"My boat was owned by Mahogany Bay, and was sold through the Warner Collection auction in Oct. 2010 (she is listed in the auction catalog as lot# S43). It was listed as a 1957 Chris-Craft 18' Sea Skiff and was sold to Brightwork Boat Works/Madison Boathouse at that auction, along with its nicer sistership. I bought the boat from them in May, 2011 and plan to begin an authentic restoration this year I love it!

It was actually built in late 1954 as a 1955 model. She originally had a yellow hull and was sold new by Minnetonka Boat Works, and seems to have stayed on Lake Minnetonka until Mahogany Bay sold her. "

This boat enthusiast contacted us through our website and was able to have a personal consultation with Mr. Warner regarding his vessel. We are so pleased to provide our boating family members with any information and details that they may want or need. We want to thank him for his time and his participation in the blog, allowing us the use of his information and photos is a great treasure to be able to share with our customers and site visitors. We are always open and looking for stories and photos from our boating family, so feel free to submit and you too may make the MAHOGANY BAY BLOG!

2012-01-20

14:06:25

annual "ice-out"

Spring is in the air, although the dusting of white this am kind of put a dent in our "fever". Here at Mahogany Bay we have begun the tradition of our annual "ice-out" competition - This is a fierce competition that starts with some verbal sparring amongst our crew. Last years winner- Nick, from our restoration shop, has yet to pronounce his date for this year. Tomorrow is the deadline for all of our entries - - stay posted to see who our 2009 Ice Out champ will be!! I am an eternal optimist and have chosen.. April Fools as my day.. summer cannot come soon enough in my book.

We won the Big Woody!

We realize it's the worst pun in classic boating society, but it's true - we've won the Big Woody Award for Best Website from the crew at WoodyBoater.

To see why we think it's well deserved, visit our redesigned website: www.MahoganyBay.net

On Golden Pond Boat Sells on Ebay for $47,000

News has come in that one of the boats used in the filming of the classic movie "On Golden Pond" was recently sold on Ebay for $47,000. The 1950 22' Chris-Craft Sportsman was owned by a Twin Cities man by the name of Kohout, and his intention all along has been to use the boat strictly as an investment. It has not been in the water since he has owned it, and the 22' boat and its original trailer are currently stored in a climate-controlled garage in Princeton. The 33-year-old, who works in mortgage financing, acknowledges feeling some reluctance about selling it. We agree that these boats make great investments, but we still think they're great in the water, too!

There were four "Thayer IV" vessels bought for the movie, and three of them captured screen time. All of them were sold after filming wrapped, with two going to one buyer in Key Largo, Fla., including the one that was wrecked. It's the other one, Kohout says, that he now owns and is trying to sell.

This boat in the condition it was in is worth $15,000 as a 1950 22' Sportsman. There are many out there for sale. Restored to show condition $45,000 give or take $5,000. So selling for $47,000 tells me that the film value is roughly $37,000. That's the value of a good story. Even so, the fact that it's a movie boat gives the boat a story. It's not like you're going to go fishing in it.

Filmed in 1981, "On Golden Pond" explores the relationship of aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer (Hepburn and Fonda) who spend each summer at their home on Golden Pond. They are visited by daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) with her fiancé, where they drop off his rebellious son. Henry Fonda (best actor) and Katherine Hepburn (best actress) won Oscars for their roles. In filming the crash scene, Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda) and his grand-stepson run the "Thayer IV" into the rocks repeatedly. But the vintage wooden boats were so rugged that they kept bouncing off the rocks with little damage. The crew had to modify one of the boats so it would break up in the wreck.

Thanks to the Star Tribune and Woody Boater for covering this as well!

New Boats for Sale on the Website

We added a few boats to our online collection yesterday for your browsing pleasure.

The first one is called 'Floozy' and happens to be one of my personal favorites. She's a 1938 25' Chris-Craft Custom. As a triple-cockpit, she's got plenty of room for all of your friends. The staff at Mahogany Bay used her as the float in 2008's parade. She still has her original Scripps engine, and is quite a beauty! If you need a last minute gift that will really impress, she is it!

Also added to the online collection was a 1961 19' Riva Super Florida. It includes the original Chrysler V-8 engine, but no trailer.

And last but not least is this fiberglass blast from the past: a 1973 21' Century Coronado in amazing yellows, golds and browns. With only 141 original engine hours, this is a great 'statement' boat that will really tun heads. Affectionately called the Banana Boat here at Mahogany Bay, its a great option for a family cruise around the lake.

Merry Christmas from Mahogany Bay!

The captains and crew wish you a very Merry Christmas!

We hope you have time to relax and enjoy your blessings!