HOWB 033 – Chris Finks – Founder Maritime Heritage Coalition, Wooden boat lover - 05.03.12

Chris grew up in California, and at the ripe old age of 5, went water skiing behind his neighbor (Fred’s) wooden boat – a Century water ski boat. Soon after, Fred traded in the Century and bought a fiberglass replacement.

Chris was appalled that Fred would trade such a beautiful wooden vessel in for a plastic boat. Thus began his love for wooden vessels.

As a young adult, living on the east coast, Chris had the privilege to cruise around on the USS Sequoia – a presidential vessel that is now a Historical Landmark and was first used by Herbert Hoover in 1920.

Chris currently owns an early 60’s Chris Craft Constellation 36 footer. He is meticulously restoring the boat to its original colors, interior surfaces and finish. This rig is a beaut. Prior to that Chris cruised around in an 18ʹ 1947 Chris Craft Sportsmen.

About 5 years ago, Chris put together the first Maritime Heritage Festival in Portland. He connected with numerous maritime people and organizations and saw the need to bring them all together for some maritime synergy. Voila – the Maritime Heritage Coalition was formed last year in Portland. According to their
website: The Maritime Heritage Coalition is an Oregon non-profit corporation comprised of more than 25 groups dedicated to promoting regional maritime, environmental and native people’s heritage through educational programs such as the Maritime Heritage Festival. Our five-year goal is to build a regional maritime heritage center.

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You can contact me at woodenboatdan@gmail.com to share you comments, feedback, stories, and wooden boat adventures.

Keep the bright side up and the barnacled side down - Wooden Boat Dan over and out :D

PS Please note this podcast was recorded several years ago - some of the links, email addresses, phone numbers, and promos mentioned are outdated and no longer valid.