Printable View
http://hometown.aol.com/stewsill/Comet.html
There is some bad script somewhere, I couldn't make an auto link work for some reason.
Here's a link to a link that does work:
http://members3.boardhost.com/Outboa...msg/10092.html
Absolutely fabulous!
http://hometown.aol.com/stewsill/ima...%20onehalf.jpg
You're right Sam. Fabulous might not even describe it. I'd sho' like to have one of those. Did they really run the propshafts that low back then?
Yes, "surfacing" props are pretty much a mid and late 50's thing
Willis made a lot of boats and there are still a number of them floating around.
I use to hang out in the Willis shop. It was over close to Fair Park in So. Dallas. I think Pop Willis probably put nails in every boat that left his shop.
c/6
Hooty
Looking at the link, I see it was powered by a Johnson PR-65. Didn't the "PR" stand for "Prop Rider"?
c/6
Hooty
No, PR stood for "P" racing. The Johnson P model was their 30 cubic inch motor. The "PR" was the racing version. The other racing models were "KR" (the A class motor), "TR" (the 40 cubic giant twin racer), "SR" (the B class racer), "VR" and "XR". All of the motors except the XR had a non racing counterpart without the "R" in the model designation.
Really cool boat... Try this link: http://hometown.aol.com/bi11si11/
It's part of the website too...
greg
While attending a local vintage outboard swap meet in NY today, it occured to me that I havent seen any messages on this board regarding the recent passing of Stew Sill. He was a great guy, willing to assist just about anyone who had an interest in the old raceboats, and an outstanding mechanic and craftsman. His Willis Comet was a tribute to his skill and attention to detail, as well as some of his other collection of historic boats and motors. Stew's participation in stock outboard racing went back to the Albany-New York Marathons and local regional and national participation in the 40's and 50's. His stories of the old days and his interactions with Kiekhaefer Mercury were always captivating. He owned and operated a premier marina in Sodus Bay that had an outstanding reputation for service and quality work. Prior to selling the business, his personal shop (museum) was located behind his office, and it was always a treat to go back there and visit with him, admire his boats and racing motors , and to hear the stories of old. He also talked of his involvement in sail racing, and his connections with Americas Cup teams of yesteryear.
Stew was one of those guys who would spend time with everyone whether a long time member, or a newbie who was interested in the hobby.
He will most certainly be missed.
This is a total shock to me to hear that Stew has passed. Can you please advise when he did pass? Only today I received a facebook reminder that his birthday is this week.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark30h
Hi John, the date of his passing I believe was December 17th.
Stewart S. Sill entered into rest on December 17, 2012. He was predeceased by his son Bill, brother Steve, sisters Kaye and Susanne. Stewart is survived by his wife Dawn; daughter and son-in-law Charlene and Stan Fleszar; grandsons Mark (Heather) and Dan Fleszar; sister Elsie (Dick) Visser; daughter-in-law Susan Berman-Sill; sister-in-law Sharon Sill; brother-in-law Gordon Hershberger; and his loving golden retriever buddy, Kimber.
Stew owned Sill’s Marina, Inc. for 43 years. He was a life member of the Sodus Point Fire Department and the Sodus Bay Yacht Club. He was a long time member of the Dog Training Club of Rochester. Stew had a good life sailing and racing his R-boat, Kathea II, all over Lake Ontario and Sodus Bay. He loved racing anything on water, sailboats and antique powerboats, and iceboats during the winter. Golden Retrievers were his great love. He trained and showed many of them in obedience.
He has many friends and we will all miss him. Expressions of sympathy in Stew’s memory may be directed to the Sodus Point Fire Department, or the Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York, Inc. A Memorial Service celebrating Stew’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 21st at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 54 West Main Street, Sodus. A reception for family any friends will be held immediately following. Arr: Norton Funeral Home of Sodus.
none of the links work for me i would love to see it
Thanks PeteQuote:
Originally Posted by transomstand
Pretty good history of Willis Boat Works here
http://woodenboatassociation.com/willisboatworks.html