” Our Limestone spent 15 years chasing Walleye all over Lake Erie before we bought it. “
Flex Day, Limestone 24’
Interview with the Captains – Norm/Janet Lothrop
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Limestone?
Norm grew up in a sailing family, and always thought he would own his own sailboat one day. His grandfather, Milt Osgood, worked at Graves Yacht Yard in Little Harbor and his uncle, Bruce Dyson, is a noted IOD sailor. After many years of racing IODs with his uncle, he realized a power boat would be more convenient for the family. He always admired the EYC race committee boat which was a Limestone, so the purchase was inspired!
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Honestly, we didn’t look at any other type of boat. Norm knew he wanted a Limestone someday and with two small children at the time, being able to come to shore quickly with a powerboat was important.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
Our Limestone spent 15 years chasing Walleye all over Lake Erie before we bought it. In 2002, Norm found our boat on eBay and drove out to Ohio to pick it up. The previous owner gave Norm all of his fishing gear when we bought the boat because he was retiring, which prompted the sale of the boat.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
We did a lot of work the first year, re-did all of the teak on the boat because the previous owner had used olive oil on it. We replaced the seats, and added in the bench seat in the back as well as adding the swim platform for our children. We added the closed cooling system since it had always known fresh water prior to our purchase. Over the years, the engine, a Mercruiser 5.7L with an Alpha One drive has been rebuilt, we’ve also replaced the outdrive and we painted it to it’s current color.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Classic lines and solid construction.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
Norm comes from a sailing family, having sailed with his grandparents and parents as well as his aunt and uncle. He raced with his uncle Bruce Dyson in the IOD class for many years and now sails and boats for pleasure.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
We were lucky to have access to the waterfront with Norm’s grandparents and parents and our boat is just offshore from their property. When Norm’s parents retired to North Carolina and sold the property, we started using Amy and Brendan Sheehan with Mid-Harbor and their service is great!
What boats have you previously owned?
None personally, although the family has always had sailboats.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
We like to relax on our boat, occasionally fish from it and enjoy going to Manchester for ice cream.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
We have used many people over the years to help with our boat but have found that Dion’s takes great care of us.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
With any older boat, joining Sea Tow is important – we have had to use them a few times over the years.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Limestone like yours?
Make sure you find a good mechanic to help you if you decide to buy an older boat.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Norm works for the Department of Defense and used to work a schedule that gave him a “Flex Day” every other week. When it came time to naming the boat, we thought it was perfect since he would be spending time boating on his flex days.
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Flex Day!
