This gentleman's raceboat is of typical, one-design raceboats produced by the famous Gar Wood boatbuilders
in Detroit, Michigan during the 1930's-1940's. The motor was placed forward, under it's long foredeck, and
followed by a single aft cockpit. Note the side exhaust ports.
 
 

This photo shows off the the engine bay of Obsession at the Antique Raceboat Regatta 2000 in Clayton, New York.
 
 

These fine raceboats were well built to compete in the occasionally rough water conditions that can occur along the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1000 Islands area of upstate New York. This Speedster has been completely rebuilt with new Honduras Mahogany sides that were varnished black and a new modern epoxy bottom. This raceboat has a new deck that was stained and varnished. Gar Wood's are very sought after by collectors because of there rarity and their truly classic boat lines.
 
 

Room for only the driver and his mechanic tells us of this Speedster's racing heritage. Obsession is well known on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. This raceboat can be seen at the Antique Raceboat Regatta in Clayton, NY. 
Representing the vintage raceboats at The Gold Cup in Detroit, Michigan and at most of the major vintage raceboat shows.
 
 
 
 
Obsession representing one of the vintage raceboats at The Detroit Gold Cup Unlimited Hydroplane Races - July 2000. 
 
 

Bill is also the webmaster for APBA Region 1, New England Chapter of the ACBS and his Vintage Race Boat Shop in Wolfeboro, NH. Bill completed a new, stepped/shingled bottom on this hull over the winter/spring of 2001. Photos along with more details of this challenge are posted on his boat shop link above. I highly recommend stopping by this site because it has many vintage hydroplanes and raceboats featured. Bill is also an active board member of the NH Boat Museum that hosts the APBA Vintage Raceboat Regatta in Wolfeboro, NH, which is only one of two regattas in North America where only vintage raceboats are the featured event. Check it out!

© William E. John III
 
 

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