What constitutes a "classic boat"? Is it age alone or is it that the boat changed the parameters of sailboats in general? Is there a difference between a "classic boat" and a "vintage boat"? The British have at least two magazines dedicated to "classic boats", "Classic Boat" and "Classic Sailor". We have "Wooden Boat" "Good Old Boat" and the best of the lot "Small Craft Advisor" .
So, I have a 1973 Helsen 22. Is that a classic boat, a vintage boat or just a good old boat?
What is a "classic boat"
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lustyslogger
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Art Haberland
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Re: What is a "classic boat"
If you use automotive standards.. your boat is a Classic. In all reality, it is an antique.
The biggest difference I see between Antique cars, planes, and boats.. you do not see too many antique cars still being used regularly, but you still see a lot of very old Cessnas and pipers in the air, and quite a few "good old boats" in the water.
In my opinion though, Age is only part of the equation. To be a "classic", a boat must also posses a certain charm, elegance, and beauty befitting it's age.
For example, my Sea Sprite 23, I consider a classic. It is just an all around seaworthy little boat that happens to embody all the ideas of what a beautiful boat is for when it was designed in the 50s.. my Parent's old Grampian 23, even if it was designed and built in the 70s.. fails that test.
The biggest difference I see between Antique cars, planes, and boats.. you do not see too many antique cars still being used regularly, but you still see a lot of very old Cessnas and pipers in the air, and quite a few "good old boats" in the water.
In my opinion though, Age is only part of the equation. To be a "classic", a boat must also posses a certain charm, elegance, and beauty befitting it's age.
For example, my Sea Sprite 23, I consider a classic. It is just an all around seaworthy little boat that happens to embody all the ideas of what a beautiful boat is for when it was designed in the 50s.. my Parent's old Grampian 23, even if it was designed and built in the 70s.. fails that test.
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lustyslogger
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Re: What is a "classic boat"
I don't believe "classic" is merely the function of age. I once owned two motorcycles from the same era. One was a BSA Super Rocket and the other a Sears Roebuck 250cc Allstate "twingle" In my mind the BSA was a classic British motorcycle because of its looks and function when it was built. It was the "superbike" of its day and is still a thing of beauty today. On the other hand the Allstate (in reality an Austrian Puch) was a feat of engineering (two pistons in one cylinder and one crankshaft) but was butt ugly and still is. I have yet to see a collection of Allstates being exhibited.
The Helsen does not hold a candle in the classic department to the Sea Sprite. While the boat performs well it does not have those classic good looks. Frankly, I bought it because it was $800.00 and needed very little repair other than TLC. The only item I have purchased for the boat that was necessary was a set of main and jib halyards for about $200.00. Everything else has been cleaning, varnishing and re arranging.
I would consider the boat a vintage boat that looks like 100 other vintage boats. There is nothing unique about the boat other than its blue windows. Its like a Catalina 22 or a Venture 22, nice boats but nothing outstanding about them.
You on the other hand Art, have a thing of beauty and a joy forever.
This is not my boat but is a fair represention of my boat I don't have a bow pulpit and my hull is blue but other than that they are in about the same shape.
http://www.sailingtexas.com/shelsen22101.html
The Helsen does not hold a candle in the classic department to the Sea Sprite. While the boat performs well it does not have those classic good looks. Frankly, I bought it because it was $800.00 and needed very little repair other than TLC. The only item I have purchased for the boat that was necessary was a set of main and jib halyards for about $200.00. Everything else has been cleaning, varnishing and re arranging.
I would consider the boat a vintage boat that looks like 100 other vintage boats. There is nothing unique about the boat other than its blue windows. Its like a Catalina 22 or a Venture 22, nice boats but nothing outstanding about them.
You on the other hand Art, have a thing of beauty and a joy forever.
This is not my boat but is a fair represention of my boat I don't have a bow pulpit and my hull is blue but other than that they are in about the same shape.
http://www.sailingtexas.com/shelsen22101.html
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Charlie P. (NY)
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Re: What is a "classic boat"
#1 is age.
#2 is that age has not diminished the design.
It may not be cutting edge or even innovative at the introduction but it has proven itself in the forge or time to be a solid and enduring design.
1981 Tanzer 22 - classic pocket cruiser/club racer.
1981 Luger Seabreeze - 35 year old sailboat.
#2 is that age has not diminished the design.
It may not be cutting edge or even innovative at the introduction but it has proven itself in the forge or time to be a solid and enduring design.
1981 Tanzer 22 - classic pocket cruiser/club racer.
1981 Luger Seabreeze - 35 year old sailboat.
Charlie Pearsall
Mud Hen 17 (1986)
s/v Mad Hatter
Mud Hen 17 (1986)
s/v Mad Hatter