1930 28′ Garwood RAGTOP

Rob Lawrence
May 14
2 min read

RAGTOP

Ragtop is a 1930 Garwood 28 feet in length, model 28-30. The boat was originally owned by a gentleman from Iowa who owned an island on Lake Vermillion in northern Minnesota. the boat was used lightly transporting

guests etc from the mainland to the island.

After several years the boat was sold and passed hands 2 to 3 times. it had been thought the Garwood was scuttled but fortunately it was found in a dilapidated boat house by Todd Warner and his father frank. Todd knew I had been interested in a big Gar and after seeing it in a state of “rustic originality” i bought it knowing it could be brought back to like new condition.

We made the deal in late 1981 and showed it for the first time in 1983 at the land of lakes chapter on lake Minnetonka where it won skippers choice and best antique. Since that beginning the boat has won many various awards in Minnesota and New Hampshire including best of show at the Bob Speltz show in the mid eighties.

It was a totally original boat including remnants of upholstery, flooring, engine and some paperwork. The original engine was removed and saved and a 454 was installed. All new leather was installed, topsides refastened and fully refinished. the Dietrich top had a dark blue green canvas which needed to be replaced and was with a tan canvas which should now be replaced after 43 years of ownership.

Over the next years I had Don Dannenberg replace the bottom with a 5200 version in 2001 which included substantial wood replacement including chines, keel some frames etc. Phil Spencer has replaced the deck and the topsides in very recent years. 8 years ago I came to the conclusion that since I had an original boat and original engine it made sense to reinstall it. So Jim Kondrat, engine guru, overhauled the Chrysler imperial 6 and runs perfectly. The electrical system is currently on 6-8 volts in keeping with originality. The front seat foot mats are in the original spot located from ghosting on floor boards. even some original tacks were reused.

The boat is in the water every year and always maintained in the first order.

Three new coats of varnish were added in 2024.

Needs nothing.