Hey All,
This past weekend I was invited to a local family friend's residence to catch up & take a look at a Duckboat that I became intrigued in after being informed it was featured in a news article from October 1941 here on our local Long Island, New York publication of Newsday.
After a few chats a meeting was agreed upon for a cold Sunday morning where I would visit the workshop of Mr. Rich Kopp. Rich having been in the electrician industry for well over 30+ years also was refined in the art of wood working. Rich spent most of his time carving a wide variety of crafts, building furniture and tinkering with the finer detailed projects many would run out of patience for!
So this past Sunday, I brought along my father & uncle to catchup with friends who had not seen each other for nearly 25-30+ years.
The reunion just added to the awe that was about to become even better once the shop door opened. Upon my own amazement I was stunned at the amount of detail, quality and innovative ideas Rich put into this boat. For those that know me I'd have to say this is one of the finest restorations of a vessel I've seen and definitely up to the standards of our legend @SteveSanford.
So the story goes, this boat was originally constructed in the early to late 1920's likely by Benjamin Hallock. The boat is constructed out of white cedar planking 14' in length and defined by the build structure Hallock used back then. The original ownership and how it was obtained is in question yet we know for sure this vessel was owned and operated by George Combs SR. Captain Combs noted as (Combes) incorrect spelling back in the article was a Captain, Waterfowler, Baymen and Rum Runner back in the day. I can say being a Long Island local and documenting the Combs family in depth Capt. Combs was one of the original salty baymen who graced the waters of the Great South Bay. Capt. Combs essentially defined what may have tried to replicate from his decoys, guide service, history of clamming / harvesting the bay he was an all-around "Bay-Rat"..
The boat was featured in an October 1941 issue of Newsday to provide an insight about how the tradition of waterfowl hunting was enjoyed on these local waters. The boat briefly mentioned as the "Grass boat" was seen in a few images provided within the article. Now here comes the interesting story of how it was obtained...
Back in 1981 while Rich was picking up cabinet parts for yet another project locally to him he noticed a gentleman trying to start a chainsaw across the street. Looking at the struggle he walked over to try and assist, to his surprise he saw this craft laying atop a dumpster pile. Intrigued at the design and detailed features he asked what was going on.. the man explained he was going to "cut this damn boat up because it needed to go and took up space" looking at the boat Rich determined the fiberglass that was used over the cedar was de-laminating and in poor condition. Not fully knowing who the man was or the past history of the boat he eagerly proclaimed he would come back with his pickup and take her away begging the man not touch a single board of the boat with that saw!
Shortly after Rich pulled up and loaded this 14' craft into the bed of his 8ft pickup truck and drove it back home for a restoration.... as with many projects in life time slips away and the boat sat for nearly 30 years on the side of his home. However within this time the family (Combs) tracked down the man they heard about who hauled this craft away and identified him as Rich. Rich was then asked if the boat could be borrowed for the Long Island Decoy Collectors show and informed about its vast history within the family. The details of the hunts enjoyed within, the article and even vintage images were shared along with the boat. I don't have an exact year the boat was displayed but it was the same year the club honored Capt. George Combs and his prized decoy works.
Fast-forward to 2026... Rich was ready to showcase his Father & Son restoration project! The complete refurbishment took approximately 2 full-years with help from many friends / family. Rich's son Matt an aspiring writer and local English teacher dedicated many hours alongside his father to make this all come to reality.
Please enjoy the photos below & be sure to visit the boat this March 7, 2026! as the boat will once again make a return to the LIDCA show! Nearly 20+ years later this fine vessel will now enjoy a new look and many decades of continued enjoyment!
We plan on capturing the first hunt with her in Fall of 2026 along with a nice video feature so stay tuned! Exciting stuff for sure... till next time enjoy!
Father & Son: Matthew / Rich Kopp: Proudly displaying the craft!
The Newsday Feature: October 16, 1941: "Day In Duck Hunter Heaven"
The many details including custom paint for this 1976 Johnson 6hp. Awaiting Install...
The Finer Details.... Mahogany "Thatch Rails" & Stainless Custom Bow Loop
These Oversized Custom Grab Handles (Designed With Large Glove Grip In Mind) (4) In Each For Ease of Movement..
Another custom addition, this mahogany kick-board seat, provides a comfortable advantage. *Note the custom spray-shield overhead
Fully adjustable made possible by a stainless threaded rod that affixes to (6) separate adjustment angles..
A closer look at this custom overhead spray-shield, a unique idea to lay cover & provide comfort...
Another Angle...
The Interior offers a complete sealed foam design free of maintenance, water intrusion and spacious cockpit..
Custom Cockpit Hatch (1 of 2) *These hatches were common for Hallock builds
The "Combs" Motor-Board Design, Complete With Stainless-Lock Pin. (This is completely removable) *Motor tucked up and stowed in marsh /tow-boat
Motor Board Removed:
Complete with custom carved stool, 2 black ducks await their first splash alongside the boat! (Carved by Rich Kopp)
The Complete Restoration Captured Within The Pages...
Son Matthew Testing Buoyancy of the boat to ensure a safe ride!
Rich's eye for details were not overlooked even on this custom trailer setup..
Another fine detailed project awaiting completion within the workshop...
Custom Tow & Mooring Lines In Fabrication...
Reunited once again!
COME SEE THE BOAT AT THIS YEAR'S SHOW EXHIBITION!
This past weekend I was invited to a local family friend's residence to catch up & take a look at a Duckboat that I became intrigued in after being informed it was featured in a news article from October 1941 here on our local Long Island, New York publication of Newsday.
After a few chats a meeting was agreed upon for a cold Sunday morning where I would visit the workshop of Mr. Rich Kopp. Rich having been in the electrician industry for well over 30+ years also was refined in the art of wood working. Rich spent most of his time carving a wide variety of crafts, building furniture and tinkering with the finer detailed projects many would run out of patience for!
So this past Sunday, I brought along my father & uncle to catchup with friends who had not seen each other for nearly 25-30+ years.
The reunion just added to the awe that was about to become even better once the shop door opened. Upon my own amazement I was stunned at the amount of detail, quality and innovative ideas Rich put into this boat. For those that know me I'd have to say this is one of the finest restorations of a vessel I've seen and definitely up to the standards of our legend @SteveSanford.
So the story goes, this boat was originally constructed in the early to late 1920's likely by Benjamin Hallock. The boat is constructed out of white cedar planking 14' in length and defined by the build structure Hallock used back then. The original ownership and how it was obtained is in question yet we know for sure this vessel was owned and operated by George Combs SR. Captain Combs noted as (Combes) incorrect spelling back in the article was a Captain, Waterfowler, Baymen and Rum Runner back in the day. I can say being a Long Island local and documenting the Combs family in depth Capt. Combs was one of the original salty baymen who graced the waters of the Great South Bay. Capt. Combs essentially defined what may have tried to replicate from his decoys, guide service, history of clamming / harvesting the bay he was an all-around "Bay-Rat"..
The boat was featured in an October 1941 issue of Newsday to provide an insight about how the tradition of waterfowl hunting was enjoyed on these local waters. The boat briefly mentioned as the "Grass boat" was seen in a few images provided within the article. Now here comes the interesting story of how it was obtained...
Back in 1981 while Rich was picking up cabinet parts for yet another project locally to him he noticed a gentleman trying to start a chainsaw across the street. Looking at the struggle he walked over to try and assist, to his surprise he saw this craft laying atop a dumpster pile. Intrigued at the design and detailed features he asked what was going on.. the man explained he was going to "cut this damn boat up because it needed to go and took up space" looking at the boat Rich determined the fiberglass that was used over the cedar was de-laminating and in poor condition. Not fully knowing who the man was or the past history of the boat he eagerly proclaimed he would come back with his pickup and take her away begging the man not touch a single board of the boat with that saw!
Shortly after Rich pulled up and loaded this 14' craft into the bed of his 8ft pickup truck and drove it back home for a restoration.... as with many projects in life time slips away and the boat sat for nearly 30 years on the side of his home. However within this time the family (Combs) tracked down the man they heard about who hauled this craft away and identified him as Rich. Rich was then asked if the boat could be borrowed for the Long Island Decoy Collectors show and informed about its vast history within the family. The details of the hunts enjoyed within, the article and even vintage images were shared along with the boat. I don't have an exact year the boat was displayed but it was the same year the club honored Capt. George Combs and his prized decoy works.
Fast-forward to 2026... Rich was ready to showcase his Father & Son restoration project! The complete refurbishment took approximately 2 full-years with help from many friends / family. Rich's son Matt an aspiring writer and local English teacher dedicated many hours alongside his father to make this all come to reality.
Please enjoy the photos below & be sure to visit the boat this March 7, 2026! as the boat will once again make a return to the LIDCA show! Nearly 20+ years later this fine vessel will now enjoy a new look and many decades of continued enjoyment!
We plan on capturing the first hunt with her in Fall of 2026 along with a nice video feature so stay tuned! Exciting stuff for sure... till next time enjoy!
Father & Son: Matthew / Rich Kopp: Proudly displaying the craft!
The Newsday Feature: October 16, 1941: "Day In Duck Hunter Heaven"
The many details including custom paint for this 1976 Johnson 6hp. Awaiting Install...
The Finer Details.... Mahogany "Thatch Rails" & Stainless Custom Bow Loop
These Oversized Custom Grab Handles (Designed With Large Glove Grip In Mind) (4) In Each For Ease of Movement..
Another custom addition, this mahogany kick-board seat, provides a comfortable advantage. *Note the custom spray-shield overhead
Fully adjustable made possible by a stainless threaded rod that affixes to (6) separate adjustment angles..
A closer look at this custom overhead spray-shield, a unique idea to lay cover & provide comfort...
Another Angle...
The Interior offers a complete sealed foam design free of maintenance, water intrusion and spacious cockpit..
Custom Cockpit Hatch (1 of 2) *These hatches were common for Hallock builds
The "Combs" Motor-Board Design, Complete With Stainless-Lock Pin. (This is completely removable) *Motor tucked up and stowed in marsh /tow-boat
Motor Board Removed:
Complete with custom carved stool, 2 black ducks await their first splash alongside the boat! (Carved by Rich Kopp)
The Complete Restoration Captured Within The Pages...
Son Matthew Testing Buoyancy of the boat to ensure a safe ride!
Rich's eye for details were not overlooked even on this custom trailer setup..
Another fine detailed project awaiting completion within the workshop...
Custom Tow & Mooring Lines In Fabrication...
Reunited once again!
COME SEE THE BOAT AT THIS YEAR'S SHOW EXHIBITION!
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