Mahogany Bay Vintage Boats

2012-01-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-07-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

annual "ice-out"

2009-03-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-01-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

The captains and crew wish you a very Merry Christmas!

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

Cisco starts his captaining duties!

2008-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Only at Mahogany Bay

2008-11-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Only at Mahogany Bay would we be dropping boats in the water for a quick test when it's 39 degrees outside... only 7 degrees away from freezing!!!

On November 14th we put in the freshly restored 1964 28' Sea Skiff. You'll notice the boys in the boat are heavily bundled, but where's Ed?

Visit the website (www.MahoganyBay.net) for more of what we do.

Hard at Work

2008-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Cisco is growing up.

Hard at work at the office, he's learning to earn his keep!

He's part of our new ferocious credit department

Tempo

2008-11-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

Would you believe that we have two of the only three Hacker designed-Huskins built boats ever made? POSH is our flagship, and you can read her story here.

Tempo, the 1935 41' edition, has a story that's almost better! Once used by Guy Lombardo to begin concerts in the Jones Bend Marina Theater in Long Island, Tempo is a classic piece of history.

Rebuilt using the original double-diagonal, triple-plank construction of Honduran mahogany, she is only waiting to be reunited with an engine worthy of her.

Fall colors cruise

2008-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

It was a splendid day on October 12, 2008 for our "last nice day" cruise. Clear blue skies, 60 degree temps and prime pops of color throughout the lake, as evidenced by the picture below.

We had a great group of "stowaways" onboard and Jess Isakson along with Grady Newman shared in Captain duties.

We were aboard the Mahogany Bay flagship "POSH", while another group took advantage of riding aboard our 1972 30' Lyman with Captain Todd Warner at the helm. My son Shane thought that POSH was the "coolest boat ever"... "this is just awesome" -high praise coming from an 11 year old.

Everyone on board thouroughly enjoyed all the great food provided (and hand-made!) by Savannah Bortner, with maybe a little bit of help from dad Dave. Now that we have Cisco the office dog, our future cruises may even include a mascot!
Hard to believe that will be our last cruise until, dare I say it... next (lets hope for) April!!
Lisa

End of Season...

2008-10-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

You know we're nearing the end of the Minnesota boating season when Mahogany Bay starts to haul out its own boats!

This morning was the end of the 2008 season for our flagship, POSH.

We hauled her out of the water and loaded her onto the trailer, and will begin prepping her for winter storage this afternoon.

Should you need your boat hauled out and stored for the winter, give us a call (952.495.0007)

Cisco

2008-10-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

We have a new staff member in the office at Mahogany Bay...

Meet Cisco, Dave's new yellow lab from Sunnyview Labradors in Salem, Oregon.

So far, he's managed to distract us from work and provide lots of entertainment...

Oh Danny Boy

2008-10-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

The first annual Mahogany Bay Preservation award for the best preserved original boat at the ACBS International Show went to "O Danny Boy", a 1929 26' Chris-Craft belonging to Bernie and Carol Atkinson of Lake Tahoe... and we finally have a photo!

Uncle Sam

2008-10-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Uncle Sam is my new favorite boat. It's a 1955 29' Chris-Craft Sportsman, and is currently for sale. Jess took us out for a spin yesterday - here's some highlights.

ACBS International Boat Show Coeur d'Alene ID September 19-21

2008-09-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

So we had a little challenge as to which of us would be first to web with the boat show information from Idaho. I'm not sure if I am, but I bet I'll find out in a hurry! Left to right, back row: Chris Schmaltz, Hagerty Insurance; Steve Lapkin, Teamriva; Carla Gernhofer, Hagerty Insurance; Diana and Captain Jim Shotwell, ACBS Board Member; Jill Day, and Dave Bortner, Mahogany Bay. We had a blast on the lake cruise/buffet.

The Ploetners from New Jersey, boarding the cruise. Left to right, Don II, Don, and Madeline.

Beautiful 1937 25' Chris-Craft Deluxe runabout "Seabiscuit" belonging to our friend and customer, Jim McGrath.

My favorite of the show, 1941 30' Gar Wood Sedan, with Scripps V-12, "HaPike".

Here's me, giving out the first annual Mahogany Bay Preservation award for the best preserved original boat of the show. The award went to "O Danny Boy", a 1929 26' Chris- Craft belonging to Bernie and Carol Atkinson of Lake Tahoe. This boat won the preservation award at the ACBS show on Lake Tahoe in 2006. It is powered by its original Chris-Craft A-70 V-8 enigne, still floats on its original bottom, and, Best of all, the Atkinsons use it! All the time!

Water Test

2008-09-26T14:05:00.001-07:00

Another tough day at Mahogany Bay!

The Elizabeth J...1897 32' Davis Dry Dock Glass Window launch. Water tested today, September 26 on Lake Minnetonka. Kjerstin says I have to start blogging, in fact, she's been blog-nagging me relentlessly.

Here's Cap'n Nate at the helm, shop manager Jess Isakson to port, and Tony Eastlack on the starboard side. Two bells, ahead half, Cap'n!

This boat is powered with a forties Chrysler six cylinder, with 2:1 reduction.

Very cool helm station. The chain in the foreground is part of the steering mechanism.

Ahoy!

Dave

33rd Annual BSLOL Boat Rendezvous

2008-09-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Join us this weekend for the 33rd annual Bob Speltz Land-o-Lakes Antique Boat Show.

We'll be at Maynard's Restaurant in Excelsior, MN, on Saturday the 6th - the show begins at 10 AM and will conclude at 4 PM that afternoon. This is a great time to come out and see several of the wooden beauties that make their home on Lake Minnetonka, and two of the best from Mahogany Bay.

Admission is free, though the BSLOL Chapter is asking for donations for the food shelf.

You'll have a chance to vote for the People's Choice Award as you view over forty different vessels and enjoy a day on the docks.

Stop by - we'd love to see you.

Summer Highlights

2008-08-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Miss Janet at the Rainy Lake Reunion - Augusy 16th, 2008.

Sugar Lady won the People's Choice Award at the Whitefish Boat Show

July 24th, 2008.

This 1940 17' Chris-Craft Barrelback won Best Pre-War Chris-Craft at the Lake Minocqua Boat Show the same weekend.

See more photos and read additional stories on our website at http://www.MahoganyBay.net

Herring Gull Cruise

2008-08-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

We just got back from an afternoon cruise on Herring Gull, the old Vanderbilt yacht tender, a 1926 50' Camper & Nicholson that's new to the Mahogany Bay collection.

We went out for a quick lunch cruise with Gary, the 2008 office intern. It was a beautiful Minnesota afternoon out on Lake Minnetonka, and we made Boy Scout Island the home of our picnic. Gary's headed off to school tomorrow, so it was our last meal together.

Check out some photos from the afternoon:

Here Gary and Dave are showing how roomy the front cockpit of Herring Gull is, and Todd and the office girls are sharing some laughs from the helm.

To see more of life at Mahogany Bay, please visit our website: http://www.mahoganybay.net/