting there is a real climb for the camper.
Wish I was rich.

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: CVX Fever on July 08, 2010, 02:40:21 PM

Call me boring but my dreamboat would be my current '79 CVX18 with a 2010 6.2(383) MPI engine, w/thru hull exhaust mated to a Bravo series drive. The rotten floor fixed, a new custom interior, and the exterior blue metalflake and solid gel color completely re-done to perfection!

OK I'm done dreaming! ;D

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hyperacme on July 08, 2010, 03:48:55 PM

Remember you posting that boat before Chris ... BEUTIFUL !
LOVE the old wood boats..
Works of art !

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hotwired on July 08, 2010, 04:21:46 PM

When I walked into the boathouse and first saw it, I just stopped in my tracks and stood there staring with my mouth open ... the tour director kindly nudged me and said "it has that effect on most people!" BTW .. the boat house is connected to the "cabin" by a 300 ft long stone tunnel ... how cool is that!

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/Dsc04574em.jpg)

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Rosscoe on July 10, 2010, 09:52:47 AM

Beautiful craft to say the least. Nice boathouse too. Is there a lift under it? I would imagine so.

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hotwired on July 10, 2010, 03:02:06 PM

There is a lift ... on a few of the pictures you can see the pulley's and cables, 3 each side.

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: V153 on July 10, 2010, 03:59:53 PM

That Thunderbird is really something Chris. My Dad had some old wooden gems years ago. Here's one: Think he realized he could never afford the upkeep on the varnish so painted it white.

Oh my God what did I just say? My own Father might've had something to do with "white blobs"! [Sobbing ...]

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/dadboat2.jpg)

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: V153 on July 10, 2010, 04:01:19 PM

after

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/CGOAmn/005_Richs__Neighbors_boats_1949_.jpg)

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hotwired on July 10, 2010, 05:35:55 PM

Is that about a mid 40's boat??  :o White or not .. I would love to see that one today! If anyone ever has the Chance .. go see Mitch over at LaPointe's Classic Boat & Motor, Inc., Spring Park, MN He has some incredible boats.

http://www.classicboat.com/

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: V153 on July 10, 2010, 07:26:55 PM

Believe the 2nd pic was taken in '49 CK. Boat was mebbe mid 40s at the newest. That was way before I was even a twinkle in the old mans eye. However one of the earliest memories I have of my Dad is looking up at him through a big rotten hole in the bottom of a boat?

Ya ya gotta love the old wood stuff. But phew what a maintenence nightmare.

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Rosscoe on July 12, 2010, 08:04:44 PM

Cool old boat Doug. Mid engine?

Chris
What does the Thunderbird have for power plants?

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hyperacme on July 12, 2010, 08:46:25 PM

Originally twin V-12, 550 hp Kermath engines,  replaced with two V-12 Allison aircraft engines each developing 1100 horsepower.
70 MPH !


 View Thunderbird Yacht Video

http://www.thunderbirdlodge.org/theboat.html

Title: Re: Dream boats
Post by: Hyperacme on July 12, 2010, 09:06:34 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-OcVG6Sr9o&feature=related