FRIENDS
No task on a boat is simple, but with the help of some very dedicated friends, it certainly helps to make the difficult job of bringing one back to life just a little easier, including the much needed moral support that these individuals provide.
The beginning of my friendship with Lee started during our ownership of the '66 27' we owned, back in 1998. Who would've thought a leaking transmission would've started what is now a wonderful and growing friendship between two folks who enjoy boating and Commanders. Lee owns a 1966 27' and a 1967 38' Sedan, as well as a 31' Express. Catch the updates on his 38 here.
Rick is one of those individuals who has an effervescent enthusiasm about whatever he gets involved with, and Commanders are no exception. He owned a 31' Express ("Kelly Girl") and now sticks mainly to refining his much-loved Mustang convertible. Get him talking about Commanders, though, and you'd swear he still owns one.
Hailing from Missouri, Tim came to the Commander Club by way of a beautiful 35' Express (1968). Upon meeting Tim, and his beautiful wife Liz at the 2002 East Coast Rendezvous, we instantly clicked, and have developed a great friendship over the last few years. Tim has an incredible sense of humor, and never fails to share it at just the right moment. Tim is a chemist by trade, and along with boating we share a love of good music.
Hailing from Iowa, Chris is an avid boater, and a lover of the "classics". Currently, Chris is the proud owner of two Commanders, a 35' and a 42'. He is selling the 35' in hopes of funding the more of the restoration project he has undertaken in the 42'. With his incredible wife, Julie, the Orphals have become dear friends with whom we have developed a lifelong friendship. Since the Orphals are fellow 42' owners, Chris and I share/compare notes continually and enjoy many worktime phone calls (probably to the chagrin of our employers!).
