Nautique Reunion

[Florida Rider]

I was doing some cleaning and found a couple of caps from 2003 and 2007 Correct Craft reunion. Great memories of going to Sea World with my family and partaking in all the festivities. We went four years in a row and invited a lot of friends to go with us. Correct Craft really took care of us too with free lunch, a raffle drawing of gear, prizes for the boat show, and an awesome water sports show. Alas the financial meltdown of 2008 put an end to that.

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[Nautiquehunter]

Things are going pretty strong now . Maybe they will start again?

[wakejunky]

Felt more family like than it does now that's for sure.

[Florida Rider]

I agree Nautiquehunter. With the price of boats skyrocketing and the economy doing the same it would be nice for them to express their gratitude by showing us a good time. True, Wakejunky. Things sure have changed over the years. P.S Nautiquehunter, I dated a woman in Flowery Branch last year for 6 months. We ate at those two restaurants right on Lake Lanier a couple of times and I always planned on bringing my boat up there to that beautiful lake. Too bad that long distance relationship didn't last but it was fun.

[gary s]

Mr Ralph and family has come to numerous CCF events,Ken and him even came out to the Sunnyland boat show when Correct Craft was the featured boat with Ken even entering his Mustang in the show. Mr Yeargin on the other hand has dropped into one. Does not seem like a priority to have something for those who already drank the Kool Aid

[Nautiquehunter]

I agree Nautiquehunter. With the price of boats skyrocketing and the economy doing the same it would be nice for them to express their gratitude by showing us a good time. True, Wakejunky. Things sure have changed over the years. P.S Nautiquehunter, I dated a woman in Flowery Branch last year for 6 months. We ate at those two restaurants right on Lake Lanier a couple of times and I always planned on bringing my boat up there to that beautiful lake. Too bad that long distance relationship didn't last but it was fun.

I live across the street from Burton Mill park . We have numerous Correct Craft / Nautique gatherings every year . Not sponsored but we have a good time anyway. Why not come up and join us I have plenty of room and can put your boat inside my shop.

[75Tique]

Felt more family like than it does now that's for sure.

That comment triggered a response in me. I pondered it for a day or so, and then decided to try to put it into words. Other than my real family, my correct craft family, or more accurately my CorrectCraftFan family is the closest family I have. We are so much more than faceless posts on an internet forum. CCF has been around for about 14 or 15 years. Early on and then more and more through the years, we get together for real, face to face. Regular gatherings in Wisconsin, New England, Florida, White Lake NC and Badin Lake NC. 20, 30 or 40 or more people including wives girlfriends and kids. 10-20 or more boats. Skiing, rafting, eating, a few cocktails. People travel many states away to get together and we have had folks join in from Europe, Argentina and Australia. We admire old boats that have been restored to showroom condition, as well as the well worn but still very functional boats, and we chip in to get some old tug running that hasnt run in years. We learn, we teach, we laugh. We have been to CCF weddings, including one where one member was the officiant for another CCF couple. At another wedding, a dozen guys were huddled around an old Promo that had made its way from out west to the mid west to NY, to get that boat running, a mere few hours before putting on clean clothes (including the groom) and heading to the wedding. Sadly, we have been to a couple funerals. One of our members from Maine bought a boat in Texas. Another member, who was travelling from Florida to North Carolina said, well, its on the way, I'll swing over to Texas and pick it up for you and hold on to it till spring when you come down for the White Lake gathering. Beyond the organized gatherings, CCFs are always getting together whenever their travels take them to another members area, or in my case or the Lanier guys or the Chicago area guys on almost a weekly basis. Sometimes you meet someone you dont know or only know from online posts, but you throw them the keys or have them pull you or jump behind the boat with them for a double barefoot run and its like you've been ski buds for years. Its funny how well we click. For the most part, but not exclusively its guys that like old boats. Its kind of a bell curve of boats. A few from the 50s, (some real beauties) more from the 60s, true classics, most from the 70s and 80s with the 70s vintage 16 footers (like I have) being hugely popular and admired, then some 90s and then some new ones. We have a few SANs in the mix, 210s, and even a couple 200 sports. But no mega wake barges. People like to slalom and barefoot mostly, some trick skiers, a few wake boarders and the rare surfer. None of us are pros, no one is full of themself, we all just seem to have a similar blend of joy out of old boats and weekend warrior water sports. Teaching and learning is always an enjoyable 2 way street. We are well represented at the annual New Years Day Barefoot tourney in Charlotte NC and have fielded a team for a couple of years at the Buckethead Barefoot Endurance race in Ohio. I had a relatively contemporary ski boat many years ago, but when I bought, what is now a 42 year old ski tique 14 years ago and got mixed up with the CCF knuckleheads, it was like a complete rebirth of my passion for boats and skiing. I've had a blast with these guys, have great friends from one end of the country to the other, and am always anxious for the next occasion to get together. So, as far as it feeling like family, its what you make it.

I was gong to try to gather and compile a bunch of pictures that illustrate the times we have together, but there are hundreds of them and I just dont have the time now, but I invite you to look at some of the first few videos here to get an idea of some of the times we've had together.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...rFz2MF9tqHE1Y3

[swc5150]

I was able to attend a CCF reunion in Green Lake, WI, and as 75Tique states, it was a fantastic experience. Getting to see the orange CCF 196 in person was a sight to behold. Lol, I bet they'd even let me come now with my Tennessee boat

[Nautiquehunter]

I attended a gathering at Green lake in 09 60 boats and 200 peeps . That is where I was introduced to CCF. Planet is ok for newer boats but it doesn't compare to the comradely found at CCF

[swc5150]

I remember meeting you at that reunion. You'd just bought your boat and matching van...awesome rig! I had the 196 red and white reversed gel. I had such a great time, and met people that are friends to this day.

[Nautiquehunter]

I still have the same set up as well as 4 other boats. I live on Lake Lanier in Ga now . Give me a call if you are ever near and I will show you around. 678-227-8833.

[Davidpsalt]

75Tique - very well put. Like you, several years ago I bought a 1978 Southwind in mint condition that was identical to the boat my Dad introduced us to inboard skiing (we had wished he had bought the Ski Nautique - but we learned to deal wtih the wake and to jump from one side to the other amoungst other tricks.) I too found CCF and met some of the best people in the world. The Southwind I bought was in upstate NY and I received an offer from another CCF member to check out the trailer, wheel bearings, tires etc. so that it would be road ready when I arrived to haul it back to Atlanta. "JoeinNY". I have attended the "Saint John's River Run" a couple times and regret not going over the past few years as my boys have been growing and life catches up. I need to reconnect with the crew! JBear, Donald, Reid, Joe, Morefoot, Dave H., and many more that are just great people. Thanks for bringing this topic up - let's get together soon - 75Tique, NautiqueHunter and others here in the Altanta area!

[Nautiquehunter]

We are all meeting at the Atlanta boat show this Thursday. Get free tickets at mtama.org

[Davidpsalt]

Good deal - I already printed my ticket am going with some buds on Thursday - hoping to get it when they open at 11am. Looking forward to connecting!

[Nautiquehunter]

My cell number is 678-227-8833 give me a call when u get there. I trying for 11-12 o'clock.