 MARTINEZ, Calif. (KCBS) -- The late Yankees great Joe DiMaggio, who was born in Martinez, gave the city a gift in 1991 that has since fallen into disrepair. The 22-foot speedboat is now a mess of flaky paint chips, rotted out wood, and rust.
Mayor Rob Schroeder says news about the deterioration caught the attention of a New York city man, who has since agreed to donate $1,000 to get the renovation underway, with the promise that the city bring the boat back to its original condition.
Schroeder estimates it could take more than $100,000 to fix the boat that was given to the Yankee Clipper by a fan in 1949, but he says it’s worth saving.
"These wooden boats are quite pieces of craftsmanship, and if we do it right it's going to have more than just the monetary value to it," said Schroeder.
After it is brought to its original condition, Schroeder says, the boat will no longer be displayed outside at the marina.
(MGO) |
KCBS' Dave Padilla reports
