Anyone know whatever happened to the Leprechaun ?

[MarkV]

The last pics posted looked real sharp. Did the boat ever get splashed? I know the thread got a little messy but no reason to blame the boat for that -

[Blitzen]

Check out the Bass barn, Fritz is over there.

[MarkV]

Blitzen: Thanks but you'll have to excuse my ignorance. What is the 'bass barn' and how do I get there? Thanks again - Mv

[gottaflylee]

Blitzen: Thanks but you'll have to excuse my ignorance. What is the 'bass barn' and how do I get there? Thanks again - Mv

Mark, it is a forum like this one, well sorta... Google the bass barn, it will pop up.

[Captain Jay Kavanagh]

I know all the sordid details.........

[MarkV]

Lee:

Thanks for the info. Myself and a couple of Buds had been following the thread for some time and were wondering what had become of the build. We did go there earlier this week to check things out and it does seem that the owner is moving ahead with his project. It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since the last post(s) were put in this forum.

The boat has not been splashed yet. We don't think that this is due to any lack of enthusiasm or initiative on the part of the owner, more probably it has to do with what we Floridians tend to forget you guys up north have to contend with on an annual basis - that 6 letter natural phenomena called 'winter' - (and we understand from friends & associates that this year has been a particularly tough one).

From a meteoric start with the dramatic stuff (hull and exterior finishes) the process and documentation were superb. We recall some interior shots. Not sure about the engine(s) and running gear (?) - by this time the PH levels of the posts issued by, and some of those directed at, the owner, were regrettably, at dangerous and historic lows, a real shame...nothing could live in, or be sustained in, that environment, and the thread died.

Notwithstanding what happened here, an overview of the current posts (at the barn) lead us to believe that possibly the owner's perspective has 'broadened', with the hope that he (the owner) better understands, and is aware of, the 'importance' of this build and his boat. We say this because this hull, by an extraordinary combination of chance & choice was 'created' by and 'breathed' on, by a 'magical' group of individuals, in a 'magical' yard, during a 'magical' period where it was unquestionably and arguably the most dominant and premier manufacturer of its day. Even now, some 47 years later, it's hard not to stare at this boat, or turn your head away from a shape and form that seems...perfect. (Christ I don't believe I just said he 'p' word, but this boat has that effect). That's pretty hard to top. Think about it. Many of us have had the opportunity to re-do/rebuild boats, very few of us will ever get a chance to be associated with and part of...history. This boat, one way or another, assures it.

But it doesn't end there. If this is the proverbial 'full house', aces over kings, this owner trumps it with a strait flush - this was his familys boat originally, and this guy has an opportunity to come back, however many years later, bring it back into his family, in a condition that, we feel, even Michael Rybovich would approve of, and yes...'better than new'. Wow...

From a historical standpoint the 'shootout at Jerr's Corral' between this owner and some of his detractors won't even make it as a footnote. Of course what he needs to do is complete his build, in a workmanlike and profesional manner, take the 'high road' regarding any discussion and commentary on the boat, and most of all, enjoy the boat with friends and family for as long as he's around (don't know if his family/kids are 'boat people').

Fritz - There are (at least) 3 guys in Florida wishing you and your family a successful, and honorable, completion of your fine project - the 'rebirth' of the Leprechaun - MV

[gottaflylee]

Thanks for the update Mark...

[bigfishhooker]

Heck....I just want to see a picture of that beauty.

I learned long ago that all superstars have haters.

[raynman]

I saw your post on this boat and went looking for the thread. All I can say is holy s##t!!!
Could not stop reading and was exhausted at the end.The boat is definitely a looker and its too bad the story went south. Hope the guy finishes the project and shows it on the water running it would make a beautiful screen backdrop. a couple of quick questions though 1) what about those keel bolts 2) what about the use of plywood sheathing on the sides is this unusual? 3) the guy didn't seem to want to put spray rails on her.I think i would 'magic yard' or not she still is an older gal and i don't think it would detract from her looks 4) are there any other threads like this i'm going to have to do some eye excersises and training before reading

[scattered_grass]

Fritz left this site. That was a great thread, which are VERY few and far between on here these days........