ALAN HALE TO SKIPPER BOAT SHOW

It’s been 22 years since he first piloted the SS Minnow, the ill-fated craft that stranded the seven castaways of television’s zany “Gilligan’s Island.” But wherever actor Alan Hale Jr. goes these days, he’s still greeted with shouts of “Hey, Skipper.”

In production for just three years beginning in 1964, the series went on to phenomenal success in syndication and can still be seen daily in many areas of the country. “It more or less gets to be indelible in their minds,” Hale says about his role as the Skipper. Because of what he calls the “intimacy” of television, Hale said he is treated by strangers like a member of the family. “I’ll never be alone in this world,” the actor says.

Although he says he is really more of a golfer than a sailor, Hale makes the most of his nautical image. Beginning today, he hosts the 18th annual Anaheim Boat Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

It is Hale’s lingering image as the friendly, outgoing Skipper that caught the attention of H. Werner Buck Enterprises, presenters of the Anaheim Boat Show. This will be the sixth straight year Hale has served as host of the show, which continues through Sunday3.

The son of actor Alan Hale Sr. and silent screen star Gretchen Hartman, Hale started in movies in 1940. He appeared in two television series before “Gilligan’s Island”--”Casey Jones” and “Biff Baker, U.S.A.” Until recently, he was more involved in the restaurant business than acting, but now Hale has found a new lease with guest appearances on several TV series. “I’m delighted to say that my career seems to be reactivating,” he said. He is also active in celebrity golf tournaments and other charity events.

The Anaheim Boat Show features displays of powerboats, inflatables and water sports equipment, as well as information on recreational lakes, resorts and houseboat vacations.

As host of the show, Hale will greet the public, pose for pictures and sign autographs. “I’m just a friendly person on the floor who goes out and meets the people who come to the show,” said the actor. “I’m ‘Mr. Friendly.’ ”

Show hours today through Friday are 3 to 10 p.m. Weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $2 for children 6 through 15 and free for children under 6. For information, call (714) 999-8900.