09/23/2024
Love that we were able to be a part of this story:
Poppy’s Legacy is a 1979 Caravelle Stingray that Mike Yancey purchased out of a love of boats and the water. The Caravelle has primarily been used as a water-skiing vessel, spending many long summer days on various lakes around Northeastern Oklahoma. Unfortunately in 1991 it was discovered on a family ski trip that the boat was taking on water. After some investigation, Mike found that the transom had rotted and began the undertaking of rebuilding the boat from the inside out. After recutting and refitting all the interior wood pieces and getting the top out back on the bottom, the Caravelle was again ready for the lake days. The boat continued to be a trusty vessel until the transom was again found to have rotted in 2021. Mike began a second complete rebuild of the boat, taking the time to fiberglass all interior wooden parts to ensure a third complete rebuild would not be necessary. Sadly, Mike was diagnosed with an exceptionally aggressive form of prostrate cancer about the same time that he began the second rebuild. He worked hard to finish the project prior to his death, but much work was left unfinished. Many thanks go to several members of the Heartland Classics Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society for stepping in to finish the project. Through their time, expertise, and resources the Caravelle has been successfully restored a second time. There are still a few minor cosmetic details to finish up, but the newly dubbed Poppy’s Legacy is making its debut at the Mahogany and Chrome boat show on Grand Lake Sept 21st. Mike’s grandson, Callen, is carrying on the legacy of avid boaters with the help of the boat club and his Grammy.
Thank you all again for letting us make these hats for you!