Classic boats are cruising Table Rock Lake this weekend

(KY3)
Published: Jun. 8, 2018 at 4:36 PM CDT
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Classic boats are cruising the lake in the Branson area this weekend.

From wooden boats dating back to the 30's to newer 70’s model fiberglass, a variety of vintage boats are part of this year's Classics Crusin’ on Table Rock Lake event.

Of the 35 boats at the event,, Jim Frechette’s 1930 Chris Craft is the oldest.

Frechette says it has been fully restored. While he and the other captains say these boats require a lot of work, it’s worth it.

"Get it out, work on it, make sure it runs. I got a big tow yesterday so I learned about that,” ‪Dick Baner said. ‬

Each boat has a story, like Baner’s wooden boat that he is taking on a 6,000 mile trip known as the Great Loop.

"It goes through the upper Great Lakes and into Canada, down the Mississippi,” Baner said.

Some of the boats even carry family memories.

"My grandfather bought it [in the Lake Of The Ozarks] in 1965 and we've had it ever since,” Adam Leigh said.

They all have something in common: they hold onto a part of history.

"Mostly just for nostalgias sake, I think, but also, I think, because we are fortunate enough to own a piece of real Americana engineering,” Leigh said.

This year, the chair of the cruise says they're inviting others out and experience the history, too.

"Open to the public ‪on Saturday afternoon‬ from 1 to 4 p.m,” Don Parker said. “We are always promoting the hobby. We want more and more people helping to save these old boats so that's part of the event as well."

The captains and their crews, say one of the best part about cruising in these boats is showing them off.

"When you're in a boat like this, you're really cool,” Frechette laughed.

The classic boats mini show will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rock Lane Resort at Indian Point.