First Mate

First Mate

Growing up in New Zealand (the land down-under) I spent my summer weekends on the banks of our local lakes and rivers watching my dad and friends race their Crackerbox boats, running with Flat Head Dodge at the time. I dreamed one day of really owning an Unlimited Hydro as we would watch the Griffith Cup being contended between Australia and New Zealand. After moving to Canada in the 1970's settling into family life and a working career, it was time to fulfill my dream. I phoned my life long friend Danny Thompson in New Zealand (Danny's dad and mine raced together) and asked if he could find me a conventional hydro. Not long passed and he found my boat ironically, 1/2 hr drive from my hometown of Palmerston North. I had him ship it over in a 20 ft container and landed it here in Vancouver B.C. in July 2007. I immediately joined the APBA and attended my first vintage event at Pateros, Washington August of 2007. I found all the Division 10 racers very helpful to this new rookie. In fact, Terry Troxel took my boat out to give me expert feedback. I attended (4) Division 10 events in 2008 and have worked out some of the bugs and I am now very happy with how this little gem runs.

The Frame Pack was built by Frank McLeod (a well recognized New Zealand race boat builder) of a Lauterbach style.
The Frame Pack was purchased by Reg Winters of Nelson, New Zealand in 1981 who went on to build the boat.
Reg used the finest of New Zealand native woods to complete this well constructed hydroplane.
Reg ran the boat with a 2.0 litre English Ford, 4 cylinder which he bolted on a home built turbo set up.

Reg had several trophy placements in the South Island where he ran the boat.
It was later sold to Brian Cardiff of Levin, New Zealand. Brian placed the Nissan motor in her that is running today.
Brian ran the the boat in the 2.0 liter & 3.0 liter classes with several notable placements right up to 2006.
16-1/2' ft length. Boat runs a Nissan 2 litre, 170 hp, twin cam, stock motor.

I would still like to find a spare prop, 10 x 16 x 1" tapered shaft or something close. I heard Ricards used to make them.
Scott Schatz from S & S Marine in California had built me the prop I am using now, which works great, and I don't know where I would be without his help.I’ve been running my little Gem “First Mate” since 2007 since I shipped it over to Vancouver BC from( my original Homeland) New Zealand. I have been part of Div-10 Vintage ever since, was Assistant Rep to Jim Olson for a couple of years and have campaigned this Lauderbach design 2:0 litre Hydro at out Local events. My Dad raced a Crackerbox when I was a kid, flat head 6 cylinder Dodge back then. I always loved these boats and last year had the opportunity to buy one locally. This Crackerbox has taken some work to get ready as it sat for 12 years in a barn, but will be running in the 2020 season.

December 2019

I have First Mate up for sale. I did have a lot of positive interest at Mahogany & Merlot this year, but no sale yet. It is a tremendously well built boat, framed from New Zealand’s best Native wood in 1981. With its series correct stock 2:0 liter Honda engine, it reliable, fast, low maintenance & fun to drive. It was featured in the 2019 May / June APBA propeller Magazine. E-mail me at kiwipaul51@gmail.com or home phone number 1 250 554-9800.
Cheers Paul “Kiwi” Russell (MH-40 First Mate)

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