2013 Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Show

Chris Craft at the 2013 Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Show

Now this is what I call a boat show.  I can only imagine the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and curse words necessary for the level of detailed present on this year’s boats on display.  And not only are these antique and classics on display, these guys have no problem casting off.  There seemed to be almost as many boats motoring about as there were docked.  

The Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Show’s 26th showing last weekend was my first time attending the event and it was impressive.  Tavares, Florida is the perfect location for this show; plus the surrounding area has plenty to keep you entertained off the water.  The show is held on Lake Dora which is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, a chain that covers approximately 50,000 acres of water in Lake County Florida.  Hit the jump to see what we all hope our boats will grow up to be some day.

One of many

These all looked like they just rolled off the showroom floor.

I was excited to bring the girls to a boat show finally, they wanted to play with all the ropes.

Beautifully antique ski boat.

Great looking boat.

I think that outboard is older than I am.

I wonder how many times this thing has been rebuilt.

Integrated gas can.

You have to love the style on these old outboards.

Mmmm, tumblehome.

Sometime you want a four stroke!

...and some modern electronics (port side forward)

The Honda throttle was done pretty clean and simple.

Every ten minutes or so, someone was casting off.

This Chris Craft was probably my personal favorite, I love the low roof...

...and the nice open cockpit.

The side windows slide open.

Check out that windshield.

I love the gator skin dash.

Can you imagine this thing at wide open throttle.

Beautiful custom boat.

I wanted to open that hood so bad, but the owner was nowhere to be found.

Side exhaust.

Gotta love those helm seats.

I think the carbon fiber was a nice touch.

Check out that brightwork!

It wouldn't be a classic boat show with out a Riva.

Riva!

The exotic Italian.

I love how impractical this boat is, but look how far away you can have the kids sit if they are fighting.

They don't make hardware that innovative anymore.

The helm.

The back seat.

Almost there...

This is where you are banished for arguing with the captain.

This was the first boat that caught my eyes as we walked into the show.

I just had to look under that hood.

Very nice!

I love the gold leaf all over the place.

Willgold-leaf III.

All those gauges look like they are from an old airplane.

Closer view of the helm.

Check out that rudder.

Goldleafed Gecko.

Classic.

That think still looks solid.

Gotta love the cast in logo.

Man-U-Troll, haha.

There is no way you are fishing and trolling at the same time.

What a great looking classic outboard.

This outboard has a rudder.

I have never seen this set-up before.

Tavares has a great SeaPlane Marina, maybe next year I can get an arial shot

This was a great looking custom boat.

Mighty Mouse.

Lots of foot pedals.

The corvette will never miss this engine.

The owner has a matching t-shirt.

The local ACBS has a great teaching program for the youth, check out that homemade boat.

I challenge you to find a classier new construction, this thing is beautiful.

The classic outboard really makes this build.

Love this little Donzi.

This view makes the boat look so much bigger.

My girls loved the little baby decal on the back.

Clean and simple.

This is my new computer background.

Believe it or not, there were two of this model at the show.

Just beautiful.

I prefer the flag on the transom.

That wing really make the boat.

Gator Skin!

She loved this boat because it was like our canoe (aluminum)

That is one creative cleat.

Love that transom.

Check out the britework on that motor.

The steering cables are classic.

There were a ton of little outboard powered hydrofoils.

Look at how short that outboard shaft is.

Loved the fins on this boat.

This was easily the oldest Correct Craft I have ever seen.

This one got a lot of attention.

They had a great valet service to get your boat to the water.

The tractors were used to move the boats around during the show.

What else would a classic boat restorer drive?