Steve Sanford
Well-known member
All~
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many members of this forum. Whether here at the farm, at Tuckerton, or on Long Island, I have always enjoyed putting a face to a name. One face still eludes me.
Sometime last Spring, Long Islander Blake Heller contacted me for help with his South Bay Duckboat. He had just acquired it and knew it needed a new motor board. I have made a bunch of motor boats for these vessels over the years. I mailed Blake's to him - along with installation instructions.
Later, he asked me to make a set of flap boards and one new thatch rail. He gave me the critical measurements. I made these items and brought them to the Island in mid-November. Blake had to work on that Saturday, so I left everything at a friend's house.
Blake just sent me this photo of his South Bay all thatched up - and hunting a South Shore marsh. I am not sure if Blake is in the picture - but I still have no idea what he looks like.....beautiful hide, though!
View attachment Blake Heller South Bay - with Sanford flapboards, thatch rail and motor mount.jpg
If you are unfamiliar with South Bays, they were the brainchild of John "Red" Magnus. Inspired by traditional Great South Bay Scooters, they are made to work well in the conditions all along the south shore tidal waters. They are no longer made but remain popular. I have worked on a bunch of them.
View attachment South Bay 1.jpg
I wish I knew the years of production. I spoke to Red a couple of years ago - but he moved to western NYS quite a few years back. I keep hearing rumors of someone having the molds - but am unaware that anyone is actually making any. Here is a time capsule.
View attachment South Bay 2 - Red Magnus letter.jpg
All the best,
SJS
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many members of this forum. Whether here at the farm, at Tuckerton, or on Long Island, I have always enjoyed putting a face to a name. One face still eludes me.
Sometime last Spring, Long Islander Blake Heller contacted me for help with his South Bay Duckboat. He had just acquired it and knew it needed a new motor board. I have made a bunch of motor boats for these vessels over the years. I mailed Blake's to him - along with installation instructions.
Later, he asked me to make a set of flap boards and one new thatch rail. He gave me the critical measurements. I made these items and brought them to the Island in mid-November. Blake had to work on that Saturday, so I left everything at a friend's house.
Blake just sent me this photo of his South Bay all thatched up - and hunting a South Shore marsh. I am not sure if Blake is in the picture - but I still have no idea what he looks like.....beautiful hide, though!
View attachment Blake Heller South Bay - with Sanford flapboards, thatch rail and motor mount.jpg
If you are unfamiliar with South Bays, they were the brainchild of John "Red" Magnus. Inspired by traditional Great South Bay Scooters, they are made to work well in the conditions all along the south shore tidal waters. They are no longer made but remain popular. I have worked on a bunch of them.
View attachment South Bay 1.jpg
I wish I knew the years of production. I spoke to Red a couple of years ago - but he moved to western NYS quite a few years back. I keep hearing rumors of someone having the molds - but am unaware that anyone is actually making any. Here is a time capsule.
View attachment South Bay 2 - Red Magnus letter.jpg
All the best,
SJS