Living in the “Houseboat Capitol of the World,” you are used to seeing boats launched for the first time. The result of many talented local craftsman. But not all the new boats being built nearby are houseboats. You may remember about 17 years ago, Houseboat Magazine had an article about a Sassafras Canoe given to Charlie Denney, (Owner of Conley Bottom Marina on Lake Cumberland, KY). It was built by employee Bob Gresham, as a thank you from Bob for working at Conley Bottom.

Bob retired a few years ago, and he has continued his boat building skills. This time he has completed a design from Old Wharf Dory Co. It’s called a “Lumberyard Skiff”. It is constructed with MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood, and Sassafras trim. He used 3M 5200 Glue to hold everything together. The Gunnel and seats were covered with fiberglass mat, then everything was painted white. Bob chose to not add a drain hole, saying, ”I didn’t want to add anything that might contribute to a leak down the road.”

Bob said, Conley Bottom Owner, Fred Piercy contributed things like the fiberglass mat, and cleats, and Charlie gave Bob the Sassafras wood.

Bob picked a perfect early November day to make the maiden voyage of “Morgan Mae”. Named after his granddaughter who lives in VA. The colorful fall leaves still clinging to the trees around Conley Bottom Marina, provided a spectacular back drop to his bright white new boat. He chose to have the seats located on either side, to provide easy access within the boat. With the testing showing success, and no leaks, Bob planned to take his grandkids for a ride later in the day, when they got out of school. Bob said, “It took longer to build than he would have liked, and continued, “the main thing is to get started building.”

Now he has a heirloom, to enjoy many hours on the peaceful waters of Lake Cumberland.