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Chetek Restoration Oct 02

Work on Bob Speltz’s Chetek has temporarily stopped. Until now, Larry Quinn has been working on and coordinating the project, however due to personal circumstances, he no longer has the time to work on it nor the space to keep it. The immediate need is a new workshop space for interested members to continue to work on the boat. 

So far, the main ribs, keel, and stem have been replaced. The bow ribs need to be cut, steamed and replaced. Then, the bottom gar planks and cedar strips can be fastened. Storage is required for the trailer and finished 25 hp motor.

If you can help out with any of the above needs, please contact Larry Quinn at 952-937-5891.

February 2002

Currently I am working on removing the inside stem and cutting a new one. At the last work meeting, January 31, Dave Doner and myself started that process. I am using a book titled “Frame, Stem and Keel Repair” by Peter H. Spectre. The book covers repair work on small craft like a sharpie up to large schooners. The inside stem on the Speltz boat is a one-piece steam bent oak member.

By using a hack saw blade in a gloved hand I was able to carefully cut the nails and screws holding the cedar strips and ribs attached to the stem at the bow. The remnant of the inside stem provides a pattern for the new one.

At the next meeting I will have the new inside stem cut and soaking. At that time we will steam bend it and clamp it onto the outside stem, which is already in place. The dates for the next two meetings will be Thursday, Feb. 28 and Mar. 28.

Thanks to Fred Boss for cutting and shaping new oak knees, splash rails and support members for the Speltz boat. I am looking for someone to plane and shape some red cedar boards for the gar planks using the old boards as a pattern. If interested, call Larry Quinn at 952-937-5891.
Yvonne Duperon

October 2001

The display of the Chetek at the Rendezvous got a lot of attention. It was a success in several ways.

We were able to contrast a boat taken down to the skeleton next to the complete and original Chetek Aqua Flyer that belongs to John Pole. Secondly, we demonstrated the process of steam bending ribs with a homemade generator and box made by Bob Buttery. And most importantly, we talked to a lot of people about their boat projects and encouraged them to take the next step. Thanks to all who stopped by. We are always looking for suggestions on how to proceed, along with concrete offers of assistance. Special thanks to Mary and Ray Keating for their donation to the project. Also thanks to Bob Buttery for his time and efforts and demonstrations of steam bending. Things have not been normal for any of us lately, but I plan to refocus on finishing the bottom of the Speltz boat. The next sessions to work on the boat are scheduled for October 26, November 29, and December 20. Call if interested in participating. I also need someone to cut oak parts from a pattern. Larry Quinn 952-937-5891

April 2001

Work continues on bending new ribs. Currently I am soaking white oak ribs and will steam and bend them on Thursday, April 26. At our last get-together, Lewis McGonagle, a long-time BSLOL member, stopped by to lend a hand. Also, new member Mike Loisel stopped over and had a look at the Speltz boat. And last week I received a phone call from Bryan Fenwick stating that he will donate decals for the T-Nee trailer once it is painted. Our thanks to them for stepping up to be a part of this very special project. 

Last minute update...We had two additional get togethers and installed seven more ribs. At one point we had 32 clamps holding the ribs in place while they cooled. We are making good progress and will attempt to have all the ribs installed in time for the Rendezvous in Red Wing. The Speltz boat will be at the Rendezvous as part of the display of “Boats in Process.”:

Anyone interested in attending one of our work sessions or talking about this project is welcome to call me in the evenings after 7:00 p.m. at 952-937-5891 -- Larry Quinn

December 2000

Club members got together on Thursday, November 16 to work on the Speltz boat. A new keel was cut and shaped out of mahogany. The material was purchased in Northeast Minneapolis from Youngblood Lumber Company which is a great source for rough-cut lumber. We also worked on removing some of the oak ribs, all of which will need to be replaced. Bob Buttery brought his steamer over, which we will use to steam bend the ribs. 

I purchased some green rough-sawn white oak from a logger south of Cannon Falls. This lumber will have to be resawn with the wood grain and then cut and planed into a 1 1/4” x 3/8” size for ribs. Then it can be soaked for a week before steam bending.

On Thursday, December 14, we steamed the new outside stem and joined it to the new keel with a 30 degree angle cut and a brass bolt through both parts. By running a string line along the keel we were able to check the straight line and make adjustments as needed.


The following members participated at the last two meetings: 
Bob Buttery, 
Andreas Jordahl Rhude, 
George Mitchell, 
Dave Doner 
Larry Quinn

Anyone with an interest in restoring a cedar-strip boat is welcome to call me. Our next get-together will be Thursday, January 25.

Bob Speltz 14’ Chetek Runabout Club Project
Larry Quinn (952) 937-5891
(Located near Highway 7 and Woodland Road)