McCall Boat Works

Don Hardy and McCall Boatworks took over a half finished restoration of a 1938 Chris Craft Custom. The original restorer abandoned my restoration project midway thru and left me to find a shop that would take a half done boat and turn it into a work of art. Don was that restorer - he took what looked to me to be a disaster and turned it into a work of art. Along with Noel Weber, he made the project an outstanding success. Not only is Don one of the finest restoration professionals out there, he is also a fine human being. When Don tells you something is going to be done on a date, he is done on that date. He provides pictures and updates without asking. Honesty and integrity are part of Don’s DNA. By the time you are done with a restoration at Don’s shop you not only have a beautiful wood boat but you also have a new friend.

I think the note that I wrote to Don after the completion of Fin & Tonic reflects our overall experience with McCall Boat Works. Thank you Don.

Don, Jason, Paul, Steve, and Yael;

Now that the dust has settled, I wanted to touch bases and let you know what the last year, and especially the last few weeks has meant to Pat and me. We didn’t start this by saying we wanted to buy a boat and restore it. Things changed when we visited Zachary, and saw what would become Fin & Tonic. We were both captivated by that boat, even in the condition she was in.

Over the last year I went from a total novice, to someone who knows a little about classic boating. We’ve had a chance to spend some time together, although not as much as I would have liked. We’ve watched that boat be transformed from a relic stored in a warehouse, to one of the premier classic boats in the nation as the reception at Tahoe proved.

One regret I have is that you all weren’t there to experience the Tahoe Concours d’Elegance. The way that boat was received, and the emotions it elicited from the public was hard to fathom. I was there all day, both days at the dock, talking with the crowd and seeing the response, not only from the public, but from the judges and the professionals in the business. If you would have been there to see that, I think you would have been moved the way I was.

The Friday night awards banquet was a bit of fire drill because of the weather and a venue change, but being recognized the way we were was an incredible feat. Winning People’s Choice the next day was the icing on the cake. I didn’t know this and only found out after the chief Judge pulled me aside and told me, but one boat can only win three awards at the show. For us to win those three, and end up with the People’s Choice for a total of four is something that happens rarely, if ever.

I hope you all are as proud as we are about what we were able to achieve. This is the direct result of what Don, and you all have worked so hard to accomplish. We share these awards and this recognition with you, the people who did the heavy lifting. Without Don and you, this wouldn’t have been possible. As Don has always said, there isn’t a better crew in the business. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

Derk and Pat

Dear Don,
It is very nice to do business with a company that stands for quality. I'm so glad I found Mc.CALLBOATWORKS. When we sail by boat I will send you a movie. Thanks again for replacing the carburettor under warranty.

With best regards
Mario van kilsdonk

I’ve known Don Hardy for many years, however, I never had a wood boat until this year. After moving to the Boise area (from So Cal) earlier this year, one of the first things on my list of “things to do” was to find and purchase a wood boat. Well, I found one in Minnesota. It’s is a 1956 Chris Craft Capri. After receiving the boat here in July, Don referred me to Meridian Automotive for some needed ignition and carburetor work. After that was all done, I brought “Sweet Annie” up to McCall to have Don and McCall Boat Works store and service the boat through the summer and winter. The boat ran great all summer and Don’s service was spectacular, providing launch and landing services when I could not do that. After the summer I asked Don to re-surface and re-paint (copper) Sweet Annie’s bottom. He and the boys at McCall Boat Works took care of that work within a month after the summer season. They did a great job and now Sweet Annie is wrapped up and tucked away for the winter at the Shamrock storage facility waiting for Spring 2022 !
Thanks Don and your crew for all the work this past Summer and Fall, I look forward to many years in Sweet Annie on Payette Lake with your wonderful support and services !

If historical accuracy and quality work are what you're looking for in a boat restoration then Don Hardy at McCall Boat Works is the place. I've worked with Don on a number of customer projects and his level of detail is outstanding but most important is his ability to run a business that combines the quality with detail AND production to final product. I've seen very few in the wooden boat hobby that excel at all three.

McCall Boat Works and Don Hardy’s restoration of our boat, Kenny B, was exceptional. The historical accuracy and attention to every detail was meticulous. Beyond the outstanding restoration, the personal touches from Don are above and beyond. The kindness and service he showed to my family, from a fun family boat ride to a couple of driving lessons, Don went from a recommended boating expert to family friend. We cannot recommend Don highly enough. Kenny & Suz Bolton

I have been in Lake Tahoe during many of the Boat shows over the years and I must say that Don's boats always outshine the competition. He is very meticulous and thorough, while keeping the boats historically correct. I have recently acquired a 59 Chris Craft and I plan on using McCall Boat works to serve as a guide/guru to help with the many questions I may have? As well as purchasing the rare parts I will need to complete my boat.
I can't wait to see what Don bring to Lake Tahoe next year!

We are the next generation "carekeepers" of Don Hardy and McCall Boat Works' incredible Gar Wood Speedster 1935 tribute + recreation build and outstanding classic boat. It is a stunning example of the award winning craftsmanship that Don offers in every antique restoration and each original boat build from McCall Boat Works. Thank you, Don! Tom & Diane Emling

Don Hardy at McCall's oversaw the overhaul of an engine for me that was destined for a boat belonging to the Thai Royal family. I cannot express what a fantastic job Don did and how he worked his tail off to make the overhaul affordable. McCall's has a great support operation and Don is personally a fantastic guy. I can't thank them all enough for their support and continuing check ups on the engine by email.

I have bought two classic boats from McCall Boatworks and they are being maintained by the Company . My experience has been excellent .Not only is Don Hardy very knowledgeable about all things wooden boats, he is also very clear about what owning them entails in terms of maintenance, restoration and repairs . Moreover, the quality of the work produced by his shop is excellent .

McCall Boat Works has been restoring, rebuilding, and maintaining my antique boats for many years. Their work has been flawless with extraordinary attention to detail. If you are looking for perfection, there is no better choice.

Don has helped with a boat that has been in the family a long, long time. He is the kind of guy my father would be happy to know is helping to keep the old boat afloat. Thank you Don for your craftsmanship and care.

Don does top quality work on every boat he touches. Trustworthy and professional.
Always look forward to seeing his work at the boat shows.

Don Did a fantastic job selling our boat for us. It took a little time but Don kept at it until it sold. We highly recommend him.

i needed an engine for my capri, and it was sent promptly, and runs just perfectly. fired right up and idled smoothly, very pleased. very good communication.

Don and the Crew never disappoint. always a good job!

bought a motor that was advertised as " new rebuilt" it was anything but, the carbs were full of sand, the starter and alternator are 6 volt when it was advertised as 12 volt, the transmission slips very badly and needs to be rebuilt. I can't get anyone to call back, clearly big red flag for this vendor.