Classic Boat Show Draws Hundreds

Seth and Renee Katz were big winners in Saturday’s 36th Annual Antique Boat Show at the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, taking home the prize for Best in Show for a preserved boat and Best in Show for a restored boat for their crafts, named “Ivy” and “Finito,” respectively.
The show, put on by the Lake Hopatcong Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, featured 45 boats—including Chris Craft, Century, Dunphy, Ventnor, and other crafts. Most were docked along the yacht club’s broad cement docks on Bertrand Island, and several stood on trailers in the club lawn. About 20 model boats were also on display, and the space hosted a variety of vendor tables and tents. Hundreds of visitors perused the scene, with classical music playing in the background, and the sunshine keeping the freshly varnished boats shining.
“When this first started [several decades ago], these boats weren’t that old and attendance was nothing spectacular,” said Bob Kays of the LHACBS. “Looking at the scene now, it’s amazing how huge the show has become. We’re gaining a little bit each year, and people ask about the show throughout the year.”
Kays himself owns a 1957 Chris Craft Custom Runabout, named “Relax,” which was part of the show. Like many of the participants, Kays lives on the lake, but entries came from all over the state and region, including Wilmington, Del., Doylestown, Penn., and Andover, Conn.
Other winners included Ladies’ Choice, which went to Keith and Jane Bilyard of Southbury, Conn., for “…by no means,” a 1960 16.5-foot Dunphy Imperial Bluefin. People’s Choice went to Sam and Jerrie Hoagland of Hopatcong for “Golden Years,” a 1913 26.5-foot Matthews Launch.
For more information about the Lake Hopatcong Chapter of the ACBS or Saturday’s show, go to lhacbs.org.