NOTES:
As Vintage and Historic chairperson, I received
a very nice letter from Charles Peet of Jackson, WY. Charles says: “My
grandson, Zach Kelchner, lives in Ft. Lauderdale and has shown a great
interest in boat building and has a natural mechanical ability. I spend
most of the year in Jackson, Wyoming but migrate to Florida when the temperature
is sub-zero. So this fall, I suggested to 11-year-old Zack, that it might
be fun to build a boat in a warehouse I have in Ft. Lauderdale. He was
all for it, right off the bat and in short time we settled on the Classic
“B” runabout kit from Sorensen Woodcraft.
We ordered two kits, I would build one
and Zack would follow me and build his following my sometimes-good example.
I returned to Florida the first of January and we worked out a work schedule,
which was 4 hours after school, 4 days a week. We started by building our
worktables, then erecting our jigs. After that it was cutting, gluing,
fastening and fitting. Later, sanding and sanding, varnishing and painting
became the order of the day.
At this point, I must say that Zack has
the patience to spend long boring hours doing the numerous time consuming
tasks that seem to show very little progress. He had his 12th birthday
in February, about the time he was starting to skin his boat. At the same
time, we were getting an engine ready that would be good for a beginner.
I selected a 1953 Evinrude 15 hp Fast Twin as it has forward-neutral-reverse
gearing. Later, he may want a Mercury KG-7 like the one I obtained for
my boat.” This winter, Charles and his grandson each completed building
a Classic “B” outboard racing runabout. Both boats were launched and tested
on May 16th. Our congratulations go out to Charlie and Zack for a job well
done. We are looking forward to seeing their vintage raceboats at one of
our APBA Vintage events. For a lot of time and a little money vintage boating
can be a lot of fun.
VINTAGE TRIVIA:
Sam has emailed our first outboard trivia question:
What was the first outboard advertised as a racing model? What was the
year?
CHALLENGES:
Gary Cotter of Pinckneyville, IL is looking
for any old Jones conventional 225/266 cubic inch hydroplane in any condition
or plans. Gary owns the vintage Miss Bonnie hydroplane and likes
the look of the early round deck Jones. If you can help, he can be reached
at 618-357-2769 or email: garbon@onemain.com.
REGATTA SITES:
July 27 - 28 Waterford, MI: Quake on the Lake,
vintage flybys Contact Bob Dabrowski 248-827-6673 or robert_dabrowski@cushwake.com
August 2 - 4 Seattle, WA: Pemco Classic, Vintage
Unlimiteds only. Contact Dave Williams 206-794-9453 or email: DDW@aol.com.
August 9 - 10 Lake George, NY: Vintage Powerboat
Regatta. Contact Teri Hoffman at 518-371-8683 or email: thoffman@lk-george.com
August 16 - 18 Clayton, NY: Antique Raceboat
Regatta. Contact Charlotte Yehle 315-686-4104.
August 24 - 25 Celina, Ohio: vintage flybys
Contact Mark Weber email: IRCWEBER@AOL.COM
Sept 6 - 8 Buffalo Launch Club - Vintage Contact
Bill DeGlopper 716-773-6093 or email: squeegeede@adelphia.net
Bill Mattocks’ West Coast Report:
In the years between 1947 and 1959 Boat racing
in Region 16 and 18 was great. We ran with what we had in the 40’s until
we really got organized with APBA. We ran like gangbusters during those
years! In any race there could be a 135 hydro, 48-ci hydro, a “B” racing
run-about, and a dozen outboards of all kinds running in the same heats.
Whenever an outboard passed an inboard, they made sure to let you know
they were there by soaking you, but it was all in fun!
Around 1940 John Forster was our prime
boat builder. He built boats to perfection. The boats he built included
135 hydros, 48 ci. hydros, “B” In-boards, and many “E” racing runabouts.
John’s boats were competitive any place they were raced. We had some real
top racers in Region 16 when we entered APBA competition. Their presence
was made known at whatever meet they attended!
One of the fastest “B” Racing runabouts
in the country was built by John. It was called the Ghost Ryder
and was owned by Marty Bossen. This boat has an inboard/outboard drive
with a push/pull set of props. It was designed by Marty’s brother and they
even applied for a patent for it. When the “B” record was at 60 mph, this
boat was running 64 mph in Denver. That’s 5,280 feet above sea level! When
the boat was taken to Salton Sea for a record run, the push/pull torque
at the drive made the boat rollover, half way through its run. The driver
of the boat at that time was Lyn Campbell. The boat was never taken back
to sea level. What a shame.
Region 16 was blessed to have Mr. H.Burr
Coleman represent us with true distinction. He was dedicated to the growth
and development of APBA in Colorado and Wyoming. Not only was he on APBA’s
Council and our representative but he also traveled the entire Region at
his own expense.
Beginning with the 50’s, all the inboard
classes were well represented, in addition to some of the outboard classes.
Racing was truly a joyful hobby to become involved in. Everyone set out
to have a pleasurable Sunday and it really worked! Many thanks to all of
those folks who helped pioneer APBA racing back in those days.
I was proud to be part of the 135 class
with great drivers like John Forster, Fred Curtis, Lyn Campbell, and Charles
McBride. I intentionally mention these men because of their dedication
to good clean boat racing!
We had many 48 ci. hydro drivers and
two of then were tops in the country. Harvey Stusta and Eddy Murry could
run with anyone. My hat is still of to these warriors.
In the “B” racing runabouts we had Ted
Mayer. He was a college professor and a very competitive driver. In the
“E” racing runabouts we had Orville Todd. Believe me, they didn’t call
him “Charger” for nothing! It was my pleasure to know all of these men
as great drivers and dear friends. They were all tops and I could write
a book about our racing experiences.
I just want the drivers of today to know
about the first class individuals who preceded them. I know if they were
all still here today they would wish the best to all of you now. Thanks
to Tom D’Eath and his great work we get to read about many of the days
gone by. If I get the ambition later, I could write about many more drivers
and races of the 50’s, and pay tribute to many more of these fine folks!
From the drivers of the little “J” outboards to those of the Gold Cups,
I know deep down that all of these lovely people feel the same way I do.
All these folks belong in the Hall of Champions. Period. To all: Good Luck
and many happy days of future boat racing!
REPORTS:
If you haven’t visited Phil Spruit’s website
www.vintagehydroplanes.com,
you need to take the time and do it! The following is excerpts of Phil’s
“Vintage Raceboat State of the Union” address:
“I know by reading all the e-mail’s I receive
everyday, there are lots of people who have a new found interest in our
sport and like to read about these historical items of our past. Seems
like the next generation are finding a new interest in reading about their
grandpas, dads, and uncles, (and grandmas, moms, and aunts) etc. who participated
in the making of all the history. When you look at memberships for the
past 5 years in the APBA reference book, the Vintage & Historic division
is the one "growth" class in the organization that really stands out.
I think this stands in testimony to the fact
that every month since I started the website, just over 2 years ago, that
for most months, visitors to the website surpass the proceeding month.
For the month of May, the home page for The Vintage Hydroplanes achieved
its first ever 5,000 visits to it. Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever
think we would get to this level. So much for the "quiet, little" vintage
class that Tom D'Eath and a handful of supporters started almost 10 years
ago. I hope we can keep the momentum going and look forward to working
with any participant who would like to add to our sport and this website.
Things YOU can do:
1. RACING HULLS- I would like to feature more
hydroplanes and raceboats on the site, especially restoration projects.
For me personally, every time I hear about another hydro dragged out of
another barn, and some good soul is about to embark on a restoration, it
really solidifies our presence and passion. Don't be shy. I knew practically
nothing about restoration of an old boat but the participants to our sport,
to me anyways, have always been non-judgmental and extremely helpful. Everybody
seems to want to see more of these hulls restored and back on the water.
Use their expertise!
2. DATA - Lets keep building on our historical
data collection. What we have started is great, but there are lots of gaps
and missing information that needs to be filled in.
3. OWNERS - If you have a vintage hydro or
flatbottom, and you haven't already, please register your racing hull to
the site, even if you have limited information on its history. This is
not exclusive to North America. We have worldwide hulls registered. We
are just a few racing hulls shy of 100 of 'em in the directory and I know
that there is more out there.
4. PARTICIPATE - If you have some photos, information,
anything; don't just let it sit in an old photo album. Scan some of the
better ones. If you don't own a scanner, get a neighbor or friend to do
it, and send them in.
5. TRY TO MAKE A VINTAGE REGATTA - I know most
of us do not have the time or money to attend ALL the events, but if you
can make one or two, all the better for the sport! For me, Antique, Vintage,
and Historical raceboats is one of the best shows around. I've said it
before, if you have never attended a vintage boat show, to me, it is like
visiting a "working" museum. Don't miss our granddaddy of them all, The
Antique Raceboat Regatta. It's more fun than a human being should be allowed!
6. JOIN THE APBA VINTAGE & HISTORIC DIVISION:
Memberships are available on this website! Regardless of what past experiences
you may have had, this is the oldest and most established racing club for
our sport.”
To read Phil’s letter in its entirety,
go to the above mentioned website's messageboard.
VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH:
Grandpa Charlie Peet in his Mercury powered
B-14, and grandson Zack Kelchner in his Evinrude powered B-12, splashed
down on May 14, 2002.
©2002 Tom D'Eath |
