The Fay & Bowen Company was founded in 1895 in Auburn, New York, by Walter Fay and Ernest Bowen, as a manufacturer of bicycle parts. In 1904, they moved their operation to Seneca Lake in Geneva, New York, where they started producing marine engines and motorboats.

This 26-foot Special Launch, hull number 462, was originally built in 1914 and spent most of her early years in the Adirondacks, cruising around the mountain lakes. In the early 1920s, it is believed that the owners of May LaFever returned the boat to the Geneva plant, where the current 16-horsepower four-cylinder engine was installed, the steering and bulkhead was moved rear of the engine, and the engine was covered by the existing deck and hatches. Subsequently, the boat was taken out of service in the late 1930s and stored in Minnesota, where it remained hidden away in storage for many years. It wasn’t until 1996 when this Fay & Bowen was acquired by the current owner that restoration would commence to return May LaFever to her former beauty.

In the early 2000s, the stunning 26-foot Launch underwent a thorough two-year restoration by Danenberg Boatworks, of Manistee, Michigan, that left no plank unturned. Fully completed in May 2004, the work included construction and varnishing of all of the interior furniture, as well as fabricating the upholstery. The entire exterior, including the original topsides and deck planks, was properly varnished and painted. She also received all-new white oak framework. Mechanically, many of the running-gear parts and hardware were cast, fabricated, plated, and installed. The engine was also totally rebuilt, and custom linkages and plumbing were fabricated as needed. As few replacement parts were available, and as it is believed that only two other similar models remain in existence, any missing components required custom fabrication and machining. Most recently, in 2013, she was cosmetically treated to a fresh coat of varnish, paint, clear coat, and brass polish.

The owner of May LaFever, having long been involved in the historic boating hobby, was adamant that the restoration be done correctly and as accurately as possible, regardless of cost. As such, the results and accolades that this boat has earned certainly speak for themselves. Having been shown over a dozen times in two seasons, May LaFever has routinely received 1st place, as well as Best of Shows awards, wherever she was presented. A complete list of shows and awards is available on file.

Having resided in Michigan for a number of years, May LaFever would be a crowning addition to any fine collection of motorboats. Additionally, she includes a custom tri-axle trailer, as well as custom towing, mooring, and storage covers.