Antique Boat Show Celebrates 150 Years of Craftsmanship

Mark your calendars for August 1-3, because the 61st Annual Antique Boat Show and Auction is set to make waves in Clayton with a special celebration of 150 years of Lyman Boatworks craftsmanship. This isn't just any boat show – it's a floating museum that brings together the finest examples of maritime artistry and the passionate collectors who preserve these nautical treasures for future generations.

The Antique Boat Museum has outdone itself this year by spotlighting Lyman Boatworks, the legendary boat builder whose vessels have graced the waters of the 1000 Islands for a century and a half. From sleek runabouts that epitomized 1920s elegance to sturdy workboats that served the region's fishing and transportation needs, the Lyman legacy represents the very best of American boat building tradition.

What sets this event apart is the opportunity to see these magnificent vessels not just as static displays, but as living pieces of history. Many of the boats on display are still seaworthy, lovingly maintained by owners who understand that these craft were meant to dance across the waves, not gather dust in storage. The show features everything from pristine restorations that look like they just rolled off the assembly line to charming survivors that wear their age with dignity.

The auction component adds an element of excitement as collectors and enthusiasts bid on rare finds and restoration projects. Whether you're a serious collector looking for your next acquisition or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, watching these maritime treasures change hands is a fascinating glimpse into the passionate world of antique boat collecting.

Located at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, this three-day celebration offers the perfect excuse to explore one of the region's premier cultural attractions while witnessing a gathering of some of the most beautiful boats ever built. It's a testament to the enduring connection between the 1000 Islands and the vessels that have navigated these waters for generations.