Sold!

[Mark_Denis]

Well, the BellBoy 18 Express is on the way to her new home in Idaho today.

I'm happy to say it's going to a very good home. The buyer (webmember TravelMatt) has promised to share the restoration progress with everyone. Matt works for Hope Marine in Idaho and has all the resources he needs to bring the boat back to it's former glory. Matt, I hope you decide to become a club member, we all want to see the finished boat at one of next years events!

I'll let Matt chime in to introduce himself officially and hopefully talk a bit about his plans for the boat.

Here's a few pics of her heading to her new home.







Good luck Matt, and thanks for making the lonnnnnng drive to pick her up today!

[slo-mo]

Nice job finding a good home, Mark...what is behind door #2 in the first shot??:TakePicture1:

[Mark_Denis]

It's sealed shut until later this summer.

How's your BB16 coming along???

[travelmatt]

Bell boy is Home in Idaho

Thanks Mark !! and hello to everyone --

7 hour drive to Silverdale, Wa + 3 hours of smiles and business + 10 hours to drive home ( includes a wee nap at rest stop ) and taa-daa, a 20 hour whirlwind Bell Boy extravaganza.
A little introduction : My name is Matt Jablon and I live in Sandpoint, Idaho. So... I really got into boating when I started at Hope Marine Services in Hope, Idaho 7 years ago, although I have been a sucker for projects a whole lot longer. I started out at HMS running their upholstery shop which I took over for them, but since have taken over as the shop manager. I'm a Honda Outboard and Volvo/ Penta certified mechanic and attend school every year so that HMS and I stay current. My day at work can go from a 15' Gregor to a 44' Carver motor yacht. Check out hopemarine.com .
About 3 years ago I saved a picture of a Bell Boy express cruiser as my screen saver and have been in search of since. I found this site and found Marks ad and I am now a very proud owner of a 1955 Bell Boy Express Cruiser 18. Day one home and I have the first sanding done. I'll keep a log and update as it goes.
Thanks -- Matt J.

[slo-mo]

Welcome!

That 1955 Bell Boy 18' will be a really great boat Matt, we look forward to seeing/hearing of your progress. :shocked4:

It's sealed shut until later this summer.

How's your BB16 coming along???

Keeping secrets huh! Guess I can't talk...

The '55 Bell Boy 16 Express was pushed back in the queue, when Wickline stole my paint scheme for his really cool BB convertible, and I fell head over heals for a '57 Skagit 17 Express "Chop Top" project, stolen from Marty. The chop has been performed, and ideas are percolating...trying to keep from getting toooo carried away this time.

[Mark_Denis]

I'm digging the chop Greg. I love the hot rod look of it.

Matt, glad to see you here on the forums. It was nice meeting you and talking boats while we loaded your new boat. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress updates! :GoodJob: