Below is a posting of over a year ago, when I talked to John Reus and Dennis Dahl. Since then I noticed the engine has been installed in this fantastic "frame off" restoration, and I am curious to know if the boat has eventually seen the light of day (and the water).
Both gents were quite enthusiastic when I spoke with them, they indicated the project was being done on a time and materials basis, and there was no rush.
Here is a refresher of what a so-called "frame off" restoration of a fiberglass classic is all about.
series of photos continues in the next post.....................
UPDATE !!
March 17 2006 at 2:45 PM Paul (no login)
Response to Looks like the boys at Macatawa have been busy over the winter! Look at these photos!
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Since we've been enjoying the photos from Macatawa, I thought I'd give them a call today, and I had a delightful conversation with the owner, John Reus, who shared some interesting details about this unique boat. He suggested I contact Dennis Dahl, the owner, which I did, and that was also a very enjoyable diversion for the both of us, during our daily routine. Dring our conversation today, someone was flagging Dennis for something while he was on the phone, and we agreed we had more important things to talk about (namely "boats"....ha!)
The boat will be finished in the spring, and I believe it would attract a LOT of attention at any antique and classic boat show, simply because most of the people who may be qualified to be judges for these shows, probably wouldn't even know what this one was.....only about 100 or so were made, and if you figure that's about two boats per State, and probably half of them are gone now. Some are probably socked away in garages and barns not to be seen again for 10 years, so this is a rare one!
John and Dennis are invited to post here on the forum, at any time for any reason, and we hope to hear from them in the future. They were excited to know how much interest the 19' Commander Super Sport thread was generating. During the last couple of weeks the forum has been getting 1,000 to 1,400 pages read from all over the globe each day, so the news about this boat is getting out!
That's the update for the day, hope we hear from John and Dennis. Mercrewser, take a look at the photos! You may even want to visit with John and Dennis some time later in the season to take a look at this boat in their shop.....I've been there, it's in beautiful country and would make a great vacation jaunt. You would enjoy the village on the water, lots of interesting shops, waterfront dining, and most of all, a great boat culture!
Regards, Paul
1966 38' Commander Express
Original 427 power