What is the Club’s purpose?
The Columbia-Willamette Chapter of the ACBS was formed to bring people together with a passion for historic, antique, and classic boats, and to share friendship, information, and an exchange of ideas. Ask any member what they value most from the Club, and the answer will always include “the people you meet.”
What are ACBS and CWC? I am confused by these acronyms.
Since its founding in 1975, The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS) has grown into the largest membership organization in the world dedicated to the enjoyment of classic boats. All styles of classic boats whether they are wood, fiberglass, or metal, powered or non-powered are welcome. With more than 6,500 memberships, ACBS is the organization classic boat enthusiasts count on for resources essential to their passion for classic boats. The Columbia-Willamette Chapter (CWC) is our local Oregon / SW Washington area organization.
Do I have to own a boat to join?
No! Boat ownership is not a requirement to enjoy everything our community has to offer. Our members are happy to include all enthusiasts whether or not you have a boat or boating experience. There are members with no boats, some just beginning a boat project, and members with more than a few boats.
My boat is still a project. Why should I join now?
Joining now may well enable you to save time and/or money during your restoration effort by networking with Chapter members. Our collective membership offers many decades of experience in finding, restoring, and maintaining the boats we all love.
What exactly are “classic” boats?
The ACBS has the following classifications:
- Historic – built up to and including 1918
- Antique – built between 1919 and 1942
- Classic – a boat built between 1943 and 1968
- Late Classic – a boat built from 1975 through the year 25 years prior to the current year
- Contemporary – built within the last 25 years
- Replica – built in a non-production manner, a one-of-a-kind.
What do I get when I join?
Joining CWC-ACBS will connect you with a whole network of enthusiasts with similar interests in acquiring, preserving, and enjoying classic boats. You also become a member in the national organization and will receive the ACBS’s quarterly magazine, Rudder, and the local club’s bi-monthly newsletter, The Hull Truth. Through the ACBS website, www.acbs.org, you have access to a fantastic array of information, contacts, boating tips, restoration tricks, news, events, classified ads, resources, discounts, and a members’ only section. Check it out!
What events do you have?
Cruises are held May through October. We have monthly dinner meetings at Portland / Metro area restaurants during the winter months. Every Thursday at 11 AM is an informal no-host lunch at the Portland Yacht Club to solve the problems of the world… or just talk. For the last several years, we have gathered in July at Lake Mayfield Resort for several days of boating, meals, camaraderie, and laughter– all ages included. We host a holiday party in December with great food and camaraderie. A crab feed in the spring provides more fun, food, and friendship. We also have access to other chapters’ boats shows and activities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What about maintaining the boats themselves?
Our club participates in “garage tours” in professional restoration shops, boat-building facilities, and private owners’ garages to see work in progress and offer presentations on boat restoration, maintenance techniques, boat building, safety, and more. Our members are very willing to share their experiences and expertise with others. We’re here to help.
Is it expensive to own a classic boat?
Not as much as you’d think. It costs about the same to maintain a classic boat as it does any other boat. Also consider the depreciation of a brand-new boat. Look over the classified ads at www.acbs.org to see prices for “project boats” all the way to fully finished restorations and reproductions. Costs for a full restoration can vary greatly depending upon the size of the boat, its original condition, and the amount and quality of work performed. Often owners choose to do some of the work themselves to reduce overall costs.
Are there opportunities to publicly display boats with the Club?
Oh, yes! We have a long-standing appearance at the Portland Boat Show at the Expo Center in January. The Club sponsors boat shows when and where possible. We also share information about other regional and national competitions. Both the on-the-water and dry-land shows are well received by crowds admiring the beautiful boats.
My boat is old enough to be a classic, but it’s not wood. Is that a problem?
No, as long as your boat is over 25 years old it qualifies as a classic boat. Actually, fiberglass and aluminum boats are a rapidly growing source of members in the ACBS community. Both are relatively inexpensive and offer both challenges and benefits to their owners. No matter what your boat, you will always find members that share your particular interest.
How is the local Columbia-Willamette Chapter organized?
There are over 100 registered members in CWC with a Board of Directors that meets monthly to plan activities and keep the club running smoothly. The website, www.cwc-acbs.org , lists different positions within the Board and their contact information. Please contact any of those listed if you have questions.
I’m all in! How do I join?
Go to our website www.cwc-acbs.org and follow the link to “Join us for the love of classic boats.” You can also join through the ACBS national website, www.acbs.org , and include the Columbia-Willamette Chapter (CWC) as your local chapter choice. Or you may call ACBS at 315-686-2628, 8 AM – 4 PM Eastern Time.