Antique Boat Museum, Clayton 07/17/2021

We enjoyed our day with Bill and Gail visiting the Antique Boat Museum in nearby Clayton. It was another cool, damp day with light showers, but it was still a lot of fun. Even thought we had been to the museum two years ago, it was still interesting to see the antique boats again. They have such a large inventory of boats, the exhibits are not all the same as our previous visit. I know Randy especially liked talking motors/engines with Bill.

According to their website: the museum collections has over 320 unique boats and thousands of related artificats. The museum had it start after the Antique Boat Auxiliary organized a show of antique boats in 1965. The annual event grew with the purchase of waterfront property in the 70’s with a permanent museum to host the annual boat show. While visiting the museum we also learned there are additional off-site buildings where we can view additional boats and artifacts.

After touring the museum we went to Bella’s for lunch. This is my new favorite lunch place. The food was awesome. We had a waterfront table right on the River, so the view was excellent. Since I don’t drink I can’t comment on the drinks, but I know Randy liked the Caesar and the Bloody Mary’s. This has been the first place that he has found that serve Caesars since we left the Yukon in 2019. I think he liked the Bloody Mary better, but he was still glad he got a chance to explain a Caesar (made with Clamato vs. Tomato Juice) to Bill.

After the late lunch we went back to the Dirt Yacht to relax while Gail and Bill went shopping in Clayton. They stopped by to visit for a little bit before dinner since our reservations were not until 7:00. We were proactive this weekend and made reservations at the Clipper Inn as a surprise for Bill and Gail’s anniversary. We tried to go there last weekend, but could not get in since we did not have reservations. Gail said they had never been to this restaurant so I hope they liked it! My salad with homemade creamy garlic dressing and the Cod Oscar were delicious. Randy had the Salmon special which was also quite good. Another place I will go to again.

Antique Boat Museum Brochure
All of the boats outside were gorgeous, but HaPike was my favorite
Zipper, Clayton New York
Cicada, 1928
Gorgeous!
Snail
That’s Her ferried people to the Islands.
Randy loves talking engines with Bill
Close up of the bow on this lovely 21′ Runabout
1931 21′ Runabout; 125 HP, 35 MPH
Photo from above: Second Time Around, 1942 Chris Craft; 17′ X 6′, Speed 35 MPH, Original Price $1,595
1958 Neal Hydroplane
There was not a date on these older wooden skis and sled.
Adorable bow navigation lights on the bow of this older wooden boat.
I loved the bow lights on this old boat that Gail spotted.
Randy and Bill looking at outboards.
The bow on this 1951 Skim Boat
This boat could be built from instructions in the Mechanix Illustrated pamphlet.
Randy loved this skim boat. He remembers the plans to build this boat in a large book of Mechanix Illustrated .
The stern of the “Californian”
The California from Long Beach. A 1930 Fellows & Stewart 25′ X 6′ race boat.
Lunch at Bella’s with Bill and Gail.. One of our favorites this year!
All of us waiting for a table
My lunch at Bella’s was Deviled Eggs topped with Lobster Salad. It was good, but wish I had gone with my second choice that Gail got–1/2 chicken salad on DELICIOUS bread and a cup of lobster bisque. The soup rivaled the Keys.