Midnight Special
The first 8 pictures are as I received the boat about 8 years ago. 
It  was brought to me by Rick Jewett of Jordan, N.Y. (Thanks Rick!). 
The boat sat in my shop for 3 or 4 years before I decided to take the challenge of restoring it.
   This boat was bought in Cascade, N.Y. (fingerlakes region) during the 1980's from Ron Cervin.
Ron purchased the boat in New Jersey in the late 1970"s. It had a Pinto motor when purchased.
The prop on this boat has Jack McMahon's name etched on it. He drove A-37, Miami Belle 2, in the 1965 St. Petersburg Inboard Nationals. He also drove A-45, Tip Toe at the 5th annual Port Indian Regetta in Norristown, Pa. -1958 Eastern National. (picture is in 1958 past programs). The hardware on this boat is hand fabricated, hull builder is unknown. I would appreciate any help in recognizing this boat and racing history, if any. The hull had exhaust  ports on both sides of the hull above the sponsons, indicating it had a Ford 60 motor, stock or modified? Considering all the midnight hours spent on this boat we have named it the Midnight Special.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



The next four pictures show, after removing deck and sponson skins, 
what it looked like after cleaning out the years of wet leaves from being exposed to the elements.
All nose framing, stringers, sponsons and transom needed total replacement.
 


 


The above three photos are after all inside framing was stripped/sanded and nose section completely reframed.

 - Part 2 of the restoration of the Midnight Special - 


new transom ready
 


new keel installed
 


new mahogany combing
 


frames for tail cowl
 


transom in place
 


mahogany sponson frames
 


air traps
 


smiths penetrating epoxy
 


sponson bottom-shoes
 


finished bottom

I would appreciate any help in recognizing this boat and racing history, if any.

© Butch Dreher

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