Americana

The Dutch may have invented “jachting,”

but America took boating to an art form.

Americans, by and large, are an inventive breed: We invented the outboard motor, runabouts, the cabin cruiser, commuters, the stern drive and the convertible sportfisherman. The First Americans invented one of the most enduring boats of all time—the canoe. What could possibly signify freedom more than recreational boating? As Americans, we are free to build a boat or buy a boat and keep it just about anywhere we choose, to toodle around lakes, up and down rivers and go in and out of harbors at will. Ask people what they like about boating and most of them will say it gives them a feeling of freedom. So in this month, where independence is celebrated, we share some truly classic boat bits that celebrate the exuberance of those who shaped our sport in chrome, mahogany and fiberglass. Most photos were made at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York, which will host its 46th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction July 31-August 1.