"Vintage" boats...what do you remember about........

[Derret]

Great post & reading all the histories & memories of so many great people that were in boating over the years.

I think we lived in & thru the best part of history in our time in boating & probably our country also.....I know I did.

My first boat was built in 1947 from a plan set from Popular Mechanics magazine. It was a three point hydro, all balsa wood, OK Cub .099 motor. No Radio control.

I ran it in a round wash tub about 4' ID with the rudder set hard left to keep it on the inside rim of the tub. Made my own props (brass sheet) from the plan set.

Missle Mist ??? % nitro fuel. It run OK usually if I could get it to start! Sound familiar?

Advance a LOT of years & thru gokart racing for some years, street hot rods, in the Army , slot cars, RC car & part making & getting married, to about 1968? (I think).

Friend Rudy Thomas bought 5 A&L Hustler kits & I built one with ST 40 motor, one of my first rods in it & first attempt at a racing carb for it. Ran well when the solid shaft would stay in it! HEAVY BOAT! (but the hot setup at the time)

In 1975 I started RPM Inc. doing all kinds of machining for most anything that came in the door. Formula Atlantic open wheel car racing & motor cycle racing were a big part of the business then. Also the electronic/computer industry was a source of alot of work also.

Of course the RPM con rods were my first product & later carbs, & motor mounts evoled into what I made for the hobby industry.

In the years of about 1975 to about 1990 (approx) I think the mainstays companies of model boating were: Octura, Shamrock Motors, Hughey Products, K&B motors & RPM Inc. & probably a few good boat builders.

I built all kinds of boats over the years; last count showed I have made 20 different racing models, hydros mostly. I'm still old school & like to build wood boats. I can hear the groaning now......

Nothing like pulling the trigger on a fast hydro loaded with 65% nitro & letting it rev forever & sing.......... I still have nitro racing in my blood!

I think the most help I got in my early days in the model parts business came from John Ackerman. That helped alot. I always enjoyed chatting with John (still do) & getting all the latest news from his part of the country.

Allen Hobbs also was alot of help & is right up there with the best.

I made model parts for approx. 26 years (1975-2000) until I retired. I enjoyed most of those years & people that used our products.

Still get calls for RPM rods-

And time comes to relax & let the younger guys 'have at it'!

I still have a scale unlimited hydro(K67) & two O/B hydros. Maybe some day....

Thanks all you guys- it was a great ride- I hope I helped alot of guys thru some hard times & win & set many records-

Dave Richardson

RPM Inc (retired)

 

[jeepers]

this is a really great thread! thanks guys for all the history I really enjoyed it! man it would be cool to hear those geared twin 60s run, anybody have one they could get on video?

Ok anybody know what year the Hot Shot 3.5 full bow (non pickle) tunnel was built? I know a guy who is building one right now!

 

[Bill Gibson]

this is a really great thread! thanks guys for all the history I really enjoyed it! man it would be cool to hear those geared twin 60s run, anybody have one they could get on video?

Ok anybody know what year the Hot Shot 3.5 full bow (non pickle) tunnel was built? I know a guy who is building one right now!

The full bow Hot Shot was the first R/C boat i ever built and ran.......I got mine around 1979, but im guessing the kit came out in the mid 70s....ill have to dig out some of my old Flying Models Mags as i remember seeing the ads for both the boat and the early exhaust throttled K&B outboards..thats what i had on my Hot Shot!

 

[Kez]

The original Hotshot (non pickle fork) came out in the mid 70's (77?) after K&B rekeased the 3.5 outboard. I did not know it was modelled after the full size boat until I saw the real thing in a powerboat racing magazine.

Here is one of my Drag n Fli's. I must have bulit 5 or 6 of these in .20 and .40 size. I seldom modify a kit but on this one I narrowed the non-trip a little after the first one kept blowing over. Built this probably 30 years ago. The engine is a OS .45 FSRM. I painted the boat with Hobbypoxy and even cleared over the decals. Funny thing is I have never experiened the epoxy paint yellowing problem.

 

[Bill Gibson]

The original Hotshot (non pickle fork) came out in the mid 70's (77?) after K&B rekeased the 3.5 outboard. I did not know it was modelled after the full size boat until I saw the real thing in a powerboat racing magazine.

Here is one of my Drag n Fli's. I must have bulit 5 or 6 of these in .20 and .40 size. I seldom modify a kit but on this one I narrowed the non-trip a little after the first one kept blowing over. Built this probably 30 years ago. The engine is a OS .45 FSRM. I painted the boat with Hobbypoxy and even cleared over the decals. Funny thing is I have never experiened the epoxy paint yellowing problem.

MAN! That looks NICE!! Every time i start readin these posts, i get the URGE to pull out my DragonFli 20 kit, or get back to buildin my 20 Pak, or just build AND RUN somethin that was BACK IN THE DAY! As much enjoyment as ive gotten from runnin the the modern stuff, i guess im still something of a Sport boater at heart ...Does anyone even remember just getting together at a pond and runnin boats for the fun of it? Not to get ready for a race, but just to play??

 

[jeepers]

hey thanks for the info on the Hot Shot I will let the guy know.

man it sounds like I missed the great years of racing, to young! the racing you guys describe does not fit what I have seen. and I have been into model boats since I was 13 and am now 31. I used to go with my dad every Sat to a club and and watch and learn.

 

[harvknox]

This is a great thread.It's almost can you top this.Let's try this for vintage boats.My first RC boat was an electric motor powered all wood cabin cruiser,controlled by a single channel vacumn tube transmitter and receiver,operating a rubber band powered escapement on the rudder.The transmitter sat on the ground with a 9' vertical antenna and a push button control.I still have it among the stuff I've built.I also have a White Heat 10 powered by an Ohlsen&Rice gas engine.The engine has a machined water jacket,not a Kool Clamp.It also has an Octura barrel carb,megaphone exhaust,rigid drive shaft,universal joints,and steerable drive .Radio was an Orbit 10 channel vacumn tube reed transmitter with a transister receiver and Bonner Transmite servos.I still run this boat about once a year,and have changed the radio to a JR R-1 system.The boat is all wood including the cowl and has the orginal paint and no clear coat in those days.I broke the starter a few months back and Dick Tyndall(Virginia Craftsman) found an old engine in his father's attic which he sent me.These kind of friendships make me really enjoy this hobby.

At one time I had the thought of having a vintage display at some of the races,or even a few laps around the course for boats that were still in running condition.I never pursued it ,but with the interest this thread has generated,maybe something is possible.The season is just starting,and maybe someone has some ideas.I don't think a demo run is practical at races where the event is pushed to get all rounds completed within the targeted time,but a display could be possible.To do it right,there should be advance planning.Let's hear some ideas if others are interested.

Harvey Liberman

Knoxville Tn.

 

[Andy Greene]

At one time I had the thought of having a vintage display at some of the races,or even a few laps around the course for boats that were still in running condition.I never pursued it ,but with the interest this thread has generated,maybe something is possible.The season is just starting,and maybe someone has some ideas.I don't think a demo run is practical at races where the event is pushed to get all rounds completed within the targeted time,but a display could be possible.To do it right,there should be advance planning.Let's hear some ideas if others are interested.

Harvey Liberman

Knoxville Tn.

Thats an outstanding idea Harvey, I have nothing to contribute as far as old boats to run,

but I sure as heck would love to see a bunch of old school stuff- hitting the water for a few laps....... B)

Great Thread btw guys- even if it did get re-hashed on accident

Thanks HJ !!

Andy

 

[Duck899]

We were talking about vintage hydros last weekend and what we might have in our shops.... But then, Paul Omerzu still runs the supertest. This is a boat built by one of our club members (Dave Arsenault) back in 1976 and originally ran a webra 61. Its now powered by an OPS 67.

Dave (builder)

At last weeks Calgary race....

 

[Al Hobbs]

Where do the years go? Okay, where do the decades go? So many old friends are posting their thoughts on this thread. It has been several years since I last saw Dave Richardson. The first thing I used to do when I bought a new engine was to call Dave and get an RPM rod.

And watching Don Maher run fast at Legg Lake was a thrill. He still does run fast. Steve Muck has been one of my very good friends for 40 years. He helped me out long distance as I tried to get a Northwind running. They did not like choppy water.

My first rigger was a Huey Rigger with a K&B 6.5. That engine ran a short, straight, open pipe. But, the first rigger that really ran well for me was one of the original Crapshooters with an OPS 40. It ran a lot better than I could drive. Of course, I can say the same thing today. One of my goals back then was to meet Marty Davis and race in Indy. After several years I got to do both.

In 1982 I was at a NAMBA District race in Spokane, Washington. That is where I met Ron Ericson and Rod Geraghty. I was running a Steve Muck Streaker with an OS Max 46. Ron Ericson was running away with the class. I asked him what he was running. He said it was an OPS 44. I told him that OPS did not make a .44. Ron said I was right. OPS didn't make a .44, but he did.

That was where I saw the most beautiful wood grain tunnelhull. It was Geraghty's boat. His design redefined outboard tunnels.

We've lost a bit of the old-time personalities over the years. Anyone can buy speed today. Back then you had to do it yourself, or have a really good friend. I was really lucky. I had, and still do have, very good friends in this hobby.

Several years ago, we moved into a new house. Most of my old boats did not make the trip. That is a shame.

Al Hobbs

 

[Bill Gibson]

Where do the years go? Okay, where do the decades go? So many old friends are posting their thoughts on this thread. It has been several years since I last saw Dave Richardson. The first thing I used to do when I bought a new engine was to call Dave and get an RPM rod.

And watching Don Maher run fast at Legg Lake was a thrill. He still does run fast. Steve Muck has been one of my very good friends for 40 years. He helped me out long distance as I tried to get a Northwind running. They did not like choppy water.

My first rigger was a Huey Rigger with a K&B 6.5. That engine ran a short, straight, open pipe. But, the first rigger that really ran well for me was one of the original Crapshooters with an OPS 40. It ran a lot better than I could drive. Of course, I can say the same thing today. One of my goals back then was to meet Marty Davis and race in Indy. After several years I got to do both.

In 1982 I was at a NAMBA District race in Spokane, Washington. That is where I met Ron Ericson and Rod Geraghty. I was running a Steve Muck Streaker with an OS Max 46. Ron Ericson was running away with the class. I asked him what he was running. He said it was an OPS 44. I told him that OPS did not make a .44. Ron said I was right. OPS didn't make a .44, but he did.

That was where I saw the most beautiful wood grain tunnelhull. It was Geraghty's boat. His design redefined outboard tunnels.

We've lost a bit of the old-time personalities over the years. Anyone can buy speed today. Back then you had to do it yourself, or have a really good friend. I was really lucky. I had, and still do have, very good friends in this hobby.

Several years ago, we moved into a new house. Most of my old boats did not make the trip. That is a shame.

Al Hobbs

Time ALWAYS seems to go by fast when your ENJOYING your life Al..... mine feels like a blurr! I still have a bunch of Flying models magazines that go back to 1969...thats where i learned about alot of the personalities in this hobby.....got to meet a few of them over the years....guys like Don Pinckert, who walked me thru setting up my first Rigger.....a 20 Coyote of course, Cal Lange, he helped me set up my first R/C boat...Larry Beals, Jay Maguire, Jack Garcia...i read alot of stuff about Ron Erickson...what a craftsman he must have been....I now have the pleasure of calling Marty Davis my friend...we got together about 2 years ago as we kinda live near each other locally and meet at Norm Doerr,s shop when possible.....i cant begin to tell you how much help he has given to me and MANY others....i watched him one day when we tested my new 20 hydro(his design of course)go from one group to another, assisting in any way he could to help other racers get thier boats running for an upcoming race, spending a great deal of his time working with me......he never even took his own stuff out to test it and he was thoroughly enjoying himself just helping other racers.....im thankful to have met him and now call him my friend before too much more time has passed as aint none of us exactly SPRING CHICKENS anymore! :lol: There really are LOTS of good people in this hobby..........and your right when you say you had to do alot of things yourself back in the day....do you remember reversing the pot wires on a servo just to reverse the throw? Making a strut with brass, stainless steel and silver solder? MAN! weve got it so good now..................or do we?

 

[Andy Greene]

We've lost a bit of the old-time personalities over the years. Anyone can buy speed today. Back then you had to do it yourself, or have a really good friend. I was really lucky. I had, and still do have, very good friends in this hobby.

Al Hobbs

That is probably the single strongest statement in this thread -

Imho .

To me , thats what makes it fun, the friends we gain and the knowledge they pass to us.

I am quite fortunate to run in an area that is chocked full of years and years of experience and knowledge.

To those of you that have helped me out- Thank You.

After I get over being a wipper snapper- I might even listen

Thanks for sharing the memories and stories- keep em coming.

Andy
[/QUOTE]

 

[Jeff Lutz]

All right,check this out. This is Don Pinckert's 1st boat. Before he ever ran a outrigger.My father Bill Lutz took this picture.Dad and Don flew controline speed together over 45 years ago. Don got in the water to launch this bad machine. Look at the straight out launch, the little roostertail just getting Don's shin's wet!!!!!LOL!! Don went into the boat building business full time in 1976 when he built the Gator in kit form. Jeff Lutz

 

[R.J.West]

I'll have to dig around and see if I can find some of my old pics back in the late 80's. I got into fast electric back then and had a small fleet of MRP Miss Bud's & Mr. Pringle hydros. i even had the opportunity to have raced against Ed Hughey a few times in 12 cell hydro. He knew his stuff and I bought plenty of his geared electric drives.

I remember pretty much everybody then were using futaba am attackR 2 channel stick radios. I remember myself and quite a few other guys would readjust the angle of the throttle stick so it would be at a more comfy angle, also we removed the return spring inside for the thottle stick as well....

 

[Andy Brown]

I found this photo posted on the net by Mike Byer.

This Twin 67/80 Mongoose belonged to Past IMPBA President Joe Ingrao. Was powered by OPS 80's with needle rods. Was the 3rd or 4th Twin I built ~ circa 1987.

 

[Ray Sametz]

One of my prize possessions. Joe Boffa brought it back for Fla. think 1993 had to have it. Came with a Rossi 90, when to OPS 90, now has a CMB 80 and she's a runner. Raced it last year and she was strolling.

 

[Bob Morton]

Here is my Dumas hydro. I am going to

Put the OS motor back in it it's a blast from the past (ô¿ô)

 

[Mike Byer]

Andy I still have it, on my list of things to do one of these days.

mb

 

[Patrick Mulvany]

I built my first boat over the winter of 1979 when I was stationed in Bremerton Wa. I pickle forked it according to my Dad's instructions then got a box stock 3.5 K&B that came with two aluminum props in the box. Dad said put a bit of cup in them props and run the best one?? The only tools for cupping was a claw hammer and the balcony railing on Navy Housing! LOL! First prop broke on first tap... Cupped the second and took the boat to the pond I was so excited when I called Dad it runs fast enough to blow over backwards down the backstretch!!! That's when he told me to contact Jerry Dunlap out there in Tacoma, Wa and go play with them guys.. Hooked up with Jerry in early 1980 and have been an IMPBA member since!!

Later!!

Pat

 

[geoffreysherrah]

Two that are very near and dear to my heart is the Steve Muck Lil' Streaker (my first mono) and Don Pinkert's Gator Hydros (dad ran all 4 sizes)

Members around me will remember the "Platypus"...any stories about Lew Pitzen?

Who remembers a "Sundance"...anyone? I remember having one in our shop, but don't remember a thing about it...

Viper Hydro? Bill Wistert design...former world record holder with Bob Shoneau??? Right???

I don't remember too many specifics on these, so feel free to chime in on these, or any others...

Lets revisit our history!

What boats do you remember?

Dad's 20 Hughey Hydro and 40 Gator...circa 1979 (ish)

20hu_40ga.jpg

Thanks,

Garrett