This spring the Antique Boat Museum and the Antique and Classic Boat Society are teaming up once again to present their Symposium, a weekend full of in-depth and hands-on workshops for individuals of all skill levels.
In response to member demand, this year’s Symposium will offer workshops on repair techniques for vintage fiberglass boats, as well as basic restoration techniques in wood repair and finishing. Additionally there will be sessions on correcting engine running problems and getting the best performance from both inboard and outboard motors, marine castings and pattern making, and researching your boat. The weekend will also feature a presentation by Tony Mollica on the history of a local boat manufacturer, Fitzgerald & Lee, and its association with Gar Wood.
Tuition fee: adult registration fee of $199 ($225 after April 25), youth registration fee (18 and younger) is $100 ($110 after April 25). The registration fee covers all lesson materials and these meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and Sunday breakfast.
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Check in at the Museum, pick up registration and welcome packet
12:00 PM-1:15 PM How to Use ABM’s Vast Library and Archives to Research Your Own Boat
Presented by ABM curatorial and library staff and Tony Mollica
(Homer L. Dodge Education Ctr. and Lou Smith Library, 2nd floor of Haxall Bldg.)
1:30 PM-5:30 PM Enhancing the Performance of Outboard Motors, Including Maintenance and
Repairs (ABM Campus)
Presented by Peter Hunn
6:00 PM Cocktails, followed by dinner at the Clipper Inn Restaurant
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016
8:00 AM Breakfast at the Museum (Lewis Boardroom, 2nd floor of Haxall Building)
8:30 AM-11:45 AM
Participants are divided into two groups and will attend one of the concurrently running morning workshops.
1. Wood Plank Repair: Repairing Splits and Gouges so the Damage Disappears presented by Bo Muller (ABM Campus)
2. Vintage Fiberglass Boat Repair: Properly Repairing Gouges and Deep Scratches presented by St. Lawrence Restoration (St. Lawrence Restoration, within walking distance of the Museum)
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch at the Museum (Lewis Boardroom, 2nd floor of Haxall Bldg.)
1:00 PM-4:15 PM
Participants are divided into two groups and will attend one of the concurrently running afternoon workshops.
1. Wood Plank Repair presented by Bo Muller (ABM Campus)
2. Staining and Finishing: Matching New Wood Repairs to Older Wood presented by Kathy Muller (ABM Campus)
4:30 PM-5:30 PM The Fascinating Association of Gar Wood and Fitzgerald & Lee
Tony Mollica will talk about his latest research, based on newly discovered records and photographs.
Dinner will be on your own; a list of recommended restaurants is in your welcome packet.
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016
8:00 AM Breakfast at Museum (Lewis Boardroom, 2nd floor of Haxall Bldg.)
8:30 AM-10:00 AM Marine Castings and Pattern Making presented by Doug Mehring (ABM Campus)
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Enhancing the Performance of Your Boat By Getting the Most Out of Your Engine
and Selecting the Correct Prop presented by Hans Wahl (Homer L. Dodge
Education Ctr., 2nd floor of Haxall Bldg.)