CHALLENGES:
Bill Clack of Auburndale, FL is presently building a reproduction of Paul Sawyer’s 266 cubic inch hydro, Alter Ego. His challenge is “Does anyone remember what were the colors of the boat?” Bill needs this information to complete his project. His number is (941) 967-4647.

VINTAGE TRIVIA: 
Ernie Dossin III whose family owned the Miss Pepsi racing team from 1947 thru 1956 wrote: “I remember my Dad talking about the trip West (to Seattle) with the boats SUCH CRUST, MY SWEETIE, and our MISS PEPSI all traveling together. It took a week to get the boats there, and the trek over the mountains was slow, dry and hot. They had a car that they would use to go ahead and have a meal and wait for the caravan to catch up. Going over the mountains, they were often only able to go 4 mph for miles on end. When they finally got there, Dad said that the boats were a mess, dried out with dust over everything. I know that when MISS PEPSI got back to Detroit, Dad and (driver) Chuck Thompson had it sent immediately to Les Staudacher’s shop to be refinished and to have the hull tightened. Dad said that Les had to do some serious realigning of the hull to get it back in shape.”

SPECIAL REPORT: 
While we were out west, Jeff Magnuson was finishing up the Miss America VII project. Jeff informs us that on July 2, the Miss America VII Replica was launched for the first time. Christening with a couple of bottles of champagne (consumed, not broken over the cutwater), the first test firing of the engines in the water and initial test runs took place at West Alton, NH on Lake Winnipesaukee.
 Though generally successful, early runs revealed serious propeller shaft whip. This situation was immediately addressed with additional shaft supports paving the way for the second test run at Hammondsport, NY. July 16 through 18 on Keuka Lake. This series of runs proved more successful.
 Throughout the Winnipesaukee and Keuka testing more than thirty people were given rides and a half dozen took a turn at the controls. To date the boat seems to be fulfilling the plan admirably. Top speed, even at its substantial 9,200-lb. displacement, should be in the 75-mph range. Considering the reduced engine size and power as compared to the original, this is pretty much as expected.
 The remainder of the 1999 season will be spent reworking as necessary and enjoying additional test runs. It is planned that Miss America VII will participate in a major APBA Vintage celebration at the Detroit Gold Cup in July of 2000, as well as being in attendance at the Antique Raceboat Regatta 2000 in Clayton, NY in August. Jeff & Barb extend a heartfelt thanks to all the many people whose efforts helped bring this considerable project to a successful “beginning.” 

VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH: 
Miss America VII, U-14, with Jeff Magnuson at the controls, running at speed on Lake Winnipesaukee. Miss America VII certainly appears to be performing exactly like Gar Wood’s early Miss America’s.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Colonel Robert O’Mara who was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Oh designed and built this 135 cubic inch experimental hydroplane sometime after WWII. The hull was constructed of aluminum and magnesium. The boat was powered with one alcohol burning modified Ford V8-60 with 2 carburetors. Colonel O’Mara’s (shown on the left) objective was to set a world straightaway record for the class. As the picture shows this cabover boat has a capsule over the driver. To my knowledge the forerunner of the modern capsule boats of today. Photo credit: John Culver

©1999 Tom D'Eath