Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/753093
AT THE HELM Not Old Just Vintage By Brady L. Kay What is it about our society that we feel we constantly have to know what the latest and greatest is? (And of course we need to know about it right now because we don't have the time to wait.) At Houseboat magazine we're as guilty as anyone for always trying to report stories about the cutting edge of technology or the next big advancement in the boating industry. We get excited when a new houseboat is splashed or a new product is developed or simply when something new is about to happen. It's the newest houseboats, trends, or ideas that have us jump- ing on a plane so we can be the fi rst to report it in our magazine. It's our job to keep our readers informed about what's new and going on, but somewhere along the way we real- ized that it's not always what's new that makes our magazine a success. It's our dedication beyond the new that is just as important, as we con- tinue to promote our special niche within the boating industry. For every brand-new houseboat that is built and launched for the fi rst time this year there are at least a dozen great stories from owners who are enjoying an old classic or are in the process of restoring a vintage houseboat that will soon become their dream boat. We want to celebrate these vin- tage houseboats and great stories by compiling the best of our Old Boat features as well as similar articles that have run in our House- boat magazine over the years. Our staff took a trip down mem- ory lane as we recalled past articles that put smiles on our faces. Do you remember the travel story on the 1969 Pluckebaum that the owners referred to as the "trip from hell?" The article was titled, "The Boat That Likes Troubled Waters," and of course we had to include this clas- sic in our special edition. What about the Happy Hooker (1973 Nautaline), or the article titled "85 Bluewater Is No Lemon," that ran just a few years back? Or even the '72 Chris Craft Aquahome story on the 46-boat that was actu- ally used as home? These are all great stories and are all included as well in this issue. Plus, a popular feature that we did on marine surveyor Bill Burke, who provided key tips on what he looks for when inspecting a house- boat, has been added because we felt it ties into the theme of this special issue. And even though the story was on a new Thoroughbred houseboat that is far from vintage, we included the article on Wayne Wasulko's unique solar-powered houseboat that includes the power require- ments needed with a breakdown of average watts used per day as well as the time. If you didn't catch this feature when it originally ran you'll be glad we included it, especially if you've ever thought about going solar. On behalf of the Houseboat magazine editorial staff I sincerely hope you enjoy looking back at these classic articles as much as we did. It's the vintage houseboat stories that seem to entertain us all the most. "It's our job to keep our readers informed on what's new and going on, but it's not always about what's new that makes our magazine a success." 3 This Old Boat