MOB News

Constantine 2003

July 12, 13, and 14

Well, the Constantine Super Meet was another success and thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event, a “Super Meet”! The weather was picture perfect and the event was a weekend outdoor fun packed extravaganza. Again, the event was co-sponsored by the Great Lakes and Michiana Outboard Boating Chapters. Each year the event is the highlight of the season and I know many members look forward and plan their vacation around this spectacular, fun filled time. It has been said that Constantine is one of the best events anywhere and each year it keeps getting better and better. Again, this year could not have gone off without the help of the many volunteers from Steve Roskowski and Dale Robertson, who ran this years meet, to the members who manned the check in table, put up the tent, picked up the trash, ran the special events, judged the motors, and ran the swap and sell area. This meet is held at the American Legion hall and banquet facility and is located along the St. Joseph River. A great big “Thank You” goes to the members of the American Legion allowing us to hold such an event at their site and the banquet on Saturday night.

The weather could not have cooperated any more perfect and it was sunny skies, warm summer days and cool breezes the entire three days. Friday was set up day and the site quickly filled up with campers, event tents and members filling up the swap/sell area. The day had many members taking advantage of the smooth St. Joseph River and quite a few outboards were running that day.

Saturday was filled with events, judging and running time was monitored through pre approved times all throughout the day. Constantine was blessed with some notable visitors to the meet. George Martin, the founding father of Martin Outboards made a visit and was chauffeured around in a custom “Martin” golf cart. Alan Nacke provided the tour of the grounds for George. George was gracious in telling many inside information of the outboards that he developed. Mr. Martin also took the time in autographing a few of the Martin outboards that were in the display tent. In the afternoon, George was the Grand Marshal of the Martin Flyby, in his honor. There were quite a few Martins out on the waters, including a Martin 20, 40, 60, and a 100. Another notable visitor the Constantine was Peter Hunn who was taking in all the sights and autographing some of his books for members.

In case you have never been to Constantine, the running schedule is divided up into separate times for different motors. The rowboat motors and putt putts are given special times to run, along with the higher horsepower motors running later in the morning. Then in the afternoon, most of the larger racing and loud exhaust motors get their chance on the river. This is accomplished with careful planning and colored flags displaying the appropriate running times of the different motors and boats. This is to prevent the smaller putt-putts running in the same area as a 60mph or better rigs.

The Bob Hatcher Trophy Event was held in the morning and there was a big turnout of participants. Bob Hatcher was a member of the Great Lakes Chapter, who passed away a few years ago, and he favored the smaller engines. He was not as interested in restoring motors as he was making these old motors run as best as they could, the way they were designed. Each year the Hatcher Event honors Bob’s memory and his love for the small motors. This years Hatcher Event was run with the 2 hp and less, antique outboard motor being the only motor used. Next year will be the 3 horsepower motors, with the 4 horse motors the final group, and then back to the 2 hp. Any boat, 12 foot or larger, round bottom, can be used with the exception of a canoe boat. The winner of the Bob Hatcher Trophy gets to keep a plaque and gets to put their name on the large, traveling trophy. The afternoon sessions were for the larger faster outboards, including the loud open exhaust racing motors. In between the running of the different motors were staged events like the Time Trials and “The Oldest Running Outboard On A Boat”. The Zephyr and 3 Horse Time Trials were a little sparse but the rumor is that next year there is going to be more participants. The Swap and Sell area was packed with items and motors for sale. With each vehicle coming in to the meet loaded with motors, it was a mad dash to see what was for sale. From reproduction items, to parts, to motors and complete rigs were for sale in the special area. Saturday’s event closed at 5:00pm and the “Cocktail Hour” started at 6:00 with the Awards Banquet held at 7:00.

Sunday was a carbon copy of Saturday and there was plenty to do that day. Although most of the swap and sell area was vacant, some trading took place. The day was a schedule of events and most of it was running motors in the morning. In the late morning, the river cruise was held and more than the normal boats went “up the river”! Some of the smaller powered rigs did not make it up all the way as the faster boats had a clear advantage. All the boats made it back to the meet site and the rest of the day was spent testing and running all the old iron. The Constantine Super Meet came to a close around 4:00 on Sunday and I am sure everyone had a “Super” time. I know I can’t wait until the next year and I again attend the 2004 Super Meet!

See You On The Water!