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Story and photos by Ron Beeber, Contributing Writer
PENTWATER — The Pentwater Yacht Club will host the 29th Annual Wooden and Classic Boat Show and Parade Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This free, public event features dozens of beautifully restored wooden and classic boats displayed on the Village Green and in the water. The event has become one of West Michigan’s most welcoming gatherings for classic boat owners, enthusiasts, and those just looking for a good time outdoors on a Saturday. The region has been a boating destination for well over a century. Beautiful mahogany runabouts became symbols of summer recreation, and many of those boats have remained in the same families for generations.
The show offers something for both serious boating enthusiasts and casual visitors. Owners and restorers swap stories about their passion, knowledge and experiences. They’re happy to share tips about their restoration techniques. They spend winters restoring and maintaining their boats, and some find this as enjoyable as operating them. They view themselves as caretakers of floating works of art.
Visitors can meet these owners, and view a variety of vessels representing more than a century of boating history. Included are iconic Chris-Craft and Century runabouts, sailboats, race boats, specialty restorations, and unique crowd favorites such as the Michigander Ice Boat. Visitors can vote for their favorite in the popular People’s Choice Award. And families and children can participate in the popular “Build Your Own Mini-Boat” activity.
During show hours, attendees also can enjoy the recently rebuilt Pentwater Yacht Club, located at 205 South Dover St., on Pentwater Lake several hundred yards from Lake Michigan. In 2022, the club opened its new home on the site of the 1912 warehouse that the club bought and turned into its clubhouse in 1935.
In the artifact-filled dining room, “Chef Sara’s Summer Lunch” will be available for purchase by credit card. The awards program begins at 3 p.m., followed at 4 p.m. by the Classic Boat Parade on Pentwater Lake, when onlookers can take in the distinctive engine sounds.
“Boat owners go to bigger shows throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes, but they tell us they come to Pentwater because they feel welcome the moment they arrive,” said show co-chair Dave Reynolds. “They enjoy our picturesque setting, friendly volunteers, and the opportunity to talk about their boats.”
“More is on display than just old boats with polished wood and chrome,” said show co-chair Dave Peterhans. “Visitors are seeing what thousands of hours of restoration, maintenance, and stewardship look like. Our committee really enjoys seeing our guests take in the overall experience. And we especially like introducing younger generations to the history behind these boats.”
For more information, and links to video clips of past shows, visit https://www.pentwateryachtclub.com/on-the-water/classic-boat-show.
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