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The Whaler community has lost a veteran member.

Rich, aka Binkie, was a veteran owner and a great guy. He will be missed.

Below is a message from Rich's son.

I wanted to let those who remember my dad Richard Messineo ("Binky" "Binkster") that my father passed away last Friday after being very ill for the past year. He was a frequent contributor on the forum although I am not sure he has posted here for the past 5 years. Yes, he had fun being sarcastic at times and got kicked off this forum more than once (which I think he thought was kind of fun). He was also very talented and a kind and loving father. The boats he restored are more than beautiful and I hope that his contributions here have helped some of you with your boats.
He shared his love of boats with me and as his daughter he always encouraged me to do anything I set my mind to. Especially those things that were considered "activities for boys". I will never sell the 13' Whaler that he and I restored together in the early 2000s.
He also restored a beautiful 1960s 13' Whaler named "Sweeet 13" that was sold around 2016.