NOTES:
We received a nice letter from Sam Strickland of Peckville, PA regarding his family’s racing history. Sam’s grandfather, Charlie Strickland was the founder of the Strickland Boat works from Long Beach Island, NJ. They had a well-known reputation for first class workmanship and were indeed skilled craftsmen. They built many fishing skiffs and work boats that were ideal for the area. Charles Jr., Sam’s father was exposed to boats and water early by being born into a family of boat builders. Charles Jr began racing in Skeeter Bug, a Crosley powered 48 cubic inch class hydro. In the early 50’s Jersey Speed skiffs were  produced at the boat works for race and pleasure. At the same time, Charlie drove his Jersey skiff Skeeter Bug II JS-94, to many victories. “The next class of racing was in the 225’s, which Dad cites as his favorite.” Charlie raced the Sooy hull named Unicorn. “He says he won everything entered with this boat including the Bill Rogers Memorial Race (Presidents Cup Regatta), in Washington DC” Charlie moved on to the 266 class, with a Charlie Lloyd built Unicorn. At Norristown, PA, this boat propelled  Charles into Gulf Oil Co.’s 100 MPH Club. Charlie’s love of the sport still continues today. Presently with his son Sam, they enjoy racing a skiff Chiro 1 (also JS-94) which is very competitive. Together they are preparing their skiff and looking forward to racing this year at Red Bank. This will be the Eastern Divisionals and a celebration of the 50th running of the racing skiffs at Red Bank.
 Via E-mail, I received the following question from  Ed Thompson III of Perry Hall, MD. “What does it take to become Hot Boat of the month?” Answer: Ideally, I need an 8 x 10 black and white picture of the boat and a short summary of its racing history. An example would be the people involved owner, driver, mechanics, crew, the year championships were won, records set and designer, builder of the boat, Racing name and so forth. This information needs to be mailed directly to my home address listed in this Propeller magazine.
  Ed goes on to tell us about how they recovered the now beautifully restored T.M. Special. “My father and I went to the 1st Annual Clayton Regatta several years ago in search of finding his famed C racing runabout TM Special. By luck someone saw a boat that looked like the one in our pictures in a NJ barn. Could it be? Yes, after 5 years of searching we found her! Now professionally restored by one of the best in the business, Larry Lauterbach. She is back on top of her class. This 1946 Pop Glazier Inboard racing runabout deserves her place in the history with APBA holding 10 known world records.” 
 Yes Ed, I certainly agree that Ed Thompson Jr.’s boat the T.M. Special does qualify for a Hot Boat of the Month. I am looking forward to receiving a picture from you. These guidelines apply to all members of our APBA family. Remember that all your pictures will be returned if so requested.

CHALLENGES:
Rick Montague of St. Petersburg, FL presents us with a unique problem. He has an 148 C.I.D. Flat-eight marine engine that he is trying to identify. See the picture on this page. The engine has 8 cylinders horizontally opposed in two banks of four. 2 valves per cylinder. There are no markings on the motor. Most of the accessory parts date to the late 20’s or mid 30’s. All threads on the motor are American. This motor is outboard looking in appearance, but more than likely an inboard/outboard drive. It appears that the propulsion in a pulling type of propeller, with a hinged flap or rudder used for steering. Internally it has unusual leaf springs used as valve springs. The connecting rods are both on the same journal, fork and blade type. One rod is tubular, and the other rod is beamed. In my opinion, this configuration shows an aircraft design influence. Anyone with knowledge of this engine or a similar type engine that raced in the thirties please contact Rick at (813) 821-5251. 
 Charlie and Sam Strickland are looking for the Unicorn 225 and the Unicorn 266 to restore and enter in the vintage events. Dick Sooy told them that the 266 was in Michigan. If anyone has information, please call Sam at (717) 489-2800.

RACE SITES:
 September 6th  Clear Lake, Iowa   Tentative. Contact: Jim Cummings Home Number(612) 391-6280.

DETROIT RACE REPORT: 
The 90th running of the Gold Cup was at best done under very trying conditions. The weather was horrible. It was blowing and raining for four days straight. We want to thank all the vintage members who attended the Regatta. Their patience was above and beyond the call of duty. The vintage boats only were able to run once and that was on Sunday. Mark Edmonson will give us an updated report for the next Propeller publication. I want to thank Mark, for the many hours that he put into this vintage portion of the Detroit Gold Cup Regatta.

VIDEO:
Available thru the Vintage Division of APBA is a 30 minute video of the Antique Race Boat Regatta ‘96 Clayton New York. This is by far the best of the three race boat regatta videos. Interesting underwater prop shots, dramatic helicopter footage, interviews of racing friends, bow mounted cameras, professionally produced by Matt Heinman. The price is $30. Send your check, payable to APBA, and your mailing address to Libby at the APBA offices. This video is a must have! I have previewed the video and it is excellent!!

VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH: 
YANKEE DOODLE JR. 1-US. Jon Culver’s 1953 D class Stock Outboard Swift Hydro. Jon, formerly of Dayton, OH, now residing in Sarasota, FL drove the Yankee Doodle Jr to a 1953 National Championship. Jon, a retired driver, is an APBA official and Offshore Referee. This picture of Jon and his treasured boat was taken by photographer, Phil Kunz, at the 1994 Clayton NY Antique Race Boat Regatta.

©1997 Tom D'Eath