About Us

Ben McCracken has been in all parts of the wooden boat business for over 50 years. He has restored many boats not only from Lake Rabun, but from all across the United States.

 In June of 2022, Rabun County was officially proclaimed the “Wooden Boat Capital of Georgia.” The Senate from the State of Georgia signed this Bill #670 into Senate Resolution to include Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, and Seed Lake. On behalf of Lake Rabun, Ben McCracken accepted this prestigious award representing Rabun County and all three surrounding lakes of Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, and Seed Lake. 

 This inspired Ben along with Forrest Kennedy to establish the Lake Rabun Wooden Boat club. The club will be able to preserve the history of our wood boats on Lake Rabun and any of the surrounding lakes within the county. By starting this club, Ben knows that this will preserve the history of our lake for our younger generations future.

 Forrest Kennedy has been coming to Lake Rabun for over 16 years. In 2015, his family purchased a home on the lake, strengthening his love for North Georgia, Lake Rabun and Wooden Boats.

When he is not selling or managing real estate in Charleston, SC, Forrest takes every opportunity he can to enjoy time on Lake Rabun. More often than not, you can find him tracing the shores in a woody. The Kennedy family has acquired two wooden boats since coming to the lake. The ‘family boat’ is a 1927 Chris Craft Cadet. A few years ago they purchased a 1963 Chris Craft Super Sport. These boats have created timeless memories and have become a major part of the time spent with friends and family while on Lake Rabun. 

While he works in real estate full time, Forrest typically finds time to work with the Lake Rabun Association on lake clean ups, organizing and assisting with events and anything else he can help with. He will always be first in line to do, see, observe and help keep the lake the magical place we all know. Wooden boats have quickly become part of that, originating from his brother's vast knowledge and appreciation of them. 

Forrest is eager to help the Lake Rabun Wooden Boat Club become a turning point for history and enjoyment of wooden boats in Georgia and even the Country. 

 My first exposure to Lake Rabun was in the early ’70’s. I attended Athens Y Camp headed by Coach Mike.  Little did I know when our cabin crested the top of the mountain we would be dipping our toes in Lake Rabun near Mathis damn.  A few years later our family was invited to spend a weekend with the Ingrams.  Bob and  Barbara were fantastic hosts. I stayed in the water the entire weekend.  The lake was cold too.  I believe it was my Baptism to the area.  

A few years later my parents, Jane and Kevin began building their home just a dock down from Bob and Barbara.  Cliff Laurel, as my mother named the cabin, hung on the side of the mountain with the ability to peer either direction down through the Narrows.  Memories from this cabin are many.  In fact,  from my grandfather from Ireland to my cousins' families from North Carolina and Texas, it is the only cabin, I know of, where every member of our family stayed at least one night. 

I have been blessed to have visited several countries and more than half of these United States; however, the majesty of this little lake is and forever will be truly Heaven on Earth.

Robert has been coming to the lake since 2006 with family and friends. After spending years enjoying the pristine waters of Lake Rabun, the Grants purchased their home, affectionately known as “Camp Moonray”. Robert has always had a profound appreciation for wooden boats, proposing to his wife, Lizz, in a close friend's triple. Robert is a Partner at IBM, delegating his time to consulting in the Financial Services Industry. When work, international travel or fishing are not on his calendar, he is typically found putting around in his 1949 Chris Craft, “Co-Conspirator”. His appreciation for wooden boats, love for Lake Rabun and expertise in consulting make him a great fit to lead the LRWBC financially.