I am a classic boater and owner of a number of boats of all types of hull materials. My first classic boat was fiberglass and I have never harbored a bias against glass, or any other material for that matter. I was also Chair of the ACBS committee which studied the questions around glass inclusivity and recommended the changes which we adopted last year. I feel I am positioned to speak on the matter.
What we are trying to do is break down the former "compartmentalization" which seemed to be apparent in boat classifications and appreciation, and move towards an inclusive view of classic boating as a hobby, irrespective of hull material. I may have personal preferences in boats (we all do) but in no way should these be the arbiters for an inclusive hobbyist organization, and nor should any other single person's views.
I have never been to Mystic Seaport, but from what I understand it is home to a wooden boat museum, and recognizes not just recreational boats, but commercial and non-recreational ships of years past. I am very interested to see it and would not miss it.
Peter has addressed very clearly the position of the ACBS, and perhaps, if the offer were extended, we would consider holding a future meeting at a "fiberglass show" as well? Who knows, but my hope is that we continue to move towards "classic" boat shows and the differentiation between hull materials fades. This show is not an ACBS show, and we are guests there. The hobby of classic boating will prosper through a more inclusive attitude and in an era of diminishing interest in clubs and fraternal organizations, I don't think it can withstand continued fragmentation based on construction material.
Like Peter, I just attended the Sunnyland show in Florida, and I also spent 5 full days on a river cruise with 26 other classic boats. These included all manner of materials and construction styles and all were equally welcomed - from the 1988 Hurricane Deck Boat to the 1929 Chris Craft 28' triple. We have a wonderful video of a gorgeous Riva Ariston rafting up beside a 1979 Glastron 27' (and others). If you want to see what the ACBS is about now, look at this video on WoodyBoater today. It is not about exclusion and bias any longer.
People may cherry pick and point to the show at Mystic as an example of exclusion, but you will not see this at ACBS shows anywhere that I know of. Sunnyland, and the great participation of fiberglass and other non-wood boats, is a real prototype for us and the broader hobby to follow, and it is happening elsewhere. The changes we introduced last year have largely been heartily embraced throughout our chapter network.
We hope that this attitude toward inclusions and acceptance is also present in the Glassic community, and extends to none-fiberglass boats. Lastly, I just arranged the photo shoot of a 1986 28' Chris Craft Stinger for the Brass Bell, the publication of the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club. The most enthusiastic proponent of this was our 82 year old Editor, Bill Baldwin. The largest classic boat hobbyist groups are talking the talk here but also walking the walk - I can assure you of that.
Best Wishes,
Paul Harrison
Director, ACBS
Director, Chris Craft Antique Boat Club