The really "Old School" boating thread

[gn7]

It's funny you bring that up Bob, because I just ran across that pic and I had to look twice because I always thought of that boat as a dragster. Then I thought a little more remembering that back then, anything went so ya, not necessarilly a big deal. Lol

I think that was pretty much the way it was. The concept was all so new, that no one idea had defined them. Red Wilson(who owned Clay Smith cams at the time) built Jimmy Bryan, (who won the 1958 Indy), a V drive boat with the driver behind the engine, with a v drive forward, and bottom similar to the D&H Sleds.
Later Rudy built Jimmy Bryan a baddass SK.

Red Wilson was big into boats while he owned Clay Smith cams. He worked for Clay when Clay was killed at a race by his own car while standing in the pits. Red married Clay's widow and ran Clay Smith Cams. In 1965 Red was killed in a "E" boat race at Marine Stadium.

[Sharp shooter]

I think that was pretty much the way it was. The concept was all so new, that no one idea had defined them. Red Wilson(who owned Clay Smith cams at the time) built Jimmy Bryan, (who won the 1958 Indy), a V drive boat with the driver behind the engine, with a v drive forward, and bottom similar to the D&H Sleds.
Later Rudy built Jimmy Bryan a baddass SK.

Red Wilson was big into boats while he owned Clay Smith cams. He worked for Clay when Clay was killed at a race by his own car while standing in the pits. Red married Clay's widow and ran Clay Smith Cams. In 1965 Red was killed in a "E" boat race at Marine Stadium.

That's interesting Bob. That poor lady (Clay and then Red's wife) went through hell it sounds like.

[Sharp shooter]

These things were great if you enjoy face plants.

[Slowride]

Not as long ago as you'd think

[Sharp shooter]

Not as long ago as you'd think

Is that the Stevens jet Mike?

[Sharp shooter]

Big cat owners should enjoy this.

[gn7]

The big Chris Cats and Shadow Cats were the chiznit when they first hit offshore.
Ramos used a 30ft Chris Cat to win his Offshore Championship. They are still cool boats.

30FT Chris Cat


30FT Shadow Cat


Before Gentry got hurt, they use to build these a block down the street from our shop. Loved going down there and seeing these monsters build. Sometimes they would have a twin turbo BBC on the dyno and they tested them like they were trying to break them.
48ft Gentry Eagle/Cougar

[Slowride]

Is that the Stevens jet Mike?

Yup... "gave aired" out new meaning

[WESTERNAERO]

Why is it that most of the old pics of the hydros the transoms are dragging in the water? Were the boats that much different or were the props not creating the lift they have now. Maybe they used to run the props further back? Seems they were all riding this way.

[Sharp shooter]

Why is it that most of the old pics of the hydros the transoms are dragging in the water? Were the boats that much different or were the props not creating the lift they have now. Maybe they used to run the props further back? Seems they were all riding this way.

My theory would be that some of the earlier hydros were just flatbottoms with riding pads added. Either way "most" air traps were small (on some) and the boats were definitely heavier.