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

Heat, Technical Issues Challenge Restorations

 

 

Several of our fearless owners and volunteer restorers at the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop are running into issues caused by elevated summer temperatures and the properties of some materials, parts and supplies they're working with. Engine testing takes place outdoors, in the limited shade provided by the shop's roof (left). Of course, heat cuts the working time for varnish. Too little thinning, and the varnish is too thick to flow well. Too much thinning causes the varnish to set up before it can flow out flat. In other news, the impeller for the Mark 55E water pump came with a key that was a little too big, causing the impeller to become stuck on the shaft. A new impeller and properly-sized key have been ordered. Heat is aggravating the situation for caulking deck seams as well. Our intrepid shop crew is working through all these tribulations and will emerge victorious, we're sure!

Century Partners Heading to Tahoe!

(Above) Carl Lapiska checks in on the progress of Century Partners Phil Brosseau, Chris Sterlacci and Craig Godfrey, as they make final tweaks to their Century Sabre before it heads off to the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance in early August. Snappy new baseboards around the cabin sole have been cut, sanded, stained and varnished.

(Below) Pat Vinson sands baseboards for the Sabre.

 

 

(Above) Century Partner Alan Oppenheimer has been doing some work at the shop and some at home to help get the Sabre ready. Some final trim painting and chrome has brought the dashboard into spec, and the boat will soon receive a full trailing cover to protect it during the long drive to California.

(Below) The Sabre gleams in the morning sun as the crew takes its trailer out to be modified to accept a full towing cover. Best of luck at the Concours, guys!

Table Rock Attendees Regale Members at June Meeting!

 

 

During the June 18th meeting of the WBA, President Phil Brosseau reviewed the standing agenda items, including upcoming events and activities of the club. The meeting also included Treaurer and Secretary reports, and project updates. Bill Mott and John Ables recounted the recent Table Rock event sponsored by the Heartland Classics Chapter of ACBS, and shared photos of the group events, outings and show. Table Rock is a breathtakingly beautiful lake near Branson, MO, a favorite spot for the WBA delegation who attended. At left, one of the lighter moments of the event, John Ables, Bill Mott and Jim Donovan take a jab at their favorite Century guy, Phil Wolff, with some tease-shirts that read, "Century Rescue Club, Powered by Chris-Craft". Thanks for a good presentation, guys! The WBA's meetings are informative and well attended. Join us in person or via Zoom for the July 16th meeting!
Updates from the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop and Beyond!

A group of loyal friends and neighbors gather at Phil Wolff's home shop to re-right his Coronado, following a complete bottom job.

Bill Mott has completed the side graphics on the donated 1955 Yellow Jacket Capri.

The Yellow Jacket's Mark 55 Mercury outboard received a carburetor rebuild by David Kanally and Bill Mott. The four-cylinder motor requires two carburetors.

Jeff Hill recently donated a number of new power tools, including this oscillating sander, to the shop.

Carl Lapiska has been doing lots of detailed cosmetic work on the deck seams of his Super Sport. His attention to detail always produces a beautiful result.

Now on dollies and back in Phil's shop, the Coronado is ready for topside work. Phil is doing a top-notch job on this restoration, as usual.

David Kanally, Jeff Hill and Bill Mott have applied the final coat of varnish to the Capri's deck. Buffing next.

Chris McKeehan has cleaned out the Yellow Jacket's interior in preparation for paint and varnish. Husband Mark has installed the strut and carburetor on their Continental.

To top off his donation, Jeff built a custom work stand for the sander. What a guy! Thanks, Jeff!

Jay Emerson of Emerson Bay Boat Works in McAlester, OK, keeps us up to date on his work via Facebook. Here, Jay is cutting bungs for a current project.

Next Monthly Meeting July 16, 2026

boatOur next meeting will be Thursday, July 16th, 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 given by Joel Beal of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, on the topic of shop safety and first aid.

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: Dog Days Don't Stop Us!

Summer is here in force, yet we push through at the shop, keeping our projects moving forward. We've also seen some Facebook accounts of trips to the lake to enjoy the water and classic boating. Our friends to the north with the Heartland Classics Chapter of the ACBS are putting on shows over the summer, including one at Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma on July 10-11. More here! Enjoy your summer, stay safe, and make the most of the classic boating hobby!

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.