To begin this introduction we first have to revisit the history of the Boston Whaler. Remember back to the first blog post about our little Boston Whaler – “Boston Whalers utilize a revolutionary process called “unsinkable” construction. The result is a boat that is virtually unsinkable, even when swamped or damaged. The Boston Whaler’s claim to fame is that it is unsinkable.”
The word “unsinkable” really stuck in my mind. As Al finished his incredible work on the Whaler, it was time for a name. There were lots of discussions. Something starting with a W (Watson/Whaler)? Nothing really stood out to me, no matter how many possibilities arose. But the word unsinkable triggered childhood memories. In 1964 at the age of 12 I saw the movie musical “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” starring Debbie Reynolds. For whatever reason, I still fondly remember that movie. I decided that it would make an excellent name for the Whaler. Boats have feminine names, Boston Whalers are “unsinkable” so…… I lobbied hard for this name and after some resistance, Al agreed. Such a sweetheart!
A little bit of searching found the old movie on Tubi and I watched it. Well, part of it. It is so bizarre to rewatch a 60-year old movie! Times have changed. The movie is not a biographical drama and took many liberties with the true story of Margaret Brown. She was never known as “Molly,” she was educated and she never worked in a saloon. The only accurate characteristics were that she eccentric and well-liked, a rags to riches story, a philanthropist, a Titanic survivor and achieved legendary status.
The portrayal of Margaret Brown by Kathy Bates in the 1997 movie Titanic was also inaccurate (no fault of Kathy Bates who always gives a great performance) but certainly closer than the 1964 film.
The real Margaret Brown was an Irish-American immigrant, who married a miner, J.J. Brown. They became millionaires when gold was discovered in one of their mines. Margaret used her recognition and fame from the Titanic tragedy to help the survivors, and became active in causes such as children’s rights, labor unions, miners’ conditions, and womens’ rights. Even without the movies, she was legendary.
Enough background! I would like to introduce our “Unsinkable Molly Brown”
We chose Wethersfield Cove for Molly B‘s maiden voyage. It was early enough in the season that there was little activity there.
We ran into a little snag. Usually there is a dock near a boat ramp so that you can ease the boat into the water and tie it there until the car and trailer is removed and parked. The dock was not yet in place. That meant I had to get into the boat on the trailer and be ready to start her up and move her out into the water. Whaaaaat? Al gave me a brief lesson on how the throttle works. Fingers crossed…….
What more could we ask for?
Hmm, interesting. Should we have named ours “Al Watson” ?????
We spent three hours on the river, stopping for a picnic lunch near a little scrubby island. The three hours were necessary for the Suzuki’s break-in period.
Our ten-mile trip on the river is marked by the red and blue arrows.
We are looking forward to more trips with Molly B, especially for this summer’s “boat camp.” The grandkids are very excited.
Tom Sokoloski
Al and Michelle,
Molly B looks GREAT!
I am intimately familiar with those three Whalers at the GBury Boathouse. They are named after three volunteers who drove those chase boats for the GBury Crew Team in the early years of the sport in GBury, and have since passed away. In addition to those three, there is also another 13 and a 15, and more recently, a wakeless power cat. I was also a volunteer driver from 2002 to 2020. Many hours spent and many font memories spent on that stretch of the river.
watsons
Thank you for that information, Tom. What a nice story and a perfect way to honor those men.