Buster Chadwick

Buster Chadwick with Captain Leroy Smith's parakeet "Chico"

    Buster Chadwick was one of the most respected and successful marine surveyors in Florida.  His interest in motor vessels began early as he worked and learned his trade from Francis Edward Mathews at the Mathews' Boat Works from 1924 to 1930.  Buster learned every aspect of boat construction from the machine and joiner shops to becoming chief hull lofts man.  The last boat constructed at the Mathews Boat Works was the "Gay Jane", and Buster was very involved with her construction.  He worked along with his friend Leroy Smith who was the Captain for Mr. L. R. Wasey, the owner of the vessel.  After the construction of the boat, Buster went with Captain Leroy Smith and Lou Wasey to assist in the development of Cat Cay until 1932.  He and Captain Leroy Smith constructed the lighthouse that stands at Cat Cay this day.  

    Buster later became a partner in the Eau Gallie Yacht Basin, Eau Gallie, Florida until the breakout of World War II, at which time he became President and General Manager.  Buster was responsible for vessel conversion and repairs for Maritime, Coast Guard, Army and Navy.  He also supervised the construction of 110 foot sub chasers, 40 foot motor launches and 104 foot Air Sea Rescue Boats.  In 1948 he became the Vice President and General Manager of the Daytona Beach Boat Works, where he laid out and constructed the plant and yacht buildings. Buster moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1950 where he purchased the New River Boat and Engine Works.  The yard was later sold to the Smith Basin and Dry Dock Company.  From 1954 to 1957 Buster became the superintendent of Broward Marine, Inc., building 138 to 172 foot mine sweepers for the United Sates Navy.  In 1957 Buster started his own marine surveying business in Fort Lauderdale, representing many banks and insurance companies.  He was also appointed to the United States Federal Court as their surveyor and arbitrator.  During his years in Fort Lauderdale, Buster enjoyed a half-model of the "Gay Jane" in his office.  This model was given to him by Captain Leroy Smith. The model was originally carved by Francis Edward Mathews prior to the launching of the vessel in 1930.

    Captain Leroy Smith was a lifelong friend of Buster Chadwick.  They spent a great deal of time together in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale.  Captain Leroy Smith was very fond of parakeets and specifically parakeets that talked.  Upon his death, "Chico" the parakeet became the responsibility of Buster and Helen Chadwick, which the picture above clearly enforces.  Buster's wife Helen lives in Pompano Beach Florida. 

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