The Vintage Hydroplanes

Dave R. found this on the internet. Note the big aircraft engines. The ‘Sea Sled’ name sounds like a good description for the hull. The boat reminds me of the thrill jet boats that I’ve taken at tourist destinations. Big motor in back with a few church pews in front for all the paying customers.

The Missing and Deadly Miss Thriller
Miss Thriller, a 28-foot Sea Sled was returning to the docks at Arnolds Park Sunday night July 28, 1929, with 17 aboard when she was struck and sank by another passenger boat, Zipper. Nine passengers aboard Miss Thriller died in the accident. She sank in 90 feet of water more than one-half mile south of Dixon Beach. Miss Thriller was pulled to the surface, towed to Terrace Park Beach and hauled onto shore July 3, 1930 to salvage her twin airplane engines. What happened to her hull is not clear. Some say she was put on exhibit at fairs and carnivals. Other say a grieving parent doused her with gasoline and burned her up. There doesn’t seem to be a written account to confirm either story. There are, or were, other craft on the bottom of West Lake Okoboji.

Yep, sounds like the right boat from the description. Regards, Dave Richardson

Brian Blazer has completed another beautiful reproduction of another famous hydroplanes in stunning detail for Richard Landaiche. Richard told me “You know, my dad has been battling some medical conditions the last few years but when he saw the boat, he lit up. It’s been 3 hrs now and I think he is still smiling”.

Richard Landaiche has been looking to find his father’s original Wickens built hull for years. If your not familiar with it’s history, click here.

Until that day arrives, I would think he’ll certainly enjoy running this Belle from ashore. Click here to visit his webpage which has more photos and a must watch short video clip as they fine tuned & conducted a few more shake down runs of the model since the video clip that was posted on the “Models” board a few weeks back.

BABY JUNO II in Italy.

Is this the same Juno I saw at Dora years ago? If it is…some hydros really get around! Also, I always wonder about the origin of boat names…….
Juno has many meanings but probably the most well known is the ancient Roman goddess. Anyone know if this was the meaning for this famous Ventnor?

This is the newly rebuilt Packard almost ready to go back in the Antique Boat Museums 48 foot “runabout” Pardon Me.  She simply purrs now at a 400 rpm idle.  About 1650 HP and burns 50 gallons of AVGAS at 2100 rpm.  Look at the camshafts.  Design on this monster engine started in 1934.  She weighs in about 3950 lbs including gearbox

Regards
Dave Richardson

Dixie photo from MotorBoating magazine Oct 1909 p4.
Thanks to Dave Richardson for sending in!

1912…Pretty Dam Quick II owned by A. G. Miles testing at speed on the St. Lawrence River just off Alexandria Bay. Winner of the 1912 Gold Cup at 36.8 MPH.
I can see his former summer home from my office window.
Regards, Dave Richardson

Hello,
My name is Pierre and I work for the Rights & Clearance department of Getty Images.
Could you please kindly help me with identifying two clips of speedboats referenced # 254-34 & 254-28 on Getty Images?

Please view the video footage here: They were filmed in 1997.

Ideally, I’d like to get in touch with the makers of both boats. Thanks in advance for your precious help.
Best,
Pierre-Antoine Trossat
Project Manager, Rights & Clearance
Getty Images