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 This is Stover Hire's 56-H, a 1966 B utility boat manufactured by the Hedlund Boat Company of Wilmette, Illinois. Owned by Roger L. Werner of Greenwich, Connecticut. Unique in construction, the hull is a cold-molded boat, made of mahogany. Original driver/owner Stover Hire, of Syracuse, Indiana has accomplished much in his racing career. Stover is a very successful driver in both the inboard & outboard classes. Presently he competes in the inboard classes. WNY racing fans have seen him compete in his Hire Voltage rig at both the Launch Club and at Tonawanda races. While competing in the BU class, Stover was National Champion in 1961, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1971. He was also National High Point Champ in 1964, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70 and 1971. He earned the distinction of US-1 in 67, 68, 70 & 71, and was US-2 in 63, 64, 65, and 1966. He was inducted into the Gulf racing Hall of Fame in 1964 & 1966. In 1966, Yachting magazine named him to their All-American Racing team. During this long and successful run in the BU class, the 56-H was powered by a Mercury Mark 20H conversion motor. Stover actually had 2 of these engines. One was used for everyday races & the other saved just for the Nationals. In testing at the Nationals, it turned out the every day motor was faster, so it was used to win the titles. When Stover eventually moved to inboards, his outboard equipment was sold off. The boat went to Harry Brinkman, Syracuse, Indiana, & the best motor eventually found it's way to Tom Moulder, A&T Engineering, Elk Lake, Mn. Rochester's Jim Hawver purchased the boat, restored it & last showed it at the Clayton 1992 Race boat regatta. The engine underwent a complete rebuild by ace Mercury builder Cooper Jess in the late 80's. It has been in storage ever since. The DeGlopper's were able to purchase both boat & motor and reunite the outfit. The DeGloppers then sold the boat to me and sold the motor to somebody else. I have bought the motor from that person and hull and motor are reunited again! The 56-H has been shown at public appearances at many of the vintage shows. © Roger L. Werner |
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