Wooden boats from 'On Golden Pond' visit Hagadone Marine Group
COEUR d’ALENE — Wooden boats are a time-honored tradition for their craftsmanship and aesthetic.
Two iconic boats from the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond," the Mariah and the Thayer IV, have made their way to the Hagadone Marina Group showroom for the summer.
The movie takes place on a New England lake called Golden Pond and features Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda. The film was Henry Fonda’s last.
A propeller signed by Hepburn and others involved in the film, a movie script, the mailbox and some of the background for the boat designs are included in the display, along with a screen showing clips from the movie.
The Thayer IV is a 1950 Chris-Craft Sportsman, and the U.S. Mail Boat Mariah is a 19-foot Century Raven.
Hagadone Marine Group General Manager Ryan Holmes said the movie helped pique interest in wooden boats in the '80s and '90s and said he was excited for the boats to be seen by the local wooden boat community in Coeur d’Alene.
“It’s become such a hotspot for wooden boats. It's a good choice to show some of the history,” Holmes said.
These two boats are untouched and still have the original finish. They are equipped with all of their parts. The owner wishes to remain anonymous.
Chris-Craft also recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, making it the perfect time to highlight wooden vessels such as the Thayer IV.
Master craftsman Josh Smith said he particularly enjoys the quality craftsmanship that sets wooden boats apart from their counterparts.
“The history of guys using their hands to build one boat at a time, it just brings back a part of the heritage,” Smith said. “The craftsmanship, the elegance of wood, is lost nowadays.”