Classic Corner: Parts, Is Parts
Published: Friday, January 25, 2019
By: Captain Dennis J. Mykols
Happy “Classic” New Year! In my ongoing series of writing about interesting people, places, and things around the world of the classic boat hobby, in this issue, I want to introduce you to one of the most interesting and knowledgeable people in the world of the ‘Classic Inboard Parts’ business, Mr. Jim Staib of Fine Wood Boats, L.L.C.
Established in 1987, they’re a source of replacement parts for inboard antique wooden boats. Chris-Craft, Hacker-Craft, Century, Gar Wood, Dodge – they cover ALL wooden inboards!
Jim Staib sells parts to help owners restore the beauty and mechanical aspects of their prized possessions. New, old, and used parts are available, flathead inboard engines, cranks, pistons, carb kits, gaskets, chrome, lights, prewar/postwar engine oils, and varnishes – you name it. His warehouse is located northwest of Chicago, where Jim and his trusty Siberian Husky “Jaxon” reside. More on Jaxon later.
The word on the street is, “If you need it, call Jim first. If he doesn’t have it, you probably don’t need it!”
Jim tells me the way he started collecting all these parts happened back when wooden boats were not seen as collectable, and were just left abandoned at marinas. Jim started buying up boats, stripping them of all the good parts and engines, and storing them on his farm.
Once he finds a part is rare and in need, he seeks out remanufacturers to make new replacement parts. As the interest in wooden classic boats took off in the 1990s, Jim built a large warehouse on his farm to store his increasing selection of parts.
I first met Jim at the Annual Sunnyland classic boat show in Tavares, Fla., where each year Jim packs up his pickup and big trailer and makes the drive down. He sets up a huge display of rare parts, and things you didn’t know you needed until you saw it there on his tables.
Jim’s knowledge of classic parts is amazing. On Woodyboater.com, not a week goes by without Jim posting an answer, and most time it goes up with a picture of the rare part that someone was asking more information about or with a synopsis about which part is better than another.
The several times I had the privilege of sitting down with Jim at various boat shows, I have always enjoyed our talks. One interesting story after another, all with a comical twist and laugh. I always came away with a better appreciation and understanding of “why things are”, or were, in our hobby.
Jim has a neat thing he does on Woodyboater posts: He will answer in first person as if his dog, Jaxon, was making the comment and include a funny picture of Jaxon, too.
So, if you are looking for parts for your “inboard” classic wooden boats, visit www.finewoodboats.com or call Jim at (815) 344-9663.
Plus, don’t forget that many of the big winter boat shows around the Great Lakes also 
include a nice display of classic boats for your enjoyment – and relief from the winter blues. Check them out and thank them for going through all the hassles of getting their classic boat to and from the show. If you want to include your boat in their show next 
year, talk to someone at the display.
I’ll see you around the various winter boat shows this winter. Stop by a Great Lakes Scuttlebutt booth and say “hi”; Erik and I would love to hear from you.
This article first appeared in the Winter Issue (Jan/Feb) 2019 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Antique & Classic Boats, Service & Repair
