Gold Coast Marathon

[THE HOGG]

I Recently Came Across A Big Silver Platter That Says "ray E Dodge Award Gold Coast Marathon 1951". I Googled It But Didnt Get Much, Anybody Know Anything About It?

[2us70]

The Gold Coast was the main event for most racers in South Florida. It was a 2 day race which ran 60 miles from Miami to West Palm Beach then back again the next day.There were classes for just about any boat you could imagine. I was fortunate to have run the Gold Coast several times. It was one of great experiences of my racing life.

[Li'l Toy]

I grew up in Fort Lauderdale. My Dad would take us down to the Intracoastal on one of the Marathon days, and I can still remember Dave Craig coming down the water in his Switzer Wing. Or the year that Craig (?) Stella cut down a North American S22 to a low profile, 18' boat powered by an I/O and won.

When I was 13 or 14, we put steering in my Dad's 14' fiberglass skiff, 18 hp pressure tank motor, my brother and I put on our Soap Box Derby helmets and ran in class 1. Little did we know that most of the other boats in the class were little kneel down runabouts half the size of our boat, and way faster.

We finished 9th out of 21 boats in class just by virtue that we finished, and were given an award by Ross Bennett for being one of the last 5 boats to finish. I think around 250 started that Saturday.

Unfortunately, that was the last year the race ran up and down the Intracoastal--a cruiser ran across the course up in Boca Raton, Dell and his then teenage son Duff Daily in an E or F Service runabout (Oh Mona) hit the wake, broke Dell's back and burned Duff--end of permit for the race.

[2us70]

I was in a flat bottom Curtis Craft with a 50 Merc in that same Gold Coast. Ran out of gas and had to bum some from a pleasure boat to finish. Here is a picture of my finish at Pelican Harbor.

[Top Banana]

I think what is being failed to be mentioned here..... is the fact that this race was run on the inside of the Intercoastal.

Imagine from Miami to Palm Beach with the wildest and fastest boats of the day long before there were any kind of good navigation or channel marks ..... you get the picture.

Sam Griffith started it and once drove a 3 point hydro in the race.....but as already mentioned before....... the Switzer wings were the class of the event and stand out in everyones memory.

Many drivers who were new to the area, would find themsleves turning into dead end canals at speed and then trying to return safely to the main intercoastal..... while others were going by at full speed.

Many boats sank due to hitting floating coconuts.

[2us70]

We will never see anything like the"Gold Coast Marathon" again. Too many pressure groups would line up to prevent it today.
I am just glad to have been a small part of this great event.

[lilabner]

Actually the 266 hydros were the class of the event..UNTIL Dave Craig unleashed his Switzer..It was a GREAT EVENT, the likes of which we shall never see again..
Thank the lawyers..

[Tx Guy]

Any LYC members that ran this race?

[seeroy]

The only time I ran GCM, there were over 200 starters. What an incredible experience
Every time somebody posts about GCM, I have to post this photo of start at Pelican Harbor Yacht Club - Steve Sirois

http://i55.tinypic.com/23rahw0.jpg

[seeroy]

I don't know if this is GCM photo. But I do know that this funny looking kid sometimes posts here and that he did run the GCM a few times :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

NO, It's not me.

http://i52.tinypic.com/k3ri8p.jpg

[velox]

The Gold Coast, 9 Hour, 6 hour OPC and the Sandy Shoes marathon were the races to win in S. Florida during the 60's. All of them had several hundred racers.
The Sandy Shoes was the same format as the Gold Coast.
The GC went from Miami to West Palm Beach on Saturday and West Palm to Miami on Sunday. The Sandy Shoes went from Palm Beach to FT Pierce on Saturday and Ft Pierce to Palm Beach on Sunday. Both had huge parties on Saturday night for the racers.

[seeroy]

OH, there was another funny looking kid running around in a Reveau that also ran his share of GCMs.
He also posts here once in awhile.......Once again, It's not me.:D:D:D

http://i53.tinypic.com/2qd62k5.jpg

[lilabner]

Funny looking kid ran this one first.. Holt Craft BU

242440242441

[lilabner]

Then he grew a little..242443

[seeroy]

Funny looking kid ran this one first.. Holt Craft BU

242440242441

Much better start photo. Where are you in that gaggle?

[velox]

Much better start photo. Where are you in that gaggle?

When I first met Lilabner, he was about 5'10 and 125 lbs. He was one of the best, if not the best Mercury mechanic in S. Florida. He went into the Marines and served in Nam as a kid and came back as a man. I'ts the same guy in a different body.
I have alway been proud to claim him as a friend!

[velox]

I remember looking at the results from several GCMs last year.
Seeroy and I finished within seconds of each other in one leg and Bill and I finished within seconds in another leg!

[Tx Guy]

I sold a Holt Craft about this time, with a 20H. Wonder if it's the same boat?

[Tx Guy]

Any idea what year this was?

[GENE LANHAM]

I don't know if this is GCM photo. But I do know that this funny looking kid sometimes posts here and that he did run the GCM a few times :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

http://i52.tinypic.com/k3ri8p.jpg

Funny looking kids??? Here are a couple more. I know who the big one is----no idea who the litttle guy is-----

http://i54.tinypic.com/33wo3r6.jpg

[Tx Guy]

That's why we call it the Intracoastal.

[GENE LANHAM]

The PHYC struggled to keep the race alive after the last race in the ICW 1966. They ran it in Biscayne Bay, Marine Stadium, and the last GCM was at the Pelican Harbor 4.4 mile course in 1973. Gone, but not forgotten, for a bunch of us OLD- - - -'s

http://i54.tinypic.com/2znviig.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

The PHYC 4.4 mile course. It appears PHYC couldn't decide what year to have the 20th Annual/Anniversary:)


http://i53.tinypic.com/9ib5fq.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2znviig.jpg[/QUOTE]

[seeroy]

OK Gene, I'll hazard a guess here....You were 22 years old....the kid...hhhmm...maybe 8 or 9. that would make him late 60s now...Damn..that fits most OFFs on this site....Has he posted here in the last couple of days?

[Tx Guy]

'53 Alright, Hard Core!

[Tx Guy]

Does anyone remember Tommy Stearns (spelling?) in Fort Lauderdale in the 50's, the Mercury dealer on the North Fork of New River?

[GENE LANHAM]

OK Gene, I'll hazard a guess here....You were 22 years old....the kid...hhhmm...maybe 8 or 9. that would make him late 60s now...Damn..that fits most OFFs on this site....Has he posted here in the last couple of days?

Steve---I really don't know. Cute little guy, does anyone recognize him??? The helmet, he must have belonged to a racer?? I look at this picture---my mom and dad by my left ear---the guy in the flowered shirt--could that be Lew Kohler? (Charlie, you knew Lew). 263 boats!!----look at all the airboats, could you imagine anything like that happening today????:confused:

[lilabner]

Any idea what year this was?

59 GCM..if your boat looked like this then that's it..I was working at Dade Marine in So Dade and the boss got it for me..I ran it just as I got it..

There is a Holt Craft BU in the Harrison Museum also..

[Tx Guy]

I am somewhere in the 1959 start photo in my BU! 242715

[Tx Guy]

Is the Harrison Museum the one in Miami? And thanks for the date!

[lilabner]

Yes, but it is part of the Miami Historical Society, and it's private..Special invites only, but clubs can make arrangements to see it..There is NO AC inside, and it's HOT during the summer..

[Tx Guy]

Thanks LA. I know a yacht club member in Fort Lauderdale who will be interested and can make arrangements.

[lottactionracing]

jim i how could you have run out of gas,in the gold coast i had three 3gal.tanks and had some left over when i was the first to get there in eclass 4.i found a list of times for the no.run in the miami news.my time was 1hr. 20min.it felt like hours,i hit something in lake worth bay,i bent a blade and traded props with nick .i ran ok but not as fast but still beat all those scott outboards that were 75hp.in our class that was the ,the biggest race i won.if i rember there were 7 of them.and total of 18 boats in class 4.have a good one, johnny E67.

[Mark75H]

Johnny, what year was that and what was class 4?

[2us70]

Gas cap came off one of my tanks and I lost a bunch of fuel into the bilge. Ran out in Dumdfoundling Bay. Disolved most of my knee cushion too. Was having a pretty good south run up until then except for the sore knees.

[2us70]

1966. Last time for that format.

[lottactionracing]

hay butch i tought i had a little boat when i ran my first CG.in 65,i ran allen rebells 12 ft. wiss craft with merc.30hp.but i think you got me beat what engine is on you boat.what class were you in and what place did you come in?.i got real lucky in 66 i won both,legs in my new curtis craft v bottom.in class 4. 50hp.class. well ill see you at off. Johnny.

[Mark75H]

Scott/McCullochs in class 4 would have been the 42ci twin, 45 hp

[Tx Guy]

Has anyone been to the museum in Miami that 'lilabner' posted about? Is it anygood--photos and such?

[GENE LANHAM]

hay butch i tought i had a little boat when i ran my first CG.in 65,i ran allen rebells 12 ft. wiss craft with merc.30hp.but i think you got me beat what engine is on you boat.what class were you in and what place did you come in?.i got real lucky in 66 i won both,legs in my new curtis craft v bottom.in class 4. 50hp.class. well ill see you at off. Johnny.

HERE'S JOHNNY!!! 12 ft??? That was a little boat. Gold Coast, 64, or 65???

http://i54.tinypic.com/1jaf4o.jpg

[lilabner]

Johnny,
I ran a Holt Craft BU with a 20H in Class 8 Racing Outboards. It was almost 9 ft long. Split the 1/8 bottom that was in the bow on the way north. Everytime I hit a wake I got a face full of water. I think I finished 8th on the north run, came back on the trailer..There is one just like it in the Harrison Museum.

[200VEGAS]

thats some good thread right there. thnks for sharin guys

[GENE LANHAM]

thats some good thread right there. thnks for sharin guys

After 1966, the Pelican Harbor Yacht Club tried to keep the name alive, and they did have some success. Anytime you can start a race with over 50 outboards and inboards running together, there has to be 'lottaaction' Johnny Reed sent me some of his old pictures, including a little 'action' with our old buddy ' Billy Don' (174). Johnny was lucky to survive---

http://i42.tinypic.com/2z6b6mf.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/35jze6h.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/17aiap.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

I tried to get Johnny's pictures on one post---these two pictures are separated by 40 years:

The remains of Johnny's Carlson, Miami Marine Stadium 1971; Johnny's Allison at Cadilac's, 2011.
http://i42.tinypic.com/vywlqx.jpg

[Instigator]

Wow! I'm 52, have followed O/B racing all my life and don't remember any of this.
AMAZING stuff! So sad to realize that no way in hell will that ever happen again :(

[GENE LANHAM]

I tried to get Johnny's pictures on one post---these two pictures are separated by 40 years:

The remains of Johnny's Carlson, Miami Marine Stadium 1971; Johnny's Allison at Cadilac's, 2011.
http://i42.tinypic.com/vywlqx.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/ejhfo1.jpg

[Bob V]

Gene - Great pictures, but in that series of pictures with Johnny and Billy Don, there is one boat that received no recognition. It is that awesome red Switzer wing with the pair of BP stackers - the one that is pulling the field. Wonder who the driver of that Red Bird would be :confused:

[2us70]

I think that was Stu Greys Carlson Johnny was in that day. From back in the field in my SE marathon boat all I saw was a lot of spray and boat parts. By the time I got to the scene all that was left was a bunch of debris and a driver floating face down. Imagine my surprise when I turned him over and found it was Johnny. I still wound up 2nd in SE that day despite the short stop for a swim.

[GENE LANHAM]

Gene - Great pictures, but in that series of pictures with Johnny and Billy Don, there is one boat that received no recognition. It is that awesome red Switzer wing with the pair of BP stackers - the one that is pulling the field. Wonder who the driver of that Red Bird would be :confused:

Hi Bob---can I get you to take over my fan club???:)

[velox]

Hi Bob---can I get you to take over my fan club???:)

I think he already did as he is now the president and sole member,
Just kidding!
We really missed you at OFF
Everyone really wants you to get better and show up next year

[Bob V]

I think he already did as he is now the president and sole member,
Just kidding!
We really missed you at OFF
Everyone really wants you to get better and show up next year

Charlie... Status Update: President, CEO and Chairman of the Board!


40 + years later and the pictures still speak for themselves. It just does not get any better than this...


246179246180

[Tx Guy]

Wowsers!

[Lake X Kid]

Boat #94 look's like a Switzer Wing hull, with Mercury Outboards using Stacks (three exhaust pipes
per engine).

[seeroy]

Oh, I think he is just a new member stating exactly what he sees. Welcome aboard Kid. You can expect a little razzing.Hope you have thick skin...it is one of the requirements :D. Does your last name by any chance start with an R? - Steve Sirois (Lake X Old Fart)

[Lake X Kid]

Yes! Steve my last name start's with R.
How is your big brother Bill?

[shadowcat]

Lake X kid- I have deleted my wise crack comment- think I need to cut back on my cups of coffee!!!!!!!!! -welcome !

Although I think you may want to search the internet on that last question

[GENE LANHAM]

Oh, I think he is just a new member stating exactly what he sees. Welcome aboard Kid. You can expect a little razzing.Hope you have thick skin...it is one of the requirements :D. Does your last name by any chance start with an R? - Steve Sirois (Lake X Old Fart)

Could this be your dad? Refueling Billy Don, Clearwater, 1967?

http://i40.tinypic.com/2wezyvl.jpg

[seeroy]

Yes! Steve my last name start's with R.
How is your big brother Bill?

Sad to say Bill passed away in January 1997 as result of multiple myeloma. We all have very fond memories of him.
OK, I'm going to continue and guess you, or someone close to you, served on a "Boomer". Am I getting warm?
Perhaps you have a brother named Tim?

[lottactionraceing]

Dear MR. Ins

[Lake X Kid]

Could this be your dad? Refueling Billy Don, Clearwater, 1967?

http://i40.tinypic.com/2wezyvl.jpg

Yes that look's like my dad wearing one of his many Mercury hats. This picture
is so telling of the unsophistication when refueling in the boat racing community then, and probably even today. That oil and fuel mixture look's so precise, I am
quite sure dad got it right.
This photo bring's back memories of that era in the boating environment. I have
never seen this picture, thanks for posting it. Roy's family will find this to be an
interesting action picture of our dad.

[Da Bull]

Wow! I'm 52, have followed O/B racing all my life and don't remember any of this.
AMAZING stuff! So sad to realize that no way in hell will that ever happen again :(



They said the Parker Enduro would never be back either. Keep the faith Gator!

DB

[Lake X Kid]

I don't know if this is GCM photo. But I do know that this funny looking kid sometimes posts here and that he did run the GCM a few times :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

NO, It's not me.

http://i52.tinypic.com/k3ri8p.jpgLook Mom! no helmet.

[GrewuponLakeX]

Here is my dad in the first Scafo Angelo Molinari that came to the United States and one of his Trophies it won for him in the 1966 GCM. The silver platter reads, "1966 Gold Coast Marathon, City of West Palm Beach Award, 1st Place North Run, Class "8" Outboard". I also have the Plaque for overall 1st. The only thing I remember specifically about this race is my dad was, (I believe) fourth overall on the North Run. We had (haven't located it so it may be lost) a super 8 video of the finish line in West Palm Beach. My mother was using the camera, and the first three boats go by - perfect cinematography, then the fourth overall place boat comes into view perfect still until my mother realizes that the boat in the lens is her husband, the camera begins jumping up and down and so we do not have a clear shot of my dad's wonderful finish. My dad talked about the draft that the molinari pulled, while up on plane and how he would cut some corners through the shallows outside of the markers, on one such corner a hydro stayed with him about half thru my dad looked over at the other driver, got his attention and pointed down. As soon as the hydro driver looked down and could see the bottom he made a hard right to get back out into the channel. I always got a kick out of that story everytime my dad told it.

[seeroy]

You two Brothers are very fortunate to have had a father as talented as Roy was. I shall never forget standing next to the "motel" with several other guys watching your Dad come straight at us from across the Lake in that Molinari. From very far away we could see all of the way through the tunnel and the boat was rock solid. We all knew that outboard racing was on the verge of a revolution and Roy knew exactly what he was doing with that incredible machine. After that GCM he said he would pull up next to one of the "hot rod" flat bottom SK inboard boats, sit there for awhile, wave at the guy with a big smile, then punch it and just leave him in the dust (spray). On a personal note, your Dad was was undoubtedly one of the nicest guys I have ever worked around. - Steve Sirois

I'm pretty sure that this is that boat in the configuration that Roy ran it that first time at Lake X.

http://i39.tinypic.com/29w7trd.jpg

[Eggsuckindog]

Steve you have a PM, some of these other guys may be able to help too

I had a chance to run at the stadium in an APBA event in BOH but being in our mid teens and in Tampa it was too far, then they shut it down I guess.

[seeroy]

Eggsucker - This is the SeaCraft I referred to in reply to your PM. - Steve Sirois

http://i40.tinypic.com/dwtls0.jpg

[GrewuponLakeX]

Mr. Sirois,
That is a cool picture also. I have never seen that one before. I don't not know where the dealership name came from. But Dad used to tell us that when the photo helicopter came over it was a good thing he was in the seat. He said he found that the molinari would 'fly' if his butt was seating on the gas tank, his head resting on the powerhead and steering by his feet. Mr. K would have fired him on the spot, if he'd have known. Here is a photo of looking down the tunnel.247351I love that shoot too.

[Mark Poole ModVP]

"Gulf Wind Marine" was the name of Gene Whipp's boat business near Sarasota. Not sure if he owned it that far back but in the 70's and 80's it was a very well known Sea Ray dealership. It may still be there even though he is gone now.

[gofish7070]

To anyone at the "Lake" in the "60 s,,,,,,, We would all remember Roy"s perpetual smile, A true gentelman and well remembered @ OFF.

[GrewuponLakeX]

General GCM question: What year did Jimmy Stough win the GCM? I have the newspaper clipping of the results for the top 25, but there is no date with the clipping.
Of course the reason, I have the clipping is because my dad was fifth overall with a second place on the southern run. Odell Lewis and my dad were running identical Switzer Wings - the only difference was the paint scheme: one was Black and Gold, the other Black and Silver. The black and white photo doesn't exactly tell me but I think Dad's was Silver (just cannot remember). Looking at the photo the 'switzer' did not like calm conditions. Was there powertrim available in the early to mid-sixties?
247369247370
Mr. Poole thank you for the dealership info, which raises another question, did Mr. Kiekhaefer give his dealerships advertising space in the early years?

[seeroy]

I'm 99% sure it was 1965 that Stough won overall. I just found a GCM article dated 1966. The article mentioned that Bill ran the same boat that Jim Stough won the overall honors with "last" year. - Steve Sirois

[Mark Poole ModVP]

Gulfwind Marine always seemed to find its way on to the sides of many race boats, from outboards to offshore. Gene was involved in racing for many years. It could have been that Mr. K and Gene found some common ground with promoting Mercury and racing.

[GENE LANHAM]

I'm 99% sure it was 1965 that Stough won overall. I just found a GCM article dated 1966. The article mentioned that Bill ran the same boat that Jim Stough won the overall honors with "last" year. - Steve Sirois

How about 99.9% Steve??


http://i39.tinypic.com/59ttus.jpg

[T2x]

Gulfwind Marine always seemed to find its way on to the sides of many race boats, from outboards to offshore. Gene was involved in racing for many years. It could have been that Mr. K and Gene found some common ground with promoting Mercury and racing. I am not sure if Gene Whipp wasn't still in Dayton, Ohio at that time. Perhaps he bought Gulf Wind Marine later (1970 or so).....or maybe there were two Gulf Wind Marines?

T2x

[T2x]

General GCM question: What year did Jimmy Stough win the GCM? I have the newspaper clipping of the results for the top 25, but there is no date with the clipping.
Of course the reason, I have the clipping is because my dad was fifth overall with a second place on the southern run. Odell Lewis and my dad were running identical Switzer Wings - the only difference was the paint scheme: one was Black and Gold, the other Black and Silver. The black and white photo doesn't exactly tell me but I think Dad's was Silver (just cannot remember). Looking at the photo the 'switzer' did not like calm conditions. Was there powertrim available in the early to mid-sixties?
247369247370
Mr. Poole thank you for the dealership info, which raises another question, did Mr. Kiekhaefer give his dealerships advertising space in the early years?

Power trim hit the racecourse in about 1967. Prior to that there were custom one off versions that some guys used (McCullough had a pretty neat system) so it is possible that some versions were on various boats. The Switzer Wings didn't need it per se because of the aileron at the rear of the wing.

T2x

[GENE LANHAM]

To anyone at the "Lake" in the "60 s,,,,,,, We would all remember Roy"s perpetual smile, A true gentelman and well remembered @ OFF.

Hey Jim, I was one of the many people that was blessed to know Roy way back then. We all traveled to the Parker 9 hour in 1968. Roy was one of the co-drivers for Jan on his new 'Dutchman'. Here is a picture of Roy at a 'starter motor' pitstop----

http://i40.tinypic.com/ng1vo3.jpg

[Mini Max]

I have Harrison collection photos I can copy to a CD and mail to anyone interested.
[email protected]

Very early Molinari as an example.

[Lake X Kid]

Hey Jim, I was one of the many people that was blessed to know Roy way back then. We all traveled to the Parker 9 hour in 1968. Roy was one of the co-drivers for Jan on his new 'Dutchman'. Here is a picture of Roy at a 'starter motor' pitstop----

http://i40.tinypic.com/ng1vo3.jpg

I remember Roy wearing those Penny Loafers and Mercury knit shirt back in the 60's.

[GrewuponLakeX]

Mr. Lanham,

Thank you for that picture of my dad sitting on the Flying Dutchman IV. I never knew he raced the Parker 9 hour. I always knew he went to Havasus because it was always around my birthday. As for my brother's comment concerning shoes, this is how I remember my dad in the sixities:247467A 1963 Mercury Advertisement.

[gofish7070]

Very cool. At the time Roy was a bit downtown with his boat shoes. The white socks went well the black loafers. Remember Mel Riggs racing in big black leather boots....... Oh yes we were trend setters.
Hi Gene Lanham missed you at OFF. How are you getting along?

[Tx Guy]

@MiniMax: Is there anyway to put the Harrison pics on a web site like Flickr or Picasa?

[GrewuponLakeX]

You think you know your parents and then one day someone steps up and BAM...questions galore. The Parker 9 hour picture, lead me back to the GCM trophies of Dad's, what a surprise to find what I thought were Outboard trophies were actually inboard class F (don't know what 'class F' means). I got two 1st place overall for '62 and '63 So then I start looking through Old Pictures and I believe I found a likely suspect. Did Mr. Kiekhaefer have an interest in inboards before the stern drive or were they partners in crime? Or was class F really a stern drive that they didn't know how to classify? I am asking because unlike 1966 I don't have a newspaper article to compare with. 247477247478

[2us70]

I am guessing that is an early Mercruiser stern drive in a Raveau. I would like to hear about that rig. Also notice the casual approach to safety equipment, both drivers in this picture are not wearing helmets and both are wearing minimal life jackets.

[GENE LANHAM]

I am guessing that is an early Mercruiser stern drive in a Raveau. I would like to hear about that rig. Also notice the casual approach to safety equipment, both drivers in this picture are not wearing helmets and both are wearing minimal life jackets.

Hey Jim---Raveau??? I bet Butch could help us here---?? but by the race number, I am sure it was powered by the Mercruiser I---with a '110' Chevy II four cylinder engine.

Casual approach to safety equipment? Here is my 1954 Gold Coast ride. One of the original Challengers (Dudley Whitman), one of the first boats built from fiberglass---

http://i39.tinypic.com/243hwr6.jpg

[T2x]

Hey Jim---Raveau??? I bet Butch could help us here---?? but by the race number, I am sure it was powered by the Mercruiser I---with a '110' Chevy II four cylinder engine.

Casual approach to safety equipment? Here is my 1954 Gold Coast ride. One of the original Challengers (Dudley Whitman), one of the first boats built from fiberglass---



Obviously FB 110 was Mercruiser powered (look at the name on the bow).... and probably heading out to the starting line on a hot day sans helmets.

I, too, question the Raveau lineage since the hull seems to be a "V step" design rather than a flat bottom.

As far as your 1954 picture...Why would you need safety equipment at 25 mph?.... :p :D ;)

[Tx Guy]

@Gene: your picture shows what the GCM was intended to be! In my humble opinion anyway.

[GENE LANHAM]

As far as your 1954 picture...Why would you need safety equipment at 25 mph?.... :p :D ;)

Rich: 28mph!!! and no need for 'break away steering'; capsules; kill switches,etc.:)

[Old fiberglass]

Rich: 28mph!!! and no need for 'break away steering'; capsules; kill switches,etc.:)


Probably more fun running back then at 28 MPH than running todays highly accessorized equipment.

[Eggsuckindog]

Seeroy great pic of 202 - yes it appears to be cut down some - the owner of the 28 in Stuart says thats not his either - his has more freeboard. I guess you were a Moesly guinea pig, as his #31 had more freeboard too, sorry you got so wet LOL

Did 202 have the ballest system up front??

What we are discussing that one of 8 boats from that 202 mold is for sale in a CC configuration on Classic SeaCraft as fishing boat. So the goofballs we are, we are hunting for history, decent price too but damn it looks really sharp

Steve you got me thinking about the cut down thing - go look at this boat - I think it is #202, it has less freeboard than #31 or - I think #404 which was posted somewhere over there - 202 is the only one that looks like this boat.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/community/showthread.php?t=23338

[GrewuponLakeX]

I would have to agree with Tx Guy, from a even earlier post the history about why the GCM was set up it was for the casual boater a chance to see how he stacked up against friend and foe alike.
Very cool picture from 1954. Before my time, my launch date wasn't till 1958.
Like other forms of grass roots racing, the evolution of the sport led to bigger and better (sometimes) things.
I always wished I could have raced too. You guys are the icons of a great era.

[Bob V]

You guys are the icons of a great era.

You hit the nail on the head. This was a time of racing at it's best. Money was not such a significant factor back then. Nothing was computerized, the technology was limited and mostly hit and miss, and the availability of racing parts was very limited. Back in those days it was more about making the boat as light as possible - but within weight specs, raising the engine as high as possible on the transom, putting a good cup on the edge of the prop with that old ball peen hammer and driving like there was no tomorrow.

Those were the days...

[GENE LANHAM]

The Gold Coast, 9 Hour, 6 hour OPC and the Sandy Shoes marathon were the races to win in S. Florida during the 60's. All of them had several hundred racers.
The Sandy Shoes was the same format as the Gold Coast.
The GC went from Miami to West Palm Beach on Saturday and West Palm to Miami on Sunday. The Sandy Shoes went from Palm Beach to FT Pierce on Saturday and Ft Pierce to Palm Beach on Sunday. Both had huge parties on Saturday night for the racers.

One of the icons that can party and perform, 46 years later---is Leonard-----

http://i42.tinypic.com/1zft17s.jpg


Sorry I missed the SHOW, Charley----

http://i43.tinypic.com/2w4jioz.jpg

[lottactionraceing]

gene was looking for some more of gcm. pic,when i saw this pic of duddley heading to west palm in the first fiberglass boat,he was a good friend of mind we had lots of talks,about fiberglass.any time i went to his house in bal habor we would take his boat ,with his wife and i and my better half,to the sand bar at halover and eat hot dogs and ice cream.i last saw duddley at his house,he wanted to see my allison.that was the last time,i saw dud.he past away in sept.i will never for get him he was a dear friend to me. johnny.

[GENE LANHAM]

@Gene: your picture shows what the GCM was intended to be! In my humble opinion anyway.

I agree!!!

Leading the pack!!!! This picture is labeled 'GCM-1953-Boca Raton Bridge'--how would you like to own some of that real estate today???

http://i41.tinypic.com/2n744f5.jpg

[velox]

Gene,
You give me way too much credit!
I had a ton of fun back then with you Herbie, Jimmie, Richie, Butch, Oliver and George. Our E class boats put on the most comptetive races for several years. Even the fast inboard guys would stop and watch us show them how to race. Not only did you start well before me, you kept racing many years after I was out of it. You also became famous, while I became inflamous.
You were missed at OFF by many. We only hope you can make it next year.
I did get to drive several boats including a very nice Raveau. I only got to about 75 MPH, but it felt like 120!

[Tx Guy]

@Gene: another great pic!

[lilabner]

Gene,
I heard about the Raveau inboard, but I think I had left for the Marines at the time, so I never saw it..Bobby Walwork probably built it. Roy was one of my favorites when I would go to the Lake or a race..When I was about 18 or 19 I wanted to go to Mercury School in Sarasota in the worst way. When I went over there one day with Phil Young, I asked Roy, who ran the school, if he would take me. He said "Sure, I can use another teacher..you know way to much to be a student." Kind of made me feel good, but nothing to hang on my wall..
That picture of me in the Raveau 54 boat was taken at the Marine Stadium during the drag race they had..I think it was the only one ever.. Helmets were optional.

Butch

[GENE LANHAM]

@Gene: another great pic!

T Guy--I have a few more---This was taken at PHYC before the race. There were 253 entries. I was running my Dad's 13' fishing boat----#26----(Yes!!--that is an OMC:nonod:)

http://i42.tinypic.com/rba99c.jpg

[seeroy]

Roy in Mercruiser Raveau. At least, I thought it was a Reveau? Maybe Rich is right. I knew I had this photo, but it took awhile to find it on this darn computer :D - Steve Sirois

http://i44.tinypic.com/zvgbo.jpg

[seeroy]

T Guy--I have a few more---This was taken at PHYC before the race. There were 253 entries. I was running my Dad's 13' fishing boat----#26----(Yes!!--that is an OMC:nonod:)

http://i42.tinypic.com/rba99c.jpg


Not the only OMC you ever ran ;)

http://i44.tinypic.com/dyt7gh.jpg

[GrewuponLakeX]

"Roy in Mercruiser Raveau. I knew I had this photo, but it took awhile to find it on this darn computer :D - Steve Sirois"
Mr. Sirois,
That is very cool. Another one of those pictures never seen by me before. From the looks of that photo - F10 would possibly be 1962 GCM and FB110 1963. I just wish Dad were still here to fill in the blanks. I know he would love OFF.
Thanks again.

[2us70]

I am guessing again. The photo in post #99 was taken before the "Gold Coast" picture. Notice the lack of a name on the bow. So maybe a testing photo from the Lake?

[Bob V]

T Guy--I have a few more---This was taken at PHYC before the race. There were 253 entries. I was running my Dad's 13' fishing boat----#26----(Yes!!--that is an OMC:nonod:)

http://i42.tinypic.com/rba99c.jpg

Gene...I have to ask which one gave you more enjoyment - the #26 or the legendary #94?

PS...Nothing damages the ego of an inboard driver more than being passed by an outboard with less than half the cubic inches and horsepower. Sort of like you are doing to that Raysoncraft. :thumbsup:

[GENE LANHAM]

Gene...I have to ask which one gave you more enjoyment - the #26 or the legendary #94?

Bob, that is easy. But as a teenager, I only had a 10 hp. Back then, the question was 'would it plane?' Then with the 25hp, it really would plane. With the wing, the question was 'would it fly? ' (it did:))---I am sure Rich can tell us---he can fly, and he has cubic inches: Only JETMAN may have a better ride, but I doubt it----

[Bob V]

Bob, that is easy. But as a teenager, I only had a 10 hp. Back then, the question was 'would it plane?' Then with the 25hp, it really would plane. With the wing, the question was 'would it fly? ' (it did:))---I am sure Rich can tell us---he can fly, and he has cubic inches: Only JETMAN may have a better ride, but I doubt it----
I wasn't sure on that one. Sometime that very first boat, regardless of hull design or power can be the most memorable. I still remember my dad's 16' Bonita tri-hull with the 60 hp Johnson. As a teen that was my make believe race boat. As soon as I got out of sight of the house, I would stop and move the tilt pin up to the highest position (poor man's power trim) and drive it with that great rooster tail - probably running a whopping 40 mph.

I have always followed the progress of Rich and Dust in the Wind. He did a magnificent job restoring and re-powering that wing. I saw the pictures of him flying it at the last OFF gathering and it was spectacular! However, I will always fondly remember the sight and sound of the 1350 Stackers powering the Switzer Wings. Guess I am just stuck in the old days.

[lilabner]

Steve,
That certainly is a Raveau..Bobby is building a 25 footer right now that may or may not run a inboard..Owner is on the fence


Gene,
Didn't you and Bobby Erra battle it out in the Stadium GCM once? Wasn't there a last lap pass?

Butch

[GENE LANHAM]

Gene,
Didn't you and Bobby Erra battle it out in the Stadium GCM once? Wasn't there a last lap pass?

Butch

Butch: You are thinking of Kenny Kitson, GCM, 1969. Bobby passed Kenny on the last lap---I think I was at an offshore race that day. I will try to find the Miami Herald article----
Gene

[seeroy]

Roy teaches Curtis Johnson at Sarasota Mercury School. Grewup and Kid; Curtis Johnson is still a Mercury Master Mechanic in Jacksonville. When I visited with him last year he had this photo, of himself with your Dad, hanging on the wall in his shop . He was very proud of having been Roy's student. - Steve Sirois

http://i44.tinypic.com/2q3cjki.jpg

[GrewuponLakeX]

Roy teaches Curtis Johnson at Sarasota Mercury School. Grewup and Kid; Curtis Johnson is still a Mercury Master Mechanic in Jacksonville. When I visited with him last year he had this photo, of himself with your Dad, hanging on the wall in his shop . He was very proud of having been Roy's student. - Steve Sirois

Steve, You are amazing - a plethora of information and photos. That is a cool picture and I did the same thing you did I took a picture of the picture Mr. Johnson had on the wall (of course, your photos better than mine). We met Mr. Johnson at Dad's Funeral in '92. He had nothing but nice things to say about Dad. He told me about the photos on his wall and I told him I would come to Jacksonville to see them. I didn't get there till '95 and it was great to talk to him about the old days.

[gofish7070]

Seeroy,,,,,,,,, That is true OFF stuff great photo. Between you and Lanham. we can't lie to anybody,,,,,,,

[lilabner]

Gene,
I was there, just don't remember..We had Bobby's boat all ready and backed up to the water, but no Bobby..He showed up about 10 minutes before the start, hung-over, and in the same clothes he was out in all night..He put on his jacket and helmet, with his Gucci loafers, and took off..We never thought he would finish, much less win..Hell of a ride..As soon as the race was over and he nosed up to the trailer, he puked..
I have a picture of us that Treasure took, but no article..

Butch

[Tx Guy]

Love those Johnson/Evinrude "Big Twins". Was checking out the compression on a BT once, in my neighbors garage (was stronger then) and he made the mistake of touching on of the plug wire--did a half flip, feet straight up before crash landing.

[T2x]

Here's a little piece of Ridgell history.

248145

[Mark75H]

Rich, can you make the first one bigger?

[GrewuponLakeX]

Thank you T2x, that is another piece of Lake "X" I have never seen. I remember Mr. Adams. Performance test data very cool.

[T2x]

Rich, can you make the first one bigger?

Do you have any suggestions?

[seeroy]

Do you have any suggestions?

Rich - I think Sam might be talking about the picture...But I get the joke..:D:D


http://i41.tinypic.com/20zcpy9.jpg

[seeroy]

OK, Let's find out how your memory banks are working tonight.
Who can name this gent from Miami Marine Stadium 9 Hour history.
I don't know if he ever ran in the GCM, but I know he ran with a red haired partner in the 9 hour. - Seeroy

http://i41.tinypic.com/16h5clc.jpg

[lilabner]

Mike Wallace

[seeroy]

Mike Wallace

Nice try Butch,,,,BUT... No Cigar...Hint - South Carolinian

[2us70]

D F Jenkins

[seeroy]

D F Jenkins

Nope...No Cigar...Inboard flat bottoms
http://i39.tinypic.com/dvsv8p.jpg

[lilabner]

Bright Stevenson

[seeroy]

Bright Stevenson

Dadgummit Butch...Now I gotta buy you a cigar. Well done!
Hopefully you met Bright's Nephew, Noel Scott, at OFF2011.
Bright sent this photo to me the other day along with a Christmas card.
The card simply said "Powerful Motor". That is a reference to a story I wrote a couple of years ago about Jeff "JD" Hunt during a 9hour.
Bright co-drove with Jeff. Every time Jeff pulled into the pits he would shout, "That's a powerful motor".

Merry Christmas to you and Treasure - Steve

http://i43.tinypic.com/30l1i03.jpg

[lilabner]

Steve,

I should have recognized him right away, he just looks younger..I used to build Jeff's engines when I was at Holman Moody, and Bright was always there..We even partied at Galveston when I ran with Bobby Erra.. One story; Bright was leading a GN race one time and came in for a driver change..Jeff got in and made one or two laps, and came back to the pits..We scrambled not knowing why..He shut off the engine and asked "How am I doing?" Keith Hazell screamed at him to get back in the race..That answered the question of why Dinny Phipps wouldn't put a HM decal on a boat until the race was over..

Merry Christmas to you and Iris also.. Butch

[lottactionraceing]

hello

[lottactionraceing]

Hey guys this is johnny...just testing

[lottactionraceing]

hey guys this is johnny, just running a test

[lottactionraceing]

hello

[velox]

hello

Do I hear an echo.
If you post in the woods and no one answers does that mean you never posted?

[lottactionraceing]

I was friends with Sam Griffen at sky lake North Miami when I was 12 years old. He used to come to our house and drink a beer with my dad.

[lottactionraceing]

hay gene how are you doing,are you back in the left seat yet? i have had trouble sending post on scream and fly.i have a new computer now,well ill try it

[seeroy]

http://i43.tinypic.com/v7f7n5.jpg

[seeroy]

http://i41.tinypic.com/156pg5h.jpg

[lottactionraceing]

hay seeroy,steve thanks for the pic.johnny

[GENE LANHAM]

hay gene how are you doing,are you back in the left seat yet? i have had trouble sending post on scream and fly.i have a new computer now,well ill try it

:mad:Hey Johnny---Still waiting for OK City to respond---Computer? Now you need to get a scanner and scan all those pictures!!!!

[lottactionraceing]

gene if i get ascanner ill shoot this this computer for sure.

[[email protected]]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we've lost another friend today, Jim Hauser is gone. I really got a chance to meet and know Jim through OFF and he and Steve Sirois took me for a fun ride with all my racing heros with our fun gathering in Oct. So sorry, Cadillac

[Noelscott]

Hay Seeroy,
First, Melanie & I enjoyed being with you and all the guys & gals at the 2013 CRA/OFF event.

Next, it was only recently that I ran across this thread. I mentioned at CRA/OFF wanting to meet Lilabner because of his work with HM, Jeff Hunt & Uncle Bright. Maybe he will make it to our 2014 event.

Best to You & Iris,

Noel Scott

[FlatRacer]

Hi. I just dug up this old thread during a Google search for info on the Gold Coast Marathon. Thank you all so much for sharing your photos and memories. What a fascinating concept for a race with probably the most open entry criteria for any marathon. The result seems to have been the widest variety of hulls and powerplants of any boat race ever.
Of course, living in NYC I had never even heard of this race until a few years ago (thanks to the internet). I do however, remember watching a movie, on our black and white Admiral TV as a kid, in which the race (didn't even know what it was called at the time) was used as a background for the plot of the film. It was some kind of crime drama, either a heist of a murder mystery. Does anyone know what the name of the movie was? And, no I'm not talking about Clambake. It might even have been an episode of a TV show.

Thanks,
Eric

[Matt Gent]

When I was 13 or 14, we put steering in my Dad's 14' fiberglass skiff, 18 hp pressure tank motor, my brother and I put on our Soap Box Derby helmets and ran in class 1. Little did we know that most of the other boats in the class were little kneel down runabouts half the size of our boat, and way faster.

We finished 9th out of 21 boats in class just by virtue that we finished, and were given an award by Ross Bennett for being one of the last 5 boats to finish. I think around 250 started that Saturday.

Hi Dad. Snapped this (crappy cell phone) pic recently at the house. One of these days I'll spend a night scanning all the old boat racing pics and make a thread here.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh299/mattgent/B30AFF1A-1098-45D5-AA4C-846A4EB14750_zpsyratybuo.jpg (http://s259.photobucket.com/user/mattgent/media/B30AFF1A-1098-45D5-AA4C-846A4EB14750_zpsyratybuo.jpg.html)

In my lifetime powerboat racing just hasn't been this accessible.

[Mark75H]

The result seems to have been the widest variety of hulls and powerplants of any boat race ever


Probably right, but I can't help with the movie

[velox]

I seem to remember a 7 Litre Hydro running it once and I also recall a guy running his kitchen table upside down with an outboard on it.
I ran it 4 or 5 times and was lucky enough to finish in the top 10 overall a couple of years.
Lil Abner ran it a bunch as did Gene . Odel, Bakos, Seeroy and brother Bill , Rigell and many of the other Lake X guys ran it a number of times. It was the race of the year.
Rich Baiz I teamed with George Griley one year with a boat I designed and Rich and I built.
George started the race and was second overall going into the canal and was much faster than the lead boat.
He got to Ft Lauderdale and did not back off where the inlet is and flipped in the ships channel.
I was super pissed at him as that was our chance to win 1st overall. We did not get back together for about 20 years!

[Tx Guy]

Great shot--looks like you were having fun which was the point of the race for most of us amateurs.

[Powercat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMB0dtuoVOA

This uploaded video shows the Gold Coast Marathon of 1963, a powerboat race from Miami to West Palm Beach and back. Viewers see pit crews at Pelican Harbor Yacht Club and aerial shots of the race. Source: Florida Memory-State Library & Archives of Florida

[lilabner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMB0dtuoVOA

This uploaded video shows the Gold Coast Marathon of 1963, a powerboat race from Miami to West Palm Beach and back. Viewers see pit crews at Pelican Harbor Yacht Club and aerial shots of the race. Source: Florida Memory-State Library & Archives of Florida

Typical with something the Gubment does, they got the year wrong. This is the 1962 Gold Coast Marathon. Dave ran the Vee Wing in 63, and I ran Treasures boat. Still a pretty good video..

[Powercat]

Butch: I thought that I might have put the wrong year so I went back to their website and it does have it dated as 1963.. May have been the year the film was published but
the race as you say is from 1962.

Danny


Typical with something the Gubment does, they got the year wrong. This is the 1962 Gold Coast Marathon. Dave ran the Vee Wing in 63, and I ran Treasures boat. Still a pretty good video..

[Tx Guy]

Any remember Stu Wilson? I have been asked to get a photo for a historian.

Here's a link, apparently Stu raced a hydro, the Wa Wa Too, F-247: http://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/boats/wawatoo/wawatoo_f247.html

[Lake X Kid]

Typical with something the Gubment does, they got the year wrong. This is the 1962 Gold Coast Marathon. Dave ran the Vee Wing in 63, and I ran Treasures boat. Still a pretty good video..

329468

Here is a photo of Dave Craig (far left), who was mentioned in the 1962 GCM video, driving a Switzer Wing boat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMB0dtuoVOA

Also in the Kissimmee Marathon winners circle photo above, are some other GCM participants like Roy Ridgell & Joe Anderson. In the photo left to right are class winners: Dave Craig (overall winner), Roy Ridgell, Tom Sheldon, Joe Anderson, George Thompson, & Bobby Walwork.

[2us70]

Great video! I was 15 that summer and watched the race from the first bridge on Sat. We went back on Sun to Pelican Harbor for the finish. Two years later in 64 I ran my first "Gold Coast". There were so many familiar faces in this video it was a wonderful trip down memory lane.

[lilabner]

That was the 1960 Kissimmee 4 hour Marathon i'm pretty sure. Largest field of cats I ever saw..till next year at the Six Hour, same place. I drove Bobby Warworks Raveau in the Six Hour, with Craig DeWald as my co driver.

[[email protected]]

I grew up with Mike Gordon's family. COuldn't get any closer to the action. He would launch his SK or GN boat right from his raceshop lift and get into the race. Cadillac

[Instigator]

Killer video!
loved the 3 point inboard against the o/b cat 😎


Sad thing is, it will never happen again.

[2us70]

The " Gold Coast" was the high point of every summer for years down here. Everybody tried to run in it with what ever you could put together. I knew several guys who had a "Gold Coast" project going in their garage or carport pretty much all year long just to be able to run this race. I only did the point to point version twice but they were both unforgettable for me.

[Instigator]

The " Gold Coast" was the high point of every summer for years down here. Everybody tried to run in it with what ever you could put together. I knew several guys who had a "Gold Coast" project going in their garage or carport pretty much all year long just to be able to run this race. I only did the point to point version twice but they were both unforgettable for me.
IN one part of the clip you can see a guy in a vest and a helmet getting in a 13' Whaler w/numbers on the side of it!

I would have raced whatever I owned or could borrow. Fk winning, lets race!

[2us70]

In those days a lot of those 13' Boston Whalers got raced. With a 50hp Mercury they were pretty fast. They weren't legal in opc but ran in races like the "Gold Coast" all the time.

[Instigator]

In those days a lot of those 13' Boston Whalers got raced. With a 50hp Mercury they were pretty fast. They weren't legal in opc but ran in races like the "Gold Coast" all the time.
Similar to the Caribbean Club back in the day of center consoles and Whalers ;)

Y'all, had all the fun down there in the day. Can't even imagine......

[Bob V]

Sad thing is, it will never happen again.


In those days a lot of those 13' Boston Whalers got raced. With a 50hp Mercury they were pretty fast. They weren't legal in opc but ran in races like the "Gold Coast" all the time.


Similar to the Caribbean Club back in the day of center consoles and Whalers ;)

Y'all, had all the fun down there in the day. Can't even imagine......

Comments like these pretty much say it all. Those were the days when you could go out and run your whaler alone side a wing and still feel like you were a part of what was happening. It is so sad that nothing like this could happen today, but still nice to know that so many of you were a part of the best time in racing.

I have fond memories of the Caribbean Club racing. My Zonkercraft at the Caribbean Club back in 1976. Yes, those were the days or is it daze :eek:


329584329585

[lilabner]

In those days a lot of those 13' Boston Whalers got raced. With a 50hp Mercury they were pretty fast. They weren't legal in opc but ran in races like the "Gold Coast" all the time.

Jim,
They were legal in the first Six Hour in Kissimmee, I almost got beat by one in the 40 class. I had a lot of trouble. First the swivel pin broke, I had to tie the motor on, then the left front steering pulley broke, tied on again, then the front throttle bolt sheared off, couldn't fix that, just motored on. Last lap I ran out of gas on one tank. I had to tilt the tank to cross the finish line. The Whaler passed me, but the rules said the field was fixed at the six hour finish mark, and I was ahead, so I won..He got his revenge in Leesburg later. That was my only loss in the 40hp class.

[T2x]

In those days a lot of those 13' Boston Whalers got raced. With a 50hp Mercury they were pretty fast. They weren't legal in opc but ran in races like the "Gold Coast" all the time. Actually they were legal in OPC for a while and a bunch of them ran in the Hudson River Marathon in E class. Once the "F and "S" designations came in to play (about 1965-66) they were outclassed by other cut down hulls, McCalls, etc in sport class.

[Instigator]

Comments like these pretty much say it all. Those were the days when you could go out and run your whaler alone side a wing and still feel like you were a part of what was happening. It is so sad that nothing like this could happen today, but still nice to know that so many of you were a part of the best time in racing.

I have fond memories of the Caribbean Club racing. My Zonkercraft at the Caribbean Club back in 1976. Yes, those were the days or is it daze :eek:


329584329585
Love it.

I think that same sail boat is anchored there now ;)

[GENE LANHAM]

Any remember Stu Wilson? I have been asked to get a photo for a historian.

l (http://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/boats/wawatoo/wawatoo_f247.html)


1958 pic from Robert Suarez

Stu did win the GCM in 1956---

Lots of familiar names---and a Roy Ridgell Jr. finished 23---

http://i59.tinypic.com/2u7rr0h.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/33m4nf7.jpg

[lilabner]

"I have fond memories of the Caribbean Club racing. My Zonkercraft at the Caribbean Club back in 1976. Yes, those were the days or is it daze :eek:"
from BobV


Dave Craig's father Raymond owned the Caribbean Club in the 40's-50's.. He sold it to the father of a girl that used to work for me. I don't think he had it too long. It was a fun place to race. The Miami boys loved racing in the Keys. We even had one race at Sugarloaf Lodge, but I think after we got there it was cancelled.

[velox]

We had fun racing the GCM, but if we had understood that it was not going to continue forever we would have appreciated it more.
it was the special event of the summer in S Florida. I was lucky to run it 3 times and finishing in the top 10 twice. If you could win this thing you were the "man" for the next year.
when Richie Baiz and I built the 4 point hydro we had an excellent chance of winning it. The boat was so light, Richie and I picked it up full rigged with fuel tanks and steering without engines and put it on a trailer. Richie was about 5 '7 and 120 lbs and I was 5'7 and about 140 lbs so I got the heavy end! We made a deal with George Griley to use his engines and he would run one way and Richie and I Flipped for the other run. George was a great driver, but he could screw up a free lunch. Richie won the toss so George was to drive the first day and Richie the second.
The beginning of the race was open water and usually pretty rough. George made it to the canal in second place with at least a twenty MPH advantage on the first place boat with about 50 miles to go.
He got to Ft Lauderdale and instead of cruseing through that section went full bore and flipped in the inlet ship channel in 80 feet of water.
Richie and I were waiting for him in West Palm Beach when we got word he had sunk. I was so pissed at him I only talked to him a couple of times for the next 5 years!
We made up and we're best friends until he died about 10 years ago.
i do have to admit, he was a best friend and if you were with him, something crazy and unusual. Was going to happen. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was bad , sometimes it was legal and sometimes not.
It was always a great story, you could tell for the rest of your life!

[GENE LANHAM]

We had fun racing the GCM, but if we had understood that it was not going to continue forever we would have appreciated it more.
it was the special event of the summer in S Florida. I was lucky to run it 3 times and finishing in the top 10 twice. If you could win this thing you were the "man"

I didn't run the first GCM---but I did run the 'Last Gold Coast Marathon'

But by 1973 the City of Miami and PHYC had tried to keep the name alive for seven years by having a race in the Bay, or in the Stadium---they even ran a single engine '225' at the Stadium and called it 'The Gold Coast Marathon'

All us old guys will remember it as that great race to Palm Beach and back----

http://i62.tinypic.com/2cpapoz.jpg

[shadowcat]

with your switzer wing?????



I didn't run the first GCM---but I did run the 'Last Gold Coast Marathon'

But by 1973 the City of Miami and PHYC had tried to keep the name alive for seven years by having a race in the Bay, or in the Stadium---they even ran a single engine '225' at the Stadium and called it 'The Gold Coast Marathon'

All us old guys will remember it as that great race to Palm Beach and back----

http://i62.tinypic.com/2cpapoz.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

with your switzer wing?????

Hi Ted

The last time we ran the 'ditch' was 1966: The records set by Johnny Bakos and Dave Craig in the wooden wings will remain unchallenged

Back then I was running a 13' Allison with a 50

'73 I was running the 'Bird' at PHYC

Spun out on the last lap---sound familiar?:)

http://i59.tinypic.com/2yzhf21.jpg

[shadowcat]

yes- sounds familiar and easily done-except your racing and running hard and I am just running laps
Hi Ted

The last time we ran the 'ditch' was 1966: The records set by Johnny Bakos and Dave Craig in the wooden wings will remain unchallenged

Back then I was running a 13' Allison with a 50

'73 I was running the 'Bird' at PHYC

Spun out on the last lap---sound familiar?:)

http://i59.tinypic.com/2yzhf21.jpg

[lilabner]

1966 Gold Coast Results

[GENE LANHAM]

1966 Gold Coast Results

Here's Johnny!!!!

http://i59.tinypic.com/9fqjad.jpg

[shadowcat]

incredible for the time-----great photo also---
Here's Johnny!!!!

http://i59.tinypic.com/9fqjad.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

1966 Gold Coast Results

84.46 mph---still a record---

http://i61.tinypic.com/99j9tz.jpg

[2us70]

330239 My finish picture from 1966 "Gold Coast"

[Tom Smyth]

what year did Jan Schoonover run it with the suspected plastic reeds that no one else had?

[GENE LANHAM]

what year did Jan Schoonover run it with the suspected plastic reeds that no one else had?

1967----in North Biscayne Bay----the rumor in the pits---'those stackers have phenolic reeds'--

[GENE LANHAM]

what year did Jan Schoonover run it with the suspected plastic reeds that no one else had?
'67---and Ernie finished second in the Coffin----I finished third in and old Mag--with a couple junk 100's I built in the shop--

http://i59.tinypic.com/2vucz8z.jpg

[lilabner]

My first north run with a split bottom in the bow..took about 6 hours..I never finished the Gold Coast..

[Tom Smyth]

1967----in North Biscayne Bay----the rumor in the pits---'those stackers have phenolic reeds'--
Will post a pic of those reeds i took out of his engine recently

[GENE LANHAM]

I had forgotten that some of the GCM races were also called Sam Griffith Memorial

Sam came up with the idea and promoted the first GCM in 1949---

http://i61.tinypic.com/1649ax.jpg

[lilabner]

The first time we ever saw the Stack Cats running was at the around Miami Beach race, I think it was the July 1960 race. Mersereau, Bakos, and Odell all had Stackers on PowerCat Bubble cats. The formation area was at Watson Island, and the stacks, these were six pipers, made so much noise you couldn't even yell and be heard. Loved it. Gene may have the finish results, I don't. The sand fleas went nuts from the stacks. People were running away from the swarms of them. I never saw it before or after..amazing and memorable.

[lilabner]

Here's Johnny!!!!

http://i59.tinypic.com/9fqjad.jpg

And the reason he is driving Dave's boat...Mr K asked Dave to see how fast and hard he could turn Johnnys boat, the 7000 Wing, at Lake X. The boat spun and Dave went through the side. Boat sunk. Mr K was mad and told Johnny that he could have Dave's boat. Dave was banged up pretty good and the most beautiful wing of all was junked.
Story leaked by both Johnny and Dave at OFF in Jupiter.

[Lake X Kid]

Is this possibly a reenactment of an early 1950s Gold Coast Marathon in Florida? But this race is taking place in present day Top O’ Michigan. Well maybe the equivalent of outboard classes, of GCM in Florida, during the early 1950s.

The thrill of motor racing through the middle of the city, and flying by people back yards in a boat, is still experienced in America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zrUMcHRGBM

Albeit in this Dustin Pearson video, the race driver has a GoPro camera attached to his race helmet. The more boat pilots start attaching small light weight cameras to there race boats, the healthier the sport will prosper and grow. These shared race videos on the Internet is free publicity, for the sport of boat racing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svPxOtjUM-4

Another light weight video camera, this one mounted on the outboard engine, film by Peter Lauer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6r9A7cG9u4

[Mark75H]

This is Stock Outboard Marathon racing that has been running since the late 1940's. Its no reenactment of any other event or locale; its it's own thing and always has been. Top O' is one of the main races in the Marathon category.


<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> Is this possibly a reenactment of an early 1950s Gold Coast Marathon in Florida? But this race is taking place in present day Top O’ Michigan. Well maybe the equivalent of outboard classes, of GCM in Florida, during the early 1950s.

The thrill of motor racing through the middle of the city, and flying by people back yards in a boat, is still experienced in America.
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[bernie]

Gotta love those newspaper guys - 126 MPH - I know John B. and he was good but not that good!

[2us70]

I don't believe I ever saw the 7000 wing run. I have seen pictures over the years but I never saw them together. The 7000 boat looks to have a little more areo looking bows. Was this any faster than the 700 boat? It was a little better looking in my opinion.

[lilabner]

I don't believe I ever saw the 7000 wing run. I have seen pictures over the years but I never saw them together. The 7000 boat looks to have a little more areo looking bows. Was this any faster than the 700 boat? It was a little better looking in my opinion.

Jim, I have been trying to find out for years. I talked to Dave Craig and John Bakos at an OFF reunion at JJ Muggs in Jupiter. The Switzer brothers were also there as well as Gene Lanham. What I posted was all anyone remembered about it, but no one remembered it by the number 7000. I don't think it was around very long. Not uncommon for a boat at Lake X. It was the best looking one of all I think. Dave Craig said it ran about 120 with those stackers, but no one else has ever said anything. It looks pretty fast in the picture, and if the glass wings could go 116 for a record, it could very well be true. It should have been put in a museum.

[GENE LANHAM]

The '700' was '7-11' when Dave won in 1964---


http://i64.tinypic.com/1pgtx3.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

Jim, I have been trying to find out for years. I talked to Dave Craig and John Bakos at an OFF reunion at JJ Muggs in Jupiter. The Switzer brothers were also there as well as Gene Lanham. What I posted was all anyone remembered about it, but no one remembered it by the number 7000. I don't think it was around very long. Not uncommon for a boat at Lake X. It was the best looking one of all I think. Dave Craig said it ran about 120 with those stackers, but no one else has ever said anything. It looks pretty fast in the picture, and if the glass wings could go 116 for a record, it could very well be true. It should have been put in a museum.

Odell finished the 1966 GCM----in the '7000'--


http://i65.tinypic.com/1zq7mn4.jpg

[2us70]

No wonder I never saw the 7000 boat run. Odell was probably working on his third beer by the time I finished on both days in that race. Can't see it from back there.

[GENE LANHAM]

Gotta love those newspaper guys - 126 MPH - I know John B. and he was good but not that good!

Bernie---you know what they teach a journalist----'never let the facts interfere with a good story'

The article quotes Louie Nuta as 'turning that 266 at 7200 RPM---which is about 126 miles per hour'

---and Johnny is that good!!! Here is Johnny and I trying to figure out why we are not running those Lycomings in our airplanes---

http://i66.tinypic.com/8ygsuc.jpg

[lilabner]

Odell finished the 1966 GCM----in the '7000'--


http://i65.tinypic.com/1zq7mn4.jpg

That picture doesn't lie..I was in the jungle in 66, had never even heard of the 7000 till years later when I saw the picture of it. I tried to find out about it, but you can't expect somebody working for Mr K to tell the real story,or even remember it..The boys hoodwinked me..I suppose we all get boats and dates and people mixed up now..That's what makes it so much fun..

[FUJIMO]

I believe the 7000 boat was destroyed beyond repair, at Lake X of all places, while testing new power. Elmer directed the testing & mishap & it went on the bon fire. Get Dave Craig on this thread, to have him give you the details, as he was the one testing it. He was badly hurt & Elmer actually showed compassion to him.

[GENE LANHAM]

I believe the 7000 boat was destroyed beyond repair, at Lake X of all places, while testing new power. Elmer directed the testing & mishap & it went on the bon fire.

By 1966 these lightweight wooden Wings were all getting a little 'long in the tooth' I remember one of Dave's Miss Skyway sitting under the trees at the Lake in 1967.

The last wooden wing I remember seeing run in competition was Bill Olney at Parker, 1968---and that boat had been back to Crystal Lake and had a new 'glass bottom'

(---And Bernie was still running the v-Wing in 1970---)??

http://i65.tinypic.com/28aib5y.jpg

[FUJIMO]

U4oria...http://aeromarineresearch.com/download/TBPNews/switzer1.jpg

[shadowcat]

wasn't this boat used as the mold for the fiberglass ones which followed????
By 1966 these lightweight wooden Wings were all getting a little 'long in the tooth' I remember one of Dave's Miss Skyway sitting under the trees at the Lake in 1967.

The last wooden wing I remember seeing run in competition was Bill Olney at Parker, 1968---and that boat had been back to Crystal Lake and had a new 'glass bottom'

(---And Bernie was still running the v-Wing in 1970---)??

http://i65.tinypic.com/28aib5y.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

wasn't this boat used as the mold for the fiberglass ones which followed????

Ted---I believe that is correct---Switzer wing #1--Bob Switzer told the story of the boat being returned by Olney and having a new bottom in exchange for taking a mold---this story is in your 'Switzerwings'---but I can't find it!!!

[GENE LANHAM]

The last wooden wing I remember seeing run in competition was Bill Olney at Parker, 1968---and that boat had been back to Crystal Lake and had a new 'glass bottom'




Bill Olney was a L.A. cop--finished 7th at Parker, 1968---

http://i64.tinypic.com/2cwnalc.jpg

[shadowcat]

in #6 place was-Lonnie Todd -in what was your boat -Redbird???


Bill Olney was a L.A. cop--finished 7th at Parker, 1968---

http://i64.tinypic.com/2cwnalc.jpg

[shadowcat]

-switzer wings were 4 of 5 top outboards if I read this correctly

[GENE LANHAM]

in #6 place was-Lonnie Todd -in what was your boat -Redbird???

Lonnie Todd was actually running an Offshore race that day---Bill Sirois and I ran the boat--it soon became Red Bird--

http://i63.tinypic.com/3166jaw.jpg

[willabee]

.....The last wooden wing I remember seeing run in competition was Bill Olney at Parker, 1968---and that boat had been back to Crystal Lake and had a new 'glass bottom'


http://i65.tinypic.com/28aib5y.jpg Pretty damn sharp memory you got there Redbird ..... Olney @ Parker in 68 ....

[velox]

All in all, I think the wood wings were faster with 80 HP engines that the first fiberglass ones were with 100's.
I believe the wood ones did do well over 100mph. Richie and I ran a Powercat with 100s that would go close to 75 and we were not even close to the Switzers. George Grilley , Richie Baiz and I ran a Glastron in the 9 hour when the fiberglass Switzers showed up with the very first super speedmasters and 100 HP engines. We were ahead of them until the last part of the race and we were getting slower from taking on water. When I was driving the first 3 hours The Mandella driven by Buch Peterson and Joe Mandella slightly bumped me on a turn. I thought nothing of it, but when we pulled the boat out of the water we drained about 50 gallons of water out of it. I doubt the early FG Switzers could do much over 70 MPH in that debut of the SSMs as we could only do 65MPH in the Glasstron. Once the bigger engines came out the FG Switzers came into their own.

[GENE LANHAM]

All in all, I think the wood wings were faster with 80 HP engines that the first fiberglass ones were with 100's.
I believe the wood ones did do well over 100mph. Richie and I ran a Powercat with 100s that would go close to 85 and we were not even close to the Switzers. George Grilley , Richie Baiz and I ran a Glastron in the 9 hour when the fiberglass Switzers showed up with the very first super speedmasters and 100 HP engines. We were ahead of them until the last part of the race and we were getting slower from taking on water. When I was driving the first 3 hours The Mandella driven by Buch Peterson and Joe Mandella slightly bumped me on a turn. I thought nothing of it, but when we pulled the boat out of the water we draind about 50 gallons of wager out of it. I doubt the early FG Switzers could do much over 70 MPH in that debut of the SSMs as we could only do 65MPH in the Glasstron. Once the bigger engines came out the FG Switzers came into their own.

Good Morning, Leonard!

Seven months after that 9 hour--Odell and Roy had the Glass Switzers running pretty good----

Results of the 1965 Gold Coast Marathon---

http://i64.tinypic.com/33ugaph.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

Ted---I believe that is correct---Switzer wing #1--Bob Switzer told the story of the boat being returned by Olney and having a new bottom in exchange for taking a mold---this story is in your 'Switzerwings'---but I can't find it!!!

Good Morning, Ted!!

I found it!!!

http://i66.tinypic.com/2j5coeu.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

Pretty damn sharp memory you got there Redbird ..... Olney @ Parker in 68 ....

Good Morning, Bill!!

--not that sharp--the picture (with the stiff rope) was at Elsinore-- your pic at Parker, thanks to 'tinypic' is not that sharp either--

http://i65.tinypic.com/34rfxb4.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

General GCM question: What year did Jimmy Stough win the GCM? I have the newspaper clipping of the results for the top 25, but there is no date with the clipping.
Of course the reason, I have the clipping is because my dad was fifth overall with a second place on the southern run. Odell Lewis and my dad were running identical Switzer Wings - the only difference was the paint scheme: one was Black and Gold, the other Black and Silver. The black and white photo doesn't exactly tell me but I think Dad's was Silver (just cannot remember). Looking at the photo the 'switzer' did not like calm conditions. Was there powertrim available in the early to mid-sixties?
247369247370
Mr. Poole thank you for the dealership info, which raises another question, did Mr. Kiekhaefer give his dealerships advertising space in the early years?

Looks like 1100's on Roy's boat---

http://i65.tinypic.com/novjhs.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

The 802 and 804 Wings were used as 'test/endurance' boats at the Lake--The 804 was called 'Odell's Boat'-----

I got to drive 'Odell's Boat' at the Lake in 1967 with the new 'studs down BP'-

--in 1968 it was rigged as a race boat again and taken to the Parker 9 Hour---

http://i63.tinypic.com/20s7xqa.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

I got to drive 'Odell's Boat' at the Lake in 1967 with the new 'studs down BP'-

--in 1968 it was rigged as a race boat again and taken to the Parker 9 Hour---



This picture clearly shows the 'new studs down BP'

http://i68.tinypic.com/y0yfp.jpg

[T2x]

Good Morning, Ted!!

I found it!!!

http://i66.tinypic.com/2j5coeu.jpg

I wonder how much speed it lost?

[GENE LANHAM]

I wonder how much speed it lost?

Good question, Rich. But like so many of the wings that went 'out West'---there are lots of questions--not many answers--

The next time I saw Olney--he was driving this 18' at Parker '69

http://i63.tinypic.com/20z661w.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

Ted shared this video on FB

If you haven't seen it--it is the Gold Coast Marathon, July 1962---it looks like Dave was second both days in the 'Bonadettes'----

Later run by Jan as 'Thunderbird' who set a record in it --1965

https://www.facebook.com/glennmarston/videos/10204131277601557/


http://i64.tinypic.com/2ag3ogi.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/2ltt6rn.jpg

[GENE LANHAM]

The boat spent a lot of time at the sign painter---and the body shop---

http://i67.tinypic.com/25s0kdz.jpg

[Bob V]

The boat spent a lot of time at the sign painter---and the body shop---

http://i67.tinypic.com/25s0kdz.jpg

Hey Gene...Where is that roll of duct tape ???? :eek:

[velox]

I would guess the FG Switzers with 100s could top out at about 80 MPH since they averaged about 73 MPH in the GCM. That would still be considerably slower than the wood ones with stacks did.
When I first saw the wood Switzers I though I had died and went to heaven. They were the neatest boats I had ever seen. I think when the engines on the Fiberglass wings got a little stronger they really started to fly and picked up much more that would be expected when that happened.
I am sure you know I got to drive Rich and Rogers Diablo two years ago and it was fast, but when it "popped" and started flying it picked up about 20 MPH in a couple of seconds. All I can say is it was an amazing ride and I have had some pretty good ones. I felt like Chuck Yeager when he broke the sound barrier.

[RogerH]

I would guess the FG Switzers with 100s could top out at about 80 MPH since they averaged about 73 MPH in the GCM. That would still be considerably slower than the wood ones with stacks did.
When I first saw the wood Switzers I though I had died and went to heaven. They were the neatest boats I had ever seen. I think when the engines on the Fiberglass wings got a little stronger the really started to fly and picked up much more that would be expected when that happened.
I am sure you know I got to drive Rich and Rogers Diablo two years ago and it was fast, but when it "popped" and started flying it picked up about 20 MPH in a couple of seconds. All I can say is it was an amazing ride and I have had some pretty good ones. I felt like Chuck Yeager when he broke the sound barrier.


330856
Hope to see you soon Charlie

[velox]

330856
Hope to see you soon Charlie

Bonny and I are attending
my sister Betty is coming also and hopes Treasure and Butch Stokes get there also.

[RogerH]

Just looked at this photo again and I think I see Sirois and Jeff Titus there behind us. Know that hat anywhere -lol

Bonny and I are attending
my sister Betty is coming also and hopes Treasure and Butch Stokes get there also.

[lilabner]

Bonny and I are attending
my sister Betty is coming also and hopes Treasure and Butch Stokes get there also.

will see ya'll there!!

[T2x]

will see ya'll there!!

Amen Brother!!!!!! I look forward to catching up.

[FUJIMO]

will see ya'll there!!
Are you sure? Cuz you were so mezmerizied at the museum on Sunday...as though no one else was in the place? Security had to follow you & Treasure around with a mop to clean up all the drool. :o lol

[lilabner]

breathtaking, wasn't it?..:D

I think some of EC rubbed off on me..I love those 300's..

[FUJIMO]

breathtaking, wasn't it?..:D

I think some of EC rubbed off on me..I love those 300's..
I'll tell you what Butch...I've been to a gazillion shows in my lifetime, but the "quality" of John's is unsurpassed. Not to mention the building build-out itself. Incredible. Talking to a 28 year veteran employee there of John's, he stated that quite a few of the 300's, etc., that we were looking at, John had bought brand-new back in the late 50's, early 60's, and had simply stored them away & have NO miles on them! Did you know that Mike Britton drives up there every day, and works in a fab shop, just the other side of the wall of that shaking prison inmate? I called him "Bennie". On the way up there, the wife & I also stopped at the "Coffee & Cars" show at the brand-spanking new Palm Beach Mall. THAT was incredible too. Its the first Sunday of every month. Those guys had two different mobile Dyno's going, while we were there, with 1500 h.p. Vettes and Imports on them...constantly running. It was a good Sunday, lol.

[Tx Guy]

Bought this boat/motor after the 1959 GCM. Had to have the hull repaired, but finished 3'rd in South Fla. regionals that year or maybe 1960. A lot of fun to race, it would get somewhere 60 mph after tuning, a Quincy lower unit, new prop and varnishing the hull.

[lilabner]

I think Velox will have a lot to say about this...Kind of like Stolen Valor..

[FUJIMO]

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=371730&d=1491360636

[Leah]

I grew up in Fort Lauderdale. My Dad would take us down to the Intracoastal on one of the Marathon days, and I can still remember Dave Craig coming down the water in his Switzer Wing. Or the year that Craig (?) Stella cut down a North American S22 to a low profile, 18' boat powered by an I/O and won.

When I was 13 or 14, we put steering in my Dad's 14' fiberglass skiff, 18 hp pressure tank motor, my brother and I put on our Soap Box Derby helmets and ran in class 1. Little did we know that most of the other boats in the class were little kneel down runabouts half the size of our boat, and way faster.

We finished 9th out of 21 boats in class just by virtue that we finished, and were given an award by Ross Bennett for being one of the last 5 boats to finish. I think around 250 started that Saturday.

Unfortunately, that was the last year the race ran up and down the Intracoastal--a cruiser ran across the course up in Boca Raton, Dell and his then teenage son Duff Daily in an E or F Service runabout (Oh Mona) hit the wake, broke Dell's back and burned Duff--end of permit for the race.

hello. I’m quoting you because my uncle found this thread, & he thinks you two might know each other. He’s not super internet/forum savvy, so I’m helping him. His name is Bruce C, & he raced his 8 cylinder boat that he built in about 1965. If you are who he thinks you are, he finished building his boat in your driveway with the help of your dad. My grandpa, who was a judge, knew your father somehow & talked to him about helping my uncle to finish building his boat. Your dad taught him to fiberglass his boat. Your house was on the west end of the isles on las olas near a bridge & across the way from my great uncle whose initials were LC. He told me that you & your brother raced boats & soap box derby cars.

Im hopeful that I can help my uncle to reconnect with you & possibly even participate in this forum. Feel free to PM me (if that’s a thing on this forum), & I’ll give you more details.

[Leah]

Hi Dad. Snapped this (crappy cell phone) pic recently at the house. One of these days I'll spend a night scanning all the old boat racing pics and make a thread here.

In my lifetime powerboat racing just hasn't been this accessible.

Hello! I’m posting here because I’m trying to reconnect my uncle, Bruce C, with your dad & uncle. I quoted the forum member you refer to as “Dad” as well. My uncle isn’t internet/forum savvy, so I’m trying to help him. I know he would enjoy talking to the Gent brothers again & reliving boat racing memories. If I’m figuring this right, your grandpa helped my uncle to finish building the boat he raced in the Gold Coast Marathon in about 1965. Somehow my grandpa knew your grandpa. Please feel free to read the reply to your dad that I just posted in this thread. I’d love to connect my uncle to your dad, so please PM me if you’ll like more details & contact info. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[lilabner]

I'll tell you what Butch...I've been to a gazillion shows in my lifetime, but the "quality" of John's is unsurpassed. Not to mention the building build-out itself. Incredible. Talking to a 28 year veteran employee there of John's, he stated that quite a few of the 300's, etc., that we were looking at, John had bought brand-new back in the late 50's, early 60's, and had simply stored them away & have NO miles on them! Did you know that Mike Britton drives up there every day, and works in a fab shop, just the other side of the wall of that shaking prison inmate? I called him "Bennie". On the way up there, the wife & I also stopped at the "Coffee & Cars" show at the brand-spanking new Palm Beach Mall. THAT was incredible too. Its the first Sunday of every month. Those guys had two different mobile Dyno's going, while we were there, with 1500 h.p. Vettes and Imports on them...constantly running. It was a good Sunday, lol.

Britton has been in Italy for quite awhile. He just got back. John has a new 232 foot Feretti. it just arrived at the port up there. Beautiful.

[Bob V]

Funny looking kid ran this one first.. Holt Craft BU

242440242441



That kid sure does resemble this kid....

426225

And this kid...

426226

These were the days when you did not need sponsors with deep pockets to go racing....the Best of Times...:thumbsup:

[lilabner]

The Best of Time for sure Bob.
Friends were abundant

[Instigator]

That Raveau (sp?) is gorgeous.
Always loved the lines. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in person.


That kid sure does resemble this kid....

426225

And this kid...

426226

These were the days when you did not need sponsors with deep pockets to go racing....the Best of Times...:thumbsup:

[lilabner]

That Raveau (sp?) is gorgeous.
Always loved the lines. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in person.

Here is maybe the last one built, and I'm waiting to go for a ride in it.

[Dave S]

Lilabner... Just love them old Pixs with the ol Mercs...White....cool. Flying too.....

[Instigator]

Wow.
Im not worthy, I’m not worthy.

Sometimes in my shop, I’ll think I really got sonething right and then I’ll see something like this.

Then I realize I’m not close and I want to to set my junk on fire.

I hope these guys understand the artisans they are.
Think I’ll go apply for a job bagging groceries tomorrow ��


Here is maybe the last one built, and I'm waiting to go for a ride in it.

[2us70]

I had a Raveau for a while. Bought it from Henry Rivers. Unfortunately it had been through many hands before mine. I think Butch had even run it for a time. By the time I got it the bottom was failing. Nick Chapman was going to repair it but I wound up trading it to him for a new CurtisCraft. Nick sold the Raveau with a full set of seats and a 35hp Johnson. Kind of regret never racing that boat.

[lilabner]

I had a Raveau for a while. Bought it from Henry Rivers. Unfortunately it had been through many hands before mine. I think Butch had even run it for a time. By the time I got it the bottom was failing. Nick Chapman was going to repair it but I wound up trading it to him for a new CurtisCraft. Nick sold the Raveau with a full set of seats and a 35hp Johnson. Kind of regret never racing that boat.

That was the 54 Boat I was running..Won every race in it, but two on the same day in Leesburg. Finished second in the 40 class and blew over in the 60 or 70 class out front. Great boat. Raveau gave me a new one to run but I was too light, the boat was wider. Herbie got it and the rest was history. He had a lot more meat on his bones.

[FUJIMO]

anyone know where & how young Curtis Chapman is? Victor?

[2us70]

Johnny Reed might know. He kept in touch with Nick for a while.

[Bob V]

That was the 54 Boat I was running..Won every race in it, but two on the same day in Leesburg. Finished second in the 40 class and blew over in the 60 or 70 class out front. Great boat. Raveau gave me a new one to run but I was too light, the boat was wider. Herbie got it and the rest was history. He had a lot more meat on his bones.

427034

[FUJIMO]

Britton has been in Italy for quite awhile. He just got back. John has a new 232 foot Feretti. it just arrived at the port up there. Beautiful.
thank-u 4 the update butch. :thumbsup: ...nice to know mike is still at something, staying busy. good egg. thx

[bernie]

I have a few photos of the last Raveau under construction at Bobby Walwork's shop - just awesome workmanship!427556427557

[lilabner]

This is Frank Vidals boat. When Bobby started it about three years ago it was going to be the last one, but there is never a "last" one. This may the last one he finished and it is just beautiful.Marty and Joe at Diamond Marine rigged it and i'm waiting for the maiden voyage. Frank has been very busy with his business since his father passed. They are a close family and just super people. Frank has a 16 ft Raveau Bomb also.

[Lake X Kid]

475297

475298

[[email protected]]

Graffiti and manatees rule Miami. They don't want racing anymore and good luck finding a group of inboards or even outboard nowadays to race there.


http://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=371730&d=1491360636

[[email protected]]

Family Class.

[Lake X Kid]

Graffiti and manatees rule Miami. They don't want racing anymore and good luck finding a group of inboards or even outboard nowadays to race there.

If they had a continuous Cirque du Soleil water show there, then the Marine Stadium would get renovated.

But unfortunately you might be correct, about the demise of future boat racing at MMS.

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=371730&d=1491360636

[2us70]

That is the best picture of the Marine Stadium I have ever seen. Obviously taken just after it's completion. For the last several decades it has become just an eyesore. The last time I was there the stands were off limits due to structural issues. There has been no maintenance or upkeep in years and that spells doom for an unprotected concrete structure.

[Lake X Kid]

This is something that might have raced at CCM.

476233

[Instigator]

That is bad ass and I want one!
Never seen one w/twins.


This is something that might have raced at CCM.

476233

[2us70]

Herb Reeves ran a 13 foot Raveau at Key West in I think 1965. It was rigged with two 44ci motors on D Quicksilver lower units. This race was a 60 mile marathon. I took a Greyhound Bus down there just to see him run this boat. Don't know how fast it was or remember how he finished. It was quite a sight to see that boat running down the straight away next to the highway. I have seen a couple of pictures of this boat running but not in a long time. If anyone out there has these shots please post. At a club meeting after this race Herb said the boat was nerve wracking to drive so he decided not to try it again.