Complete with a Project Update from Robin's Nest!
February, 2026

Cold Snap Puts Pause in Shop Activity!

 

 

Yes, the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop operates when temperatures drop, as witnessed here as the bundled-up crew moves the McKeehan's new trailer under the suspended hull of their 1959 Chris-Craft Continental. HOWEVER, when the roads are a sheet of ice and slush and access to the shop is not safe, the team stays home. The recent polar blast caused the Lucas Palookas to take two days off; Saturday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 27.

Work resumed on Thursday, January 29, with Mr. Heaters burning in both shop areas.
January Meeting Lays Out 2026 Events, Programs

In a discussion led by President Phil Brosseau and Vice-President Craig Godfrey, attendees at the annual planning meeting of the WBA on Thursday, January 15 shared their experiences at the various annual events they typically attend, so that everyone there would be encouraged to join in on the fun. The updated calendar of events can be seen by clicking on the calendar graphic at right. Our secretary, Eric Wueste, attended via Zoom and was able to gather notes and produce the minutes for the first time. Great job, Eric! The club remains in a solid financial condition, as presented by Treasurer Chris McKeehan. Details were emailed in the minutes.

 

 

Project Updates from the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop!

(Above) Alan Oppenheimer cleans the float for one of the three carburetors from his Mark 75 Tower of Power Mercury Outboard.

(Above) The lower unit of the Mark 75 was removed recently, revealing an obliterated impeller and deteriorated water line seals. New parts are on order.

(Above) Despite some recent cold temperatures, the shop crew successfully switched out the McKeehans' old trailer for a brand new one, and adjusted the bunks to the boat.

(Above) Carl Lapiska and son Hayden rub down the most recent coat of varnish on Carl's '64 Chris-Craft Super Sport.

Eric Wueste picked up a new project recently. Pictured here with son Jacob, Eric is happy with the vintage craft.

(Above) Following the carb rebuild and installation of new fuel lines, the Mark 75 ran like a top, with David Kanally at the throttle and Mark McKeehan providing fuel pressure.

(Above) Bill Mott offers his wide range of skills to the shop each week. Here, he's helping the crew with attaching the winch to the McKeehan's new trailer.

(Above) Chris McKeehan applied her crafting skills to creating a pattern and a dutchman insert to repair a deteriorated section of the donated Yellow Jacket keelson.

(Above) Carl's meticulous surface preparation and finishing technique are reflected in the foredeck's glimmer, this after only four coats of varnish. He'll apply ten.

Eric has a thing for fins. The boat is a ‘61 (Dan) Arena-Craft Manta, 18 ft, 312ci interceptor V-drive.

Next Monthly Meeting February 19, 2026

boatOur next meeting will be Thursday, February 19th, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Two Guys From Italy in Dallas. Come at 5:30 and join us for the pre-meeting dinner. You'll receive an email reminder for the meeting a few days prior. We'll be continuing our door prize tradition, giving out an e-book, or print book of the lucky winner's choice, or a complimentary design of a boat show placard. This month's presentation will be made by Joel Beal of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. His presentation is entitled, "Suddenly in Command", dealing with boating safety.

If you can't join in person, you'll be using the Zoom application for your cell phone or your home computer. To make things easier at meeting time, it would be a good idea for you to go to your normal smart phone app store to download Zoom Cloud Meetings, or go to Zoom.us on your home computer and sign up. Prior to the meeting, you will be sent an email with a link to join the meeting, and further instructions. Those who wait to download Zoom will also receive a link to do that just before the meeting starts. If you are among those who need a few attempts to be successful with technology, you may want to get the downloading taken care of ahead of time.

Our meetings are a great opportunity to socialize with fellow WBA members and to talk shop on questions on everything from paint and varnish to carburetor kits. Please join us on Zoom to be a part of our monthly fellowship!

Shop Talk and Musings: The Passing of Seb Borrello

The WBA has lost one of its most senior and beloved members, Seb Borrello, who passed away on January 24, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family and caretakers. Seb was 90 years old.

Seb was a regular at the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop for more than two decades, offering his time and expertise to help many members with their restoration work. More importantly, Seb has been a wise and loyal friend to many in the club. His quiet, humble manner endeared him to all. Seb was a man of achievement, as revealed in his full obituary, which you can read here. The family will hold a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Seb's memory to the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY. Bonnie and the family have our deepest sympathies. Fair winds and following seas, dear Seb.

And finally, please take a look in the shed or garage for leftover parts or other salable items you would like to donate to the Club. Contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for more info.