Flying Turns

Jim Turner of Streetsboro, Ohio found and is restoring a vintage 135 cubic inch class hydroplane. 
No history has been found yet for this hull. Designer and/or builder is yet to be determined. I found the boat in a mechanics parking lot. The previous owner, Jay Carson, stated that his uncle raced it on the Ohio River years ago. He could not recall a name or any numbers. He knew it was built in the 1950's. The hydro was stored in a barn with no motor. The hydro did run with a Ford Flathead. I have most of the hardware, steering wheel and rudder. I will be installing another flathead.
 


Slightly offset, wet sponsons are attached to this hull.
 


A very shallow tunnel is reflected in the bottom of this hydroplane.
 


Jim Fedor is rebuilding the Ford V8-60 Flathead. 
He also does porting & polishing work also and can be reached at 330.274.8589 if you need his services.
 


The dashboad is rebuilt using African Ribbon Mahogany and is being finished natural.
 


Propshaft, foot throttle and shaft log look to be intact. Where's the battens?
 


Epoxy is being applied on the decking.
 
 


The original seat is back from the trim shop.
One of the battery panels ready for the boat.
The panels will bend and fit into aluminum channels.
This will be the name for the boat.

 

The rear cowling fits and is ready for paint.
 
 
A few coats of primer and soon I'll be ready for color coat.

 
 
Everything fits. Color coat is on the boat. The floor has been sanded and coated with varnish. Mechanicals will be installed soon, but first the boat needs to be moved off its trailer so I can work on it.

 
 
The red paint had been sanded and flames applied, then the whole deck has been clearcoated.

I would be very interested in hearing any comments on who the designer and/or builder of this hydroplane may be.
Tracing down her history has been very difficult. There was no names, numbers, or any other distinguishing marks that were present during the restoration work. If you think you know anything on this hydroplane, please drop me an email. Thanks for visiting part 1 of the restoration.
 

The trailer gets sandblasted & painted. The axle was relocated.
 
 


An oil pan was fabricated for the motor by Jim Fedor. 
 
 


After the fabrication of the oil pan, the motor goes in.
 
 


Jim made the zoomies from stainless steel. 
They are sleeved to help minimize turning blue.
Lots of polishing went into them.
 
 


This photo shows the sleeves inside the zoomies.
 
 


 
 
 


 
 


I am making a engine cowl. Lots of work to go.
 


I finally have the boat ready for the water. I have been breaking in the motor and will try it out soon.
 


With the sound of power and it flys, it gives me that Superman feel.


 
 


 
 


Jim Fedor, motor builder, along with Jim Turner suiting up for the boats first shake down run.
 


 


 
 

I would be very interested in hearing any comments on who the designer and/or original builder of this hydroplane may be.
Tracing down her history has been very difficult. There was no names, numbers, or any other distinguishing marks that were present during the restoration work. 
If you think you know anything on this hydroplane, please drop me an email.


© Jim Turner

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