Runabouts on the River: A Collection of Classics

Where can you get a free ride in an antique custom-built wooden Chris-Craft boat? If it’s going to be anywhere, it’s going to be this summer in Stockton!
The eighth annual Runabouts on the River, presented by the Antique and Classic Boat Society NorCal/Lake Tahoe chapter, takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on June 27, 2026, at the Stockton Sailing Club on the beautiful Delta in Stockton, California. It gives attendees the chance to ride in a runabout and take a little spin on the San Joaquin River.

This event features a large collection of classic wooden boats, including world-class mahogany runabouts and historic Gar-Wood, Chris-Craft and Century models. Many of the crafts are meticulously restored and look like something James Bond would helm.

Mark Manes, who is chairing the event, said Runabouts on the River is a chance to share the chapter’s love of classic boats and cars. “We want to bring awareness to the classic boating hobby, get some new members and share our boats with the community,” he said. “We are especially proud this year to plan on donating a portion of any proceeds from the event to the Sea Scouts of Stockton, the Stockton Sailing Club Youth Foundation and the USS Lucid/Stockton Maritime Museum, which showcases the USS Lucid on downtown Stockton’s waterfront.” Funds from the event also allow the Antique and Classic Boat Society to continue offering programming for the community.

What is Mark’s favorite part of the event? “Definitely the boat rides and the smiles on the kids’ faces as they get to ride in a classic runabout.” The beautiful, sleek wooden boats that owners bring to Runabouts are visually stunning. Some will be docked and boat owners love to share their boat’s history. A car show component features all kinds of classic and antique vehicles.

Eric Koster, who chaired the event last year and is volunteering again this year, said that Runabouts on the River is a rare chance to see beautiful classic boats from the 1920s and later. “There is nowhere else in this region where you can see boats of this caliber,” he said. “The closest experience would be the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance on the west shore of the lake.” Free boat rides are offered up the San Joaquin River and back down toward the Riviera Cliffs by members. It’s about a seven- to ten-minute, short and sweet ride that gives attendees a rare opportunity to ride in a classic wooden runabout, hence the event’s name.

“This year’s event has something the whole family can enjoy, with special kids’ booth and activities just for children that will pique their interest,” Eric said. Runabouts on the River offers free admission and boat rides on the San Joaquin River so that enthusiasts, collectors and the community can enjoy a beautiful day at this event that brings together classic and antique boats, classic cars, hot rods and modern performance cars. There are vendors selling food, drinks and other wares; attendees can listen to live music and buy a beer at the Stockton Sailing Club. A highlight is always the live demonstrations from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s firefighting boat as it shows off firefighting skills.

ACBS NorCal/Lake Tahoe is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and education of antique and classic boats. As one of 53 chapters of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc., based in Clayton, New York, the Stockton chapter has several events each year in multiple locations in Northern California.
Sponsorship and additional vendor opportunities are available. To learn more about this event, to register a car or boat, check out sponsorship opportunities or to request vendor information, visit acbsrotr.com.