Indicative of David’s careful attention to correct preservation and extreme craftsmanship is that he was chosen to care for the magnificent THUNDERBIRD, Lake Tahoe’s most famous boating treasure. David maintains the woodwork and hardware on this John Hacker designed 55’ yacht. David also created the stunning Thunderbird Perpetual Trophy for the South Tahoe Wooden Boat Classic to honor his affection for the old girl..... As a boy, he used to frequent boatyards around the South Shore, and imbedded in his memory are visions of the THUNDERBIRD starting it’s massive Allison V1710 engines, so David’s life with the THUNDERBIRD has now come full circle.
In passing on his life’s work to his oldest son Andrew, David is guaranteeing a legacy of craftsmanship and appreciation of the science of marine design to future generations. When Andrew was 8 years old, it was decided that he needed a boat. David took Andrew completely through a traditional boat design process from initial concept drawings and lofting to the creation of the amazing Racing Runabout ‘HORNET’. Debuting in 2009 at the Tahoe Yacht Club Concourse d’Elegance, it was awarded the TYC Thunderbird Trophy for Most Unique Boat and People’s Choice, one of the most coveted of all trophies at this respected show. In 2010, HORNET was awarded ‘First Place in Class’ and won ‘People’s Choice’ for an amazing -second- straight year.
David accepts one commission per year for restoration of a special antique racing boat or runabout. Antique boat preservation, one at a time, ultimately accurate. David works with the most respected experts in the motor, interior, and instrument restoration fields: John Allen, Rod Souza, and Mark Clawson, to create -benchmark- preservations precisely as they were delivered from the factory. Currently in the shop is a 1935 Dodge Racing Runabout, one of three in existence. Call David today at 530-318-5872 to discuss your special project.