If you own a traditional launch with antique power of  not more than three cylinders, or are putting one together, or are dreaming about doing it, you might be interested in this club.  The following synopsis taken from a newsletter  will give you some idea of what we are all about.

 history:  It all started about seven years ago when Bruce Hall and I were bemoaning the fact that there wasn’t a boat organization suitable for slow moving, low powered boats (more fondly called launches by many of us).  I said “wouldn’t it be great to be able to go to a meet with just launches powered by antique engines?”.  Bruce responded “Ya, and we could call it the Three Cylinder Club to preserve that laid back pace”.  Thus the seed was planted.  I have thought about it since that conversation and in early 2000, after convincing myself the work would be worth it, decided to do something about it.  Adopting Bruce’s idea for a name, I added the North American part to include our friends to the north in Canada and to attract like-minded folks outside of New England with the hope of having area meets and perhaps even setting up regional chapters. 

GOALS:  Encourage the preservation of antique marine engines and launches.  Inspire collectors to put their engines into traditional hulls and to pass on information that will achieve these goals. 

 “Knowledge found will never again be lost, provided it is shared”

UNOFFICIAL ORGANIZATION:  Why was it important to have no president, no directors, no charter and no treasury?  Well, the first reason is there is no organization to sue, and the second reason is, with no one in charge there is no one to create animosity or resentment among the members.  We’re here to have fun and the best way to do it is to remain unpretentious.

 This setup has worked very well for the steam boaters over a number of years.  We benefit from their experience.

 WHY RESTRICT ENGINES TO 3 CYLINDERS OR LESS?  There were a couple of reasons, all related to the importance of compatibility.  The first was speed.  I don’t know about you, but every antique boat parade I’ve been in, the runabouts take off leaving the displacement hulls far behind.  Boating is supposed to be enjoyable, not kidney jarring or getting hoarse trying to yell over a high speed engine.  We’d like to all stay in the same gear---slow.

 Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, is like-mindedness.  From my perspective, high speed boaters take pride in their craft.  Most of the time the engines are hidden, which places all of the importance on the boat.  Antique engine collectors, on the other hand, place their emphasis on the engine.  Most of the time it is exposed for all to see.  The main purpose of the boat is to float the engine.  Anyone can press a starter button, it takes a special type of person to love a cantankerous  old flywheel engine that runs well only after it gets used to you. 

Organizer/Secretary: George Boley,   My Old Boat Shop Museum