Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[jackiewilson]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=482832&d=1543482489Launch of MOONLIGHT LADY.

[jackiewilson]

Ben Ainsley messed up in the Americas Cup. Just another 11 million down the tube. Lost out to the Italians. Now its just the final between the Kiwis and the Ities .

[powerabout]

Ben Ainsley messed up in the Americas Cup. Just another 11 million down the tube. Lost out to the Italians. Now its just the final between the Kiwis and the Ities .
The italians funded the Kiwi's in Bermuda so my guess is cup is going to Italy

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=482833&d=1613819893

[jackiewilson]

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1971— Jesus wept, is it almost fifty years ago ?
Boat was unbeatable, won everything i went in for except for a couple of disasters . One was the chase water 500 miler , when i threw a blade off my ROLLA prop and shook the bottom end off . Twenty years later when they drained the lake . It was found . Complete with half a prop.
After the Windermere three hour , boat and motor went to canada, Mark Rothermel ran it for a season . Last time i saw it was in Valleyfield, Mexicans had it .
Picture is the “THE DUCHESS GOLD CUP” , probably the most prestigious trophy on the domestic calendar . Was valued at £30,000 in 1971.
In spite of the RYA’s efforts to get it as an offshore trophy, it has always remained a “CIRCLE “ {CIRCUIT} trophy.
Many years later, my son Mark would win the DUCHESS ,

[jackiewilson]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=482833&d=1613819893
boat was built with the sole purpose in mind of taking it round the world when they both retired.

[jackiewilson]

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This laddie looks more like Renato than Renato himself doncha think ???????
It is in actual fact Albert Einstein !!!!!!!!!!!
But i suppose you could say Renato was the Einstein of “Circle” racing as we know it today!!!!!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

WELL, that went down like a turd in a punch bowl !!!!!
He was Mercury you know , long before he ever went RUDE !!!
Always had to have the best—— even before Sirois and later the American factory drivers .
Pulled some remarkable stunts —- swopped motors in the middle of the night.
Hid props and covered sponsons —— was always a loner, until you had something he didn’t!.
Roy Ridgell was the only person he ever trusted —— but only 10 per cent.
Always thought Scotti had a better deal with OMC than he did with Mercury,—— which was absolute nonsense of course .
Fell from a dizzy height harder than any other boat driver anywhere —— IRS nailed his hide to the workshop door to dry.

Looks like TIGER WOODS had another little hiccup ——— got himself in a tangle with a Far Eastern SUV —— would probably have walked away unscathed in a Yank SUV. Can’t imagine a HUMMER or an ESCALADA crumpling like that. Just saying, i really don’t know much at all.

[FUJIMO]

...definate moli bloodline j.w....lol...;)...https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483040&d=1614156553

[FUJIMO]

...man o man do i feel for tiger...of all people to happen to...can't freak'n believe it...

[jackiewilson]

67 Paris six hours ??? Don Ross had just built the “ROSSINARI”—— we Took it to Paris and i forget where we finished —- that’s if we did ????? Don took the first stint, i took the second .. I think we had an 1100 merc on it at that time , but again i wouldn’t bet the farm on it Was yellow.
One year Don and i raced the 16’MM Levi.—— GAWD-L-PUS . i know i submarined it on the back straight , was around that time 67/8 . Sorry Jim, not much help im afraid, wasn’t a particularly memorable Paris six hours for me .

[jackiewilson]

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Ok Jim, here is THE ROSSANARI- DON HAD IT BUILT BY A LOCAL CHIPPY. Paris was the first time out, number 53 was our allotted number.

[jackiewilson]

Was talking to my son Mark last night . Got to talking about the races we never did , The Rouen 24 hours —— The PAVIA/Venitzia . Then we got to talking about all the people that made our sport what it is today..
Talked about how passionate the Italians are about the PAVIA / Venezia and some of the participants . Renato tried dozens of times, but i think he only won once. Believe it was in the Seventies when he was at his peak. BOOTSIE always entered, but again, i think he only won it the one time. Some of the most ridiculous boats of all time have been entered . It’s like Parker used to be, YOU RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG. Nothing is ever turned away.
There is one guy who won six or eight times , but the river PO got its own back and he lost his life whe the boat hit a sand bar at speed . Boat cartwheeled a number of times before nose diving into the sand bar. Here i go again —dreaming !!!

[jackiewilson]

Point i was actually trying to make is how little recognition ANGELO MOLINARI received for his efforts.
Was without a doubt, one of the nicest men i ever met , great friends with BOOTSIE and ROLLA and Tullio Abatte. They would often meet for morning coffee at the tiny coffee bar —- in Como, right next door to Angelo’s factory.
All of them were giants in the history of power boating.
Never quite understood why Mercury didn’t deal with Angelo in the Mercury/Molinari/ TORRIGGIA deal.
Renato wasn’t even 21 years old and was still learning his trade . Angelo was a seasoned boatbuilder of all types of fast boats . Had raced competively all his life . So why deal with the boy, when they could have dealt with the man himself .??????

[jackiewilson]

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Just some of the boats that will be running in this years PAVIA—VENICE race on the sixth of June 2021.
Don’t think there has ever been an American entry . I certainly don’t remember one. I know Roy. Ridgell went there a couple of times with Renato.
Distance is just over 400 kilometres—- sort of thing Ted Boyd , Roger Hinsdale and Rich Luhrs might get involved in. I would chuck in a 100 bucks to get a fund started to get an old farts team over there . Just for the hell of it. Would beat the crap out of staying home in lockdown for another year.
Entries close on 28th March. Just saying.

[GENE LANHAM]

...definate moli bloodline j.w....lol...;)...https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483040&d=1614156553

​Really??


483077

[GENE LANHAM]

Point i was actually trying to make is how little recognition ANGELO MOLINARI received for his efforts.
Was without a doubt, one of the nicest men i ever met , great friends with BOOTSIE and ROLLA and Tullio Abatte. They would often meet for morning coffee at the tiny coffee bar —- in Como, right next door to Angelo’s factory.
All of them were giants in the history of power boating.
Never quite understood why Mercury didn’t deal with Angelo in the Mercury/Molinari/ TORRIGGIA deal.
Renato wasn’t even 21 years old and was still learning his trade . Angelo was a seasoned boatbuilder of all types of fast boats . Had raced competively all his life . So why deal with the boy, when they could have dealt with the man himself .??????

I got this from Roy--It was taped to my toolbox---for years

483078

[jackiewilson]

Mark think he knows the answer , what he says makes a lot of sense.
Rassini’s were more than just race boat drivers , they were Bankers ——passionate racers and controlled an awful lot of money. Even had their own bodyguard in the one and only GIGI.
Big fear was that one of the Rassini children would be kidnapped .
Mark believes that the brothers were instrumental in getting the deal done between Mercury and Angelo—- putting his eldest son in charge, and acquiring the TORRIGGIA factory.
Simple fact is , the Italians were way ahead of anyone else in the tunnel design. Scottie, Abatte and Molinari were just three of the many tunnel boat manufacturers . Schultze in Austria was also a top line competitor . Carl KEIKHAEFER was quick to notice that.

[FUJIMO]

...but who came out on top. molinari.

[jackiewilson]

...but who came out on top. molinari.

Not too sure on that one Fuji. Look at all the other F1 drivers who took part in the sport at that time . Each and every one of them {that are still alive} have settled down well and all of them “HAVE MADE THE GRADE” {as we used to say in the olden days}.
That is , all except one———-Renato Molinari !!!!!!!!!
He was old long before his time . Still a LONER — Never Married , no kids to pass on his “LEGEND” status .
Would have to think long and hard about “WHO CAME OUT ON TOP”. No i don’t , not really, don’t even have to take a time out. SEEBOLD —— once again !!!!!!
Thirty years ago today, i had a triple bi-pass at Guys Hospital in London. Doctor told me i was good for another twenty years . ??????????
Wonder how many other triple bi-pass patients lasted thirty Years . Must be some sort of exclusive club somewhere ???? THE THIRTY YEAR TRIPLE BI-PASS CLUB.
JUST SAYING !!!!!!!!!

[powerabout]

Not too sure on that one Fuji. Look at all the other F1 drivers who took part in the sport at that time . Each and every one of them {that are still alive} have settled down well and all of them “HAVE MADE THE GRADE” {as we used to say in the olden days}.
That is , all except one———-Renato Molinari !!!!!!!!!
He was old long before his time . Still a LONER — Never Married , no kids to pass on his “LEGEND” status .
Would have to think long and hard about “WHO CAME OUT ON TOP”. No i don’t , not really, don’t even have to take a time out. SEEBOLD —— once again !!!!!!
Thirty years ago today, i had a triple bi-pass at Guys Hospital in London. Doctor told me i was good for another twenty years . ??????????
Wonder how many other triple bi-pass patients lasted thirty Years . Must be some sort of exclusive club somewhere ???? THE THIRTY YEAR TRIPLE BI-PASS CLUB.
JUST SAYING !!!!!!!!!


So which one of your descendants has your skills? ( and sense of humour?)

[jackiewilson]

So which one of your descendants has your skills? ( and sense of humour?)

Not so sure i would say i have any particular skills Pilgrim, and can’t think of any of them with my particular sense of black humour .
today, my SNAP-ON roll box went out of the door . Bought it fifty years ago . Still have the top box . Why on earth was i vain enough to buy snap on tools ?????They simply never were worth the money that was asked . Suppose it was an organisation, one step above „PYRAMID SELLING“ . SEARS CRAFTSMAN. Range of tools was every bit as good at quarter the price, and with a lifetime guarantee. So much Bollocks when you come to discussing a man and his toolbox 1111

[FUJIMO]

Not so sure i would say i have any particular skills Pilgrim, and can’t think of any of them with my particular sense of black humour .
today, my SNAP-ON roll box went out of the door . Bought it fifty years ago . Still have the top box . Why on earth was i vain enough to buy snap on tools ?????They simply never were worth the money that was asked . Suppose it was an organisation, one step above „PYRAMID SELLING“ . SEARS CRAFTSMAN. Range of tools was every bit as good at quarter the price, and with a lifetime guarantee. So much Bollocks when you come to discussing a man and his toolbox 1111
...bought a large beautiful rollaway snap-on box many years ago, brand-new in the box, for one third of what they sold for. gave the fella the price he was asking in his advertisement. filled it with all new tools of every brand besides snap-on. mans best friend.

[FUJIMO]

...but who came out on top. molinari.
...what i meant was...back then...the molinari "boats"...not neccesarily the boat driver...came out on top... (even though renato was no slouch as a driver)

[jackiewilson]

After Sirois had gone offshore and the demise of Scotti , there were a bunch of us with high opinions ,
wonderful memories of the MERCURY and OMC teams going head to head , OMC were supposed to be the enemy, but with the characters that were on each side , that was never going to happen. Pruett growling „garbrecht don’t get to choose my friends“. He just loved everybody anyway.
First time i went with Mercury to Havasu , Pruett and me spent more time in the OMC camp than we did in the Mercury enclave. [OMC ALWAYS DID A GREAT SHRIMP BAKE ]
Lots of damned good drivers either side . Pruett was of the opine that Jim Hunt was the best driver in the USA . Scotti had made a name for himself and had wins to back it up. Renato was never at his best in America , but he was fearless in Europe and South Africa.

[jackiewilson]

...what i meant was...back then...the molinari "boats"...not neccesarily the boat driver...came out on top... (even though renato was no slouch as a driver)

again, i have to disagree. BURGESS BUILT A BOAT THAT REGULARLY OUTRAN THE MOLINARI.
Seebold and Velden produced racewinning boats . Hodges nearly built a good boat . Mercury almost built a good boat with the twister, except i think the Mercury team drivers wrung the best out of it .

[jackiewilson]

Just to wind down this particular subject, on who were the best drivers of all time on the circle racing
{circuit}. Here‘s my final take and thoughts on who were the. Best „“AT MY TIME“—- NOT BEFORE —OR SINCE . I must emphasise .
Mercury had Seebold—Bentz— Fountain- Hering. OMC had Sanders—Jimbo McConnell —- Posey — Hill. Plus a bunch of others who were good.
My top two were always going to be Mercury drivers anyway have to be Seebold and Molinari.
Million dollar question ——- which one ?????? My answer is Seebold.
Several reasons for this , LOYALTY !!!! ABILITY!!!!! PERSONALITY. —- CONDUCT!!!!
Whilst Renato was Equal on ABILITY —— He did fall short on the rest.
Other side of the road at OMC were two who could {on a good day——this is where bias raises its head} Sanders and Jimbo !!!! Again in my opinion only —- Jimbo had that rare commodity—LOYALTY.
So there you have it, in my opinion only. BILLY SEEBOLD has to top my list for greatest driver .

Afraid i do place LOYALTY pretty high on my agenda. Look at all the drivers in the 60/70‘s bracket and i can only think of two who were totally loyal to the brand . Jimbo for OMC—— Billy for Mercury.
Most all the other drivers shifted brand, but then so did the management !!! Freddie Hauenstien — Gary Garbrecht —Charlie Strang !!!!!! Drivers - Velden—Molinari—Hering — and a rake of others . I can accept that there were mitigating circumstances . End of the day , not many stayed loyal. In fact, i wouldn’t have to take my socks off to count ALL the ones that remained loyal !!!
Just Saying.

[jackiewilson]

483211483212

After fifty years of loyal use, my snap on roller box has found a new home . The last thirty years it had housed all the tools and sockets i don’t need —- pullers and specialist gear . Stilsons and vice grips. Im keeping the top box with the three drawers. That’s simply too full of equipment and useless tooling , plus i do tend to be a tad sentimental over stuff I’ve had for quite a while.

[FUJIMO]

again, i have to disagree. BURGESS BUILT A BOAT THAT REGULARLY OUTRAN THE MOLINARI.
Seebold and Velden produced racewinning boats . Hodges nearly built a good boat . Mercury almost built a good boat with the twister, except i think the Mercury team drivers wrung the best out of it .
...your right mr. jack, there were a number of good tunnel builders/performers back then...have to agree...

[jackiewilson]

...your right mr. jack, there were a number of good tunnel builders/performers back then...have to agree...

Stop agreeing with me Fuji—- that’s not allowed . I’m too much of a cranky old curmudgeon! {ask willabee}

[jackiewilson]

483314483315

Gradually getting through all the old concepts i pulled from the garden shed. Don’t know of another single person , anywhere in the world , that’s fool enough to make a SWITZER WING,——with a pair of straight six MERCURY motors out of solid English oak !!!!!!
then stitch the whole lot onto an APPLE MAC stand.
SOLD —the OMC teak concept with the Johnrude on the back went to South Carolina ——-
Teak —- Big Merc powered tunnel with the yellow stripe went to MARK ROTHARMEL in Canada’
Think this might wind up with one of the Boyd’s—— its right up their street, and cheap as chips at £250. Postage is always a killer —- Fifty bucks a pop. But, it takes less than a week these days .
Also have the very first wing i ever did. The old MISS DIABLO , all in black, Ted and the boys can fight over that one. Postage for the pair would come out at sixty five bucks. If it’s any more I’ll swallow the extra cost.

[GENE LANHAM]

Not so sure i would say i have any particular skills Pilgrim, and can’t think of any of them with my particular sense of black humour .
today, my SNAP-ON roll box went out of the door . Bought it fifty years ago . Still have the top box . Why on earth was i vain enough to buy snap on tools ?????They simply never were worth the money that was asked . Suppose it was an organisation, one step above „PYRAMID SELLING“ . SEARS CRAFTSMAN. Range of tools was every bit as good at quarter the price, and with a lifetime guarantee. So much Bollocks when you come to discussing a man and his toolbox 1111

483325

[jackiewilson]

[QUOTE=GENE LANHAM;3268885]483325[/QUOTE



Snap on Van would call at the garage every Friday—- {pay day} smooth talking little bastard of a salesman would bring out his “ Bargain of the week “ —- always be a half price deal. My guys would drool for a while before they agreed to buy the item. AH, BUT THREE OF YOU HAD TO BUY ONE APIECE BEFORE IT WAS A DEAL. . That’s when the little sh-t really got into his stride — when the guys had told him that was all they could afford that week. —-How about you make it up to a hundred and spread the payment over the next twelve months. Make it up to two fifty and i will only charge you ten percent interest. So it went on , year after year , mechanics up to their ears in debt—— but they did have a SNAP ON ROLL BOX with a thousand quids worth of tools inside.
Snap on van was always a top end MERCEDES , LONG WHEEL BASE . WITH EVERY UPGRADE KNOWN TO MAN. INCLUDING A COOL BOX IN THE GENUINE LEATHER SEATED CAB.
A set of Elora or craftsman chrome vanadium at a quarter the price would have done just as well.
Talk about the SLAVE TRADE ———- SNAP-ON LEFT THEM FOR DEAD !!!!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

483328483329

Doing good —— finished the all black Diablo. Clearing the shop out is going really well. Still have another twenty raceboats for sale . Offshore and circuit—— yesterday and todays boats. Everything is $250 + P and P - which is another $. 50 . If any of you out there are interested in my concepts, give me a call through PM’s or email me at the [email protected]
Finally got a date when we can have the new house —— March 22nd. Will take at least three weeks and a big bag of gold before the place is ready for habitation !
Up side is —- i get SUPERSHED, ——Kitchen goddess gets her new kitchen and bathroom . But, I’ve been there—-done that—-got the tee shirt, and things still go wrong.
Remember the old adage—- best laid plans of mice and men ??????????

[jackiewilson]

483332483333

another load of concepts i have to finish—— The 41 foot apache has a FACELIFT. Put a cell cockpit on it, looks even better than the original.
Everything’s for sale—- even Sogs fish boat. Ive had it too long , plus, it wont allow for posting. Maybe make him another smaller version next time .
ROLLS ROYCES TAKE A LITTLE LONGER TO COMPLETE.

[Rotary John]

[QUOTE=GENE LANHAM;3268885]483325[/QUOTE



Snap on Van would call at the garage every Friday—- {pay day} smooth talking little bastard of a salesman would bring out his “ Bargain of the week “ —- always be a half price deal. My guys would drool for a while before they agreed to buy the item. AH, BUT THREE OF YOU HAD TO BUY ONE APIECE BEFORE IT WAS A DEAL. . That’s when the little sh-t really got into his stride — when the guys had told him that was all they could afford that week. —-How about you make it up to a hundred and spread the payment over the next twelve months. Make it up to two fifty and i will only charge you ten percent interest. So it went on , year after year , mechanics up to their ears in debt—— but they did have a SNAP ON ROLL BOX with a thousand quids worth of tools inside.
Snap on van was always a top end MERCEDES , LONG WHEEL BASE . WITH EVERY UPGRADE KNOWN TO MAN. INCLUDING A COOL BOX IN THE GENUINE LEATHER SEATED CAB.
A set of Elora or craftsman chrome vanadium at a quarter the price would have done just as well.
Talk about the SLAVE TRADE ———- SNAP-ON LEFT THEM FOR DEAD !!!!!!!!!
Kinda like a Lexus vs a Chevy. Both work the same and have similar warranties. It's all about personal perception.

[jackiewilson]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3268903]
Kinda like a Lexus vs a Chevy. Both work the same and have similar warranties. It's all about personal perception.
MOLINARI OR SCOTTIE. SEEBOLD OR VELDEN. BURGESS OR HODGES
MERCURY OR JONRUDE —— THAT SORT OF THING JOHNNO ????????
I. STILL THINK THAT THE SNAP ON SET UP WAS “PYRAMID SELLING” ON A SOPHISTICATED SCALE.

[WaterZebra]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3268903]
Kinda like a Lexus vs a Chevy. Both work the same and have similar warranties. It's all about personal perception.

At Boeing, we used to call the factory mechanics' rolling tool boxes "monuments". Every penny they spent on tools was written off their taxes as part of their employment costs. Both Boeing and the trucking industries got wise to this over the years and banned "monuments" and provided all the necessary tools to do their jobs (tool rooms). Soon after that, the Snap On dealer trucks disappeared. You hardly ever see a Snap On dealer truck on the road anymore. For the homeowner garage mechanic, Snap On was a distant economic dream investment. Sears Craftsman died as well. Homeowners' $$$ now a days is spent on Harbor Freight. LOL

[jackiewilson]

[QUOTE=Rotary John;3268913]

At Boeing, we used to call the factory mechanics' rolling tool boxes "monuments". Every penny they spent on tools was written off their taxes as part of their employment costs. Both Boeing and the trucking industries got wise to this over the years and banned "monuments" and provided all the necessary tools to do their jobs (tool rooms). Soon after that, the Snap On dealer trucks disappeared. You hardly ever see a Snap On dealer truck on the road anymore. For the homeowner garage mechanic, Snap On was a distant economic dream investment. Sears Craftsman died as well. Homeowners' $$$ now a days is spent on Harbor Freight. LOL

There is a new breed of quality chrome vanadium wrenches sprung up over here , Stanley—-Facom— Hilka, even Halfords have a superb range of lifetime guaranteed spanner’s, every bit as good as. . Snap-on . Yes, i did have a chest full of Snap-on kit. Still kept all my Bedford —Gedore. elora and Britool sets of tools . These were cheap as chips — lasted just as long, don’t ever remember breaking a wrench through misuse . Have lost them when i used to let every Tom, Dick ad Harry have access to them . Stopped the day i said NO, YOU CAN’T.!!!
Always had a soft spot for American 240 v machines—- just swop the plug for a sensible one and they would last a lifetime, plus.
Finally getting my workshop, exactly the way i want it, with all the kit i used to dream about. Only taken me to the age of 89 to achieve my ambition. Still, i suppose i should be grateful i still have all my marbles .

[WaterZebra]

[QUOTE=WaterZebra;3268940]

There is a new breed of quality chrome vanadium wrenches sprung up over here , Stanley—-Facom— Hilka, even Halfords have a superb range of lifetime guaranteed spanner’s, every bit as good as. . Snap-on . Yes, i did have a chest full of Snap-on kit. Still kept all my Bedford —Gedore. elora and Britool sets of tools . These were cheap as chips — lasted just as long, don’t ever remember breaking a wrench through misuse . Have lost them when i used to let every Tom, Dick ad Harry have access to them . Stopped the day i said NO, YOU CAN’T.!!!
Always had a soft spot for American 240 v machines—- just swop the plug for a sensible one and they would last a lifetime, plus.
Finally getting my workshop, exactly the way i want it, with all the kit i used to dream about. Only taken me to the age of 89 to achieve my ambition. Still, i suppose i should be grateful i still have all my marbles .

That was quite a blast in Exeter the other day. The drone aerial coverage was really something. Amazes me that bombs like that still continue to turn up.

[jackiewilson]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3268950]

That was quite a blast in Exeter the other day. The drone aerial coverage was really something. Amazes me that bombs like that still continue to turn up.

My youngest daughter lives on the beach at Elmer in West Sussex . Low tide she would walk down to the beach and sit on this old chunk of oil drum covered in barnacles . Navy took it out to sea and blew it up.

[GENE LANHAM]

After fifty years of loyal use, my snap on roller box has found a new home . Stilsons and vice grips. Im keeping the top box with the three drawers. That’s simply too full of equipment and useless tooling , plus i do tend to be a tad sentimental over stuff I’ve had for quite a while.


1945: The WAR is over, gasoline is available--my dad needs a car--I want to learn to drive--a neighbor has an eight year old Buick that has been sitting OUTSIDE for over four years---

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After finally getting it running---our first trip was to Sears--to buy tools---CRAFTSMAN tools--

I learned to drive!! I learned to fix cars!!--I was 14 years old--

Some of those tools are still in this tray--they were not Chrome--not VANADIUM but--Cadmium--

The tools have have served me well--many have been lost--at a race in KW the box turned over and many fell in the deep water--check out the tray---the pic taken a FEW months ago at the hangar--

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I got this pic a few months ago--I was Racing with the Eyetalians---taken at Pt Pleasant --1975---
Same tray--TAD SENTIMENTAL??

483367

[jackiewilson]

483386483387483388

after being given nearly four thousand dollars for being part of the winning 1970 mercury Factory race team . I spent two and a half grand on a snowmobile and the rest on a toolbox and wrenches from SEARS. All were labelled CRAFTSMEN. Brought them back as hand luggage, claiming these were the tools of my trade, didn’t pay any extra . Still have a bunch of these left to this day.

[Watermark]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;32

after being given nearly four thousand dollars for being part of the winning 1970 mercury Factory race team . I spent two and a half grand on a snowmobile and the rest on a toolbox and wrenches from SEARS. All were labelled CRAFTSMEN. Brought them back as hand luggage, claiming these were the tools of my trade, didn’t pay any extra . Still have a bunch of these left to this day.[/QUOTE]


Three Questions, Jackie. Being a loyal Mercury driver,
1) Did you invest back into the company and buy a *Mercury snowmobile with that money?
2) Was there enough snow in England to get out very often?
3) Did you use those SEARS wrenches to keep it running?

483391

(*Note, I too bought a snowmobile (and the suit) with prize money won in 1976... and it was a Mercury!)
483392

[jackiewilson]

483397

First things first Mark—- this arrived two minutes ago—- thank-you. Only in Canada would you get pictures of an inboard hydro on a postage stamp. They don’t even do that in Italy or Switzerland!!

[Watermark]

First things first Mark—- this arrived two minutes ago—- thank-you. Only in Canada would you get pictures of an inboard hydro on a postage stamp. They don’t even do that in Italy or Switzerland!!

Jackie, it looks like our Postal system has picked up the pace! Took only 4 business days for this letter to arrive.. we best not call it "snail mail" anymore!

These stamps were brought out in 2011 by Canada Post, marking the 50th anniversary of Miss Supertest III's final win of the International Harmsworth Trophy. A brief story of the boat, including Supertest's designer, Jim Thompson, and its driver, Bob Hayward, is written on the package.

483398483399

[Ronster43]

[QUOTE=WaterZebra;3268940]

There is a new breed of quality chrome vanadium wrenches sprung up over here , Stanley—-Facom— Hilka, even Halfords have a superb range of lifetime guaranteed spanner’s, every bit as good as. . Snap-on . Yes, i did have a chest full of Snap-on kit. Still kept all my Bedford —Gedore. elora and Britool sets of tools . These were cheap as chips — lasted just as long, don’t ever remember breaking a wrench through misuse . Have lost them when i used to let every Tom, Dick ad Harry have access to them . Stopped the day i said NO, YOU CAN’T.!!!
Always had a soft spot for American 240 v machines—- just swop the plug for a sensible one and they would last a lifetime, plus.
Finally getting my workshop, exactly the way i want it, with all the kit i used to dream about. Only taken me to the age of 89 to achieve my ambition. Still, i suppose i should be grateful i still have all my marbles .

My dad had a decal inside the lid of his race toolbox that read "Only fools loan their tools". I'm sure it's still there. He used to tell me..."Only loan the tools you don't care about because you may not get them back". Of course I had to verify this myself. And he was right.

[jackiewilson]

Three Questions, Jackie. Being a loyal Mercury driver,
1) Did you invest back into the company and buy a *Mercury snowmobile with that money?
2) Was there enough snow in England to get out very often?
3) Did you use those SEARS wrenches to keep it running?

483391

(*Note, I too bought a snowmobile (and the suit) with prize money won in 1976... and it was a Mercury!)
483392
Oh yes, it was a Mercury. We had massive amount of snow that winter. Used to take my youngest girl to school on it for about a week . SWMF were the `Mercury distributers in England. They imported the big, top of the range Snowmobile, even put road tax on it. After two years they still hadn’t sold it. I made them a silly offer and bought it.
I was the proud owner of the only two Mercury snowmobiles ever to come to this country.
Neither of them ever caused a moments grief—- they just simply ran and ran and ran. I would take kids for rides at the Southwater Gymkhana, held in the big field at the back of the school.

[Watermark]

Oh yes, it was a Mercury. We had massive amount of snow that winter. Used to take my youngest girl to school on it for about a week . SWMF were the `Mercury distributers in England. They imported the big, top of the range Snowmobile, even put road tax on it. After two years they still hadn’t sold it. I made them a silly offer and bought it.
I was the proud owner of the only two Mercury snowmobiles ever to come to this country.
Neither of them ever caused a moments grief—- they just simply ran and ran and ran. I would take kids for rides at the Southwater Gymkhana, held in the big field at the back of the school.

What a great memory. If you can find a photo of it somewhere, sometime.. you should include this in your book!

[WaterZebra]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3268950]

My dad had a decal inside the lid of his race toolbox that read "Only fools loan their tools". I'm sure it's still there. He used to tell me..."Only loan the tools you don't care about because you may not get them back". Of course I had to verify this myself. And he was right.

Yeah, loaning anything had its drawbacks. On the IOGP series, I lent a radio system to a Mod VP guy so he could meet the radio requirement. Said he would parcel ship the system back to me after 1 more race. Never saw the radio, him or the race boat again. Props were even worse. I'd send a guy over with a wrench to get it from the borrower. LOL

[jackiewilson]

I do have some pictures somewhere of my eldest daughter Sandra and me on the two snowmobiles outside the house at the garage in Southwater. Shows there was plenty of snow tha year 70/71. Trouble is , im damned if i can find the picture.
Sandra was a qualified nurse a Masseuse and a reflexology doctor. She would often take her table to race meetings in Italy—-drivers would queue just to have their aches and pains seen to.
Como—Milan Idroscala— Campioni she was well liked by everyone especially Buzzi.

[techteam]

Jackie, you've been busted 16 x 12 is not a Supershed. May I direct you to one of these for inspiration.

https://www.wareingbuildings.co.uk/w-bamber/

[jackiewilson]

jackie, you've been busted 16 x 12 is not a supershed. May i direct you to one of these for inspiration.

Oh dear , oh dear, oh dear, that is typical american —- how can it be any good unless its “hucking fuge”. After working in a 16 x 8 converted garage for the last four years , to me at least, 16 x 12 is a supershed !!!! Will also be 18 feet at the top left hand corner , due to the irregular space supershed will be situated. Will be up and running by the 14th april, so i can show you the finished article in the not too distant future. Believe me when i tell you tech-team. To me a 16 x 12 is a supershed!!!!

https://www.wareingbuildings.co.uk/w-bamber/
a hell of a supershed .

[jackiewilson]

Been one of those days, lot of effort for very little return. Five and ten quidsworth. It’s still to pack and post same as a couple of hundred quidsworth.
So i bought another bandsaw . Just have to get it picked up , its the other side of Stanstead airport, which is real pain in the arse to get to.
Then i had a mad fit of depression and bought a 30 year old TRIUMPH TRIDENT TRIPLE 900 CC !!!! Last time i rode a motorbike was in Thailand twenty years ago. !!!!
Why did i buy it ???? Answer ——— why do you boat race or climb mountains —- simples —- because i wanted to and because i could ... what the hell am i going to do with ???? I have no idea. Once i know, ill tell you.

[jackiewilson]

Does any other old fart do stupid and irrational things like me—totally ​ILLOGICAL !!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

483454483455

Doing some clearing out from under the bed [huge trunk full of old powerboat stuff] why the hell i keep it i will never know. Came across a pack of MERCURY playing cards . Don’t remember where or when i acquired them !! Can tell you they are at least fifty years old .
Anybody else thinks the JOKER looks like BUTLER ?????

[Lake X Kid]

Men at work.

483469

[FUJIMO]

...great pic. a few recognizables there. is that seabold & willa. gosh, who is that sit'n on the generator? memory shot. as well as mr. wilson to the right...

[Lake X Kid]

Renato listen to your dad. Angelo will help you learn the aero physics, and Merc power will get you off the water's surface. — Albert Einstein

483475

[jackiewilson]

Quote of the day “Yesterday is history——— live and love today—- tomorrow is a Mystery????‘

[jackiewilson]

...great pic. A few recognizables there. Is that seabold & willa. Gosh, who is that sit'n on the generator? Memory shot. As well as mr. Wilson to the right...

hate to contradict you roy but thats gene next to billy. Its schunks on the genny!!

[FUJIMO]

Does any other old fart do stupid and irrational things like me—totally ​ILLOGICAL !!!!!!!
...nope...none of us do...just you...;)...

[jackiewilson]

...nope...none of us do...just you...;)...

Let me tell you Fuji— once you start , it really pisses you off!!!

[jackiewilson]

483593483594

Foraging at the scrapyard Saturday morning, came across a chewed, spit and trod on , really NAFF table lamp . Had a tatty old wooden base , split from backside to breakfast time . A pair of lights on the inside and a Bakelite , broken bulb holder on the top.
Not a lot going for it really —- picked it up, was surprised just how heavy it was. Had to be cast brass . Had been heavily lacquered long ago, but due to misuse , abuse and general kicking about , poor thing looked really sorry for itself. Picked it out of the melting bin and it stuck into the weighing bag along with a Viking helmet and some other dross i knew i was never going to use. Threw into the back of the trusty Lexus and headed home.
Emptied the scrap sack on to the workbench and slowly dismantled the old lamp. Chucked away the old wood base and the two light bulbs, chopped out the wring and laid all the bits out . Let the old grey cells loose and what do we have here ? THE ELMER LIGHT !!!!!
Now you have to know that the only lighthouse there has ever been at ELMER , is the one the old grey cells have conjured. {same as the CATHEDRAL AT BOUZIGUES}.
But daughter Sam lives on the beach at ELMER , so suddenly , it has a lighthouse.
Made up of seven pieces of cast brass , stands fifteen inches tall, but begs for some TLC.
Four hours later , i have fernagled a new base , out of an old aluminium round casting, polished out all traces of the lacquer . Got rid of the scratch marks and lined up all the bits. .
There you see it , fully assembled but with no lighting. Think i could get away with a couple of LED lights inside if i really tried hard ???
went to find my engraver so i could engrave „THE ELMER LIGHT“ on the outside , guess what, can’t find the engraver !!!!!!
That’s where im at right now. In the middle of clearing out the shop, i do a stupid thing like that. Then later today, i have another two speed bandsaw arriving!!! Why does. „“hole in the head“ come to mind.
COVID called , told him to bugger off as i didn’t have time . Far too much going on in my life for any of that old rubbish.

[FUJIMO]

...that was a really nice find...https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483593&d=1615195506

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483594&d=1615197088

[GENE LANHAM]

Men at work.

483469

483612

[jackiewilson]

483632483633
Amazing the stuff that keeps leaping out of the woodwork. This has to be fifty years old. Made in Canada it says. You don’t get many of those for a pound !

[2us70]

Those of us running in Sport and Production classes were required to run those trim tabs just like that. Cutting off the fin was forbidden. They also hid the back lower unit bolt.

[jackiewilson]

Wonder what exactly what OOPRAH‘S brief was from CBS , something like this i would guess.

here you go girl —we have a two hour slot going begging—— a couple of ex royals —— she has a touch of the tar brush , BLM and RACISM are a hot topic at the moment —- go for it —- ?????
Even me as an Englishman knows OPRAH Winfrey can stir up a sh-t storm in a cardboard box with the lid shut tight if she has a mind to . She managed it admirably!!!!!!! Congrats Girl, you got the pair to drown in their own mire .
Perfect set up— divorcee with ambition—- {been there —done that— good start} Social climber , but gone off the bubble so to speak ??????
Harry with the ginger hair and of questionable heritage ???? Pure white and proud of it .
There you have it —- all black interviewer —- mixed race Female wife—- all white husband —— c‘mon Girl, if that’s not the most volatile mix on the planet , then ill BUCK A FUFFALO. On primetime TV. !!!
Even the very idea was a recipe for disaster—— it achieved two things for the English viewers . —— Harry has always been a likeable lad —- trying hard to keep his head above water. Always played second fiddle to his older brother . Did it well too!!!!
THEN

[jackiewilson]

Depends as to how the first page goes down as to whether or not there will ever be a chapter.

[jackiewilson]

Those of us running in Sport and Production classes were required to run those trim tabs just like that. Cutting off the fin was forbidden. They also hid the back lower unit bolt.

Reason i cut mine off was because the damn prop wouldn’t turn with it in place , did have a tad more rake than good for it.!!!!!
Always amazed me how quick these old bold water weevils chewed up the „“sacrificial“. Anode ???

[2us70]

Never had a problem with prop clearance on any of my motors. A couple of guys I knew did manage to damage their motors because they thought the trim tab bolt was all that held on the back of the lower unit. They missed the nut hiding up in there and broke something getting the unit off.

[GENE LANHAM]

Never had a problem with prop clearance on any of my motors. A couple of guys I knew did manage to damage their motors because they thought the trim tab bolt was all that held on the back of the lower unit. They missed the nut hiding up in there and broke something getting the unit off.

Some of us ---are old enough to remember---that the water pickup---was in the trim tab---even the 44" jetprop 500--

[2us70]

I also recall water pickups in the bottom of the cavitation plate right above the prop. On those older motors the pump was buried in the lower unit casting. Hard to work on.

[jackiewilson]

483677

When i first moved to the Languedoc region of France , into a very small fishing village called BOUZIGUES. I met with a a huge mix of different nationalities that had already found this most wonderful place . Dutch, Belgian , Americans , Swedes , Norwegians. And more English. Main industry was OYSTERS —- millions of them, sold to all parts of France , with daily deliveries to Paris and London. Many artists and sculptors lived here .
I travelled to Sweden and met some world famous sculptors . Their work was impressive, but i quickly realised i could do jus as well . Copied a couple of well known pieces and realised i didn’t have to. So i have never copied anything since .
Above is one of the earliest concepts or creations i ever did , for a very special Dutch friend of mine . She called the Piece. Birth of a nation. Ive travelled a long way in the ten years since.!

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483612&d=1615226333...Stoney?...

[GENE LANHAM]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483612&d=1615226333...Stoney?...

​Yep---and Mr. T--

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483677&d=1615327897

[GENE LANHAM]

​Yep---and Mr. T--


----Mr. T.----and some other OLD RETIRED RACERS

Fifty plus years later--

Vacationing in Florida:)483727

[jackiewilson]

----Mr. T.----and some other OLD RETIRED RACERS

Fifty plus years later--

Vacationing in Florida:)483727


You know what’s remarkable about this picture—- they are all my friends , plus ,i have never fallen out with any of them !!!!

[jackiewilson]

483774483775

My littleist sister Jan used to save all the comic reports from my younger days. She sent me this as a reminder !!!!
Somebody lately asked when my last race was . There you go , this is it. I never raced a boat again.
Jenks, Percy and Robert were forever asking when i was going back racing. None of them believed i had finally retired .
Maybe as well i did, Jenks and me are just two of the few that made it past the chequered flag to actually enjoy retirement.

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483727&d=1615408476...tavares or mount dora or?

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483774&d=1615452062

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483775&d=1615452103

[jackiewilson]

GRASS HAD ITS FIRST HAIRCUT OF THE YEAR. Finally completed on the house deal. It’s ours from the 22nd March. Have all the builders in place to conjure up „“SUPERSHED“—- new kitchen and bathroom . Seems designs have changed a tad since the days of the outside toilet and emptying the sh-t bucket into the runner bean trench !!!
Upshot is — we move in on the 12th APRIL . SHOULD HAVE ALL THE NEW MACHINERY INSTALLED BY THEN . Not that anyone really gives a flying fart when or even if i move .
Been reflecting on the past , drivers i used to know. Thing that comes out on top is the simple fact that —there are a lot more of them DEADED than there are living !!!!
Just goes to show, i did sometimes make the right decision ???????

[FUJIMO]

...interesting factoid regarding these larger zincs/trim tabs on elevated inline six gearcases on JP or SJ boats back in the day. they were out of the water/slipstream anyways right? so why have one on the motor? normally most guys would completely remove them & replace them with a flat(cut off) zinc under the cavitation plate. in an attempt to constantly retain water pressure to go higher(or not)...and look for that elusive additional mile per hour...we installed one of these slightly larger full finned zincs with a slight notch taken out for prop clearance, and ran the boat. our marginal water pressure, that was thought to be steaming our upper block cylinders, went away...and we gained one to one & one half mph. the only thing we could think of, is that we surmised that the propwash pressure to the zinc straigthened out our mild gearcase crabbing to improve things. it was a weird little discovery for us at the time. the other racers looked at it and just scratched their heads...https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483632&d=1615241552

[2us70]

I just got it as straight as possible and corrected for prop torque using a bungee on the left side steering. Mostly driving one handed getting the compensation right was pretty important. Especially in endurance events.

[GENE LANHAM]

I just got it as straight --------. Especially in endurance events.

Especially in endurance events---

483828

[2us70]

Those boats always looked uncomfortable to me. That said ,I would have jumped at the chance to race one.

[jackiewilson]

Especially in endurance events---

Have to tell you Gene that when Don Ross and i went to Havasu in 1970- we were both of the opinion the Molinari design would make the Wing obsolete.
Back in those days, anything that could support a motor and float was accepted . We had only seen these boats in the comics, but here we are looking at them first hand .
Lasting impressions were of just how quick the single engined Jones Pickle could blow over without showing signs it was going to.
James beard built „“VOLARE“ after seeing the wings !!!!! Although he always denied it and sent me a solicitor‘s letter warning me not to talk about it .
Other noticeable thing was how little difference there was between a quick single — a Dually, {in any form} and a triple .
Writing was on the wall- it equated to just running singles in the outboard section . Plus the quick ST‘s were going to have to go to tunnels .
We both thought ART KENNEDY in the Jones single pickle was going to be on the rostrum until he blew it over without warning.
Was the start of my friendship with a lot of American drivers ——- believe it or not , I’m still friends with them today. {at least, the ones still living ?????}

483828

Always seemed like the wings were Bob-Bob- Bobbing along —— bit like a pied wagtail——— no Offenes meant to anyone—- just saying. Damn, but you have to be careful these days if you have an opinion. Just realised i mentioned ART KENNEDY ——- IS THAT PC. AND ALLOWED ?????

[FUJIMO]

...art was an exception in his day, as a black man in boat racing for sure. great guy. great family. great competitor...

[jackiewilson]

...art was an exception in his day, as a black man in boat racing for sure. great guy. great family. great competitor...

was always there with his dad—- i think his name was something like „“Linus“? Pair of them were always laughing . Colour was of absolutely no relevance . He was a racer, just like me !!

[jackiewilson]

Murray Walker was a commentator of the highest order . Best known for his F1 Car racing exploits . Not a lot of people knew he also loved boat racing. Commentated on Bristol . We took him to South Africa with us to commentate on the Loch Vaal race as part of the FONDA series . He kept himself fit and active —- was 97 before he “COPPED HIS CLOGS”.
Was simply one of those great human beings that you sometimes meet on the heater skelter that is life!
Another old racing friend Wilf Gregory died yesterday, Jesus wept but we are getting a bit thin on the ground ?????

[FUJIMO]

https://www.fastonwater.co.uk/images/p114_1_12.jpg...wilf...

[jackiewilson]

https://www.fastonwater.co.uk/images/p114_1_12.jpg...wilf...
That looks like “Shakey” Bills Boat with the SILO motor ! One of the last time Bill ever ran a Mercury. WILF OFTEN DROVE AS SHAKEYS CO-DRIVER !!!
Roy Ridgell was over here based in Poole —- waiting for the Three new SILO’S —- one for me —- one for VELDEN, the other was for “Shakey”. Problem was —- He was burning the candle at both ends . He was also testing the new OMC at the same time.
Roy was not a happy bunny . Neither was Pat Frewer at SWMF , the mercury importer —- Bill was given his marching orders and never raced for Mercury again.
Just saying !!!!!

[STEVERINO]

That looks like “Shakey” Bills Boat with the SILO motor ! One of the last time Bill ever ran a Mercury. WILF OFTEN DROVE AS SHAKEYS CO-DRIVER !!!
Roy Ridgell was over here based in Poole —- waiting for the Three new SILO’S —- one for me —- one for VELDEN, the other was for “Shakey”. Problem was —- He was burning the candle at both ends . He was also testing the new OMC at the same time.
Roy was not a happy bunny . Neither was Pat Frewer at SWMF , the mercury importer —- Bill was given his marching orders and never raced for Mercury again.
Just saying !!!!! That is wilf gregory driving one of Freddi miles new Milesmaster 17ft boats both Wilf and Max Milton drove Freddis boats on a regular basis up to Freddi selling the boat racing business around 1974.But you are right about the engine it was Billys Mercury silo engine Peter Thorneywork and myself raced in the Chasewater 500 with that engine and after the race Mercury took the engine back and gave it to Freddi Miles.

[Lake X Kid]

Jackie when you witnessed your son Mark race, did you ever get nervous considering the dangers and safety issues.
Like you mentioned, some drivers never made it to the checkered flag of retiring.



Somebody lately asked when my last race was . There you go , this is it. I never raced a boat again.
Jenks, Percy and Robert were forever asking when i was going back racing. None of them believed i had finally retired .
Maybe as well i did, Jenks and me are just two of the few that made it past the chequered flag to actually enjoy retirement.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483774&d=1615452062

[jackiewilson]

Jackie when you witnessed your son Mark race, did you ever get nervous considering the dangers and safety issues.
Like you mentioned, some drivers never made it to the checkered flag of retiring.



https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483774&d=1615452062
Every time Mark ever got into a boat was a worry- i was scared sh-tless ! Hard part was never to show it. Playing it cool was essential ,Mark was one of five of my kids . In his first year of SENIOR racing , no less than seven drivers had fatal accidents, gave me cause for concern !!!
Then it happened again when my grandson Craig started offshore racing .
That’s when you ask for celestial protection and prayers become a daily routine . I have never told anyone this before . But i think every father who loved his offspring feels the same .

[jackiewilson]

That is wilf gregory driving one of Freddi miles new Milesmaster 17ft boats both Wilf and Max Milton drove Freddis boats on a regular basis up to Freddi selling the boat racing business around 1974.But you are right about the engine it was Billys Mercury silo engine Peter Thorneywork and myself raced in the Chasewater 500 with that engine and after the race Mercury took the engine back and gave it to Freddi Miles.
freddie didn’t build boats until Dave Burgess went to work for him —- But i thought that was after Shakey Copped his clogs at Windermere???????
Freddie did race Shakespeare tunnels before he raced Dave Burgess built MILESMASTERS ??????

[jackiewilson]

That is wilf gregory driving one of Freddi miles new Milesmaster 17ft boats both Wilf and Max Milton drove Freddis boats on a regular basis up to Freddi selling the boat racing business around 1974.But you are right about the engine it was Billys Mercury silo engine Peter Thorneywork and myself raced in the Chasewater 500 with that engine and after the race Mercury took the engine back and gave it to Freddi Miles.

Slight problem here Steve . That’s a picture of Wilf , no doubt about that !!!
It’s also the 500. Miler at CHASEWATER, year is 1970 —- only year the Silo’s ran —- In 1971 we were were running “COWBELLS” .
WAS FREDDIE BUILDING SHAKESPEARE TUNNELS IN 1970 ??????

[FUJIMO]

https://www.fastonwater.co.uk/images/p114_1_00.jpg

[Lake X Kid]

—— a couple of ex royals ——
Even me as an Englishman knows OPRAH Winfrey can stir up a sh-t storm in a cardboard box with the lid shut tight if she has a mind to . She managed it admirably!!!!!!! Congrats Girl, you got the pair to drown in their own mire .
Perfect set up— divorcee with ambition—- {been there —done that— good start} Social climber , but gone off the bubble so to speak ??????

Harry with the ginger hair and of questionable heritage ????

—— it achieved two things for the English viewers . —— Harry has always been a likeable lad —- trying hard to keep his head above water. Always played second fiddle to his older brother . Did it well too!!!!
THEN

Meghan Markel brought you to California, the founding land of political correctness. But Harry, I do not know the answer. I had a little bit of red hair in my youthful beard, but it was only in my chin area. I would not consider the, S brothers from Lake X either they, were happy husbands within their respective families.

And plus Diana would not look my way, because I couldn’t afford a chauffeur like jetsetter Dodi Fayed.
You and Meghan have daddy issues.

Harry you need to go, back across the pond, to find out who’s your real daddy.


https://youtu.be/TVRzk3VWOKY

[STEVERINO]

Slight problem here Steve . That’s a picture of Wilf , no doubt about that !!!
It’s also the 500. Miler at CHASEWATER, year is 1970 —- only year the Silo’s ran —- In 1971 we were were running “COWBELLS” .
WAS FREDDIE BUILDING SHAKESPEARE TUNNELS IN 1970 ?????? Freddi had the last wooden Shakespeare boat built in 1969 they were all grp in 1970 it was same boat Wilf drove in Liege and Garbrecht bought it off Freddi.In the 1970 Chasewater 500 MILE RACE Wilf drove a Milesmaster with a 1250sbp engine.The Twister1 engine we used failed in the race thats when Mercury took it back.They rebuilt it and then gave it to Freddi they ran in the 1970 Paris 6 hr race with the same engine and had Camel cigarettes as sponsors.They used the same boat and engine in the 1971 season and at the 1971 Chasewater 500 race too.Freddi never had a T11 Mercury offered i have no idea why so he ran a Johnson for the 1972 season.In 1973 Garbrecht gave Freddi the first Twister11x to race in the UK he raced his first picklefork boat and won the 1973 Chasewater 500 mile race with the new engine but i think that one went back to the US after that race.Veldon Spalding Percival were Pis-----ed they still had Twister 11 engines.and couldn`t keep up with Freddii i think they had their new T2x engines a short time after.Dave Burgess would be able to tell you much more than i can remember.

[jackiewilson]

Freddi had the last wooden Shakespeare boat built in 1969 they were all grp in 1970 it was same boat Wilf drove in Liege and Garbrecht bought it off Freddi.In the 1970 Chasewater 500 MILE RACE Wilf drove a Milesmaster with a 1250sbp engine.The Twister1 engine we used failed in the race thats when Mercury took it back.They rebuilt it and then gave it to Freddi they ran in the 1970 Paris 6 hr race with the same engine and had Camel cigarettes as sponsors.They used the same boat and engine in the 1971 season and at the 1971 Chasewater 500 race too.Freddi never had a T11 Mercury offered i have no idea why so he ran a Johnson for the 1972 season.In 1973 Garbrecht gave Freddi the first Twister11x to race in the UK he raced his first picklefork boat and won the 1973 Chasewater 500 mile race with the new engine but i think that one went back to the US after that race.Veldon Spalding Percival were Pis-----ed they still had Twister 11 engines.and couldn`t keep up with Freddii i think they had their new T2x engines a short time after.Dave Burgess would be able to tell you much more than i can remember.

Steve, normally i agree with everything anybody says about anything, im just all the way past disagreeing and arguing any more .
Freddie and Wilf were laps ahead of everyone in the 1969 Liege race —— That was when Wilf came into
the pits a tad too hot and shortened the nose somewhat, boat was all wood —- it splintered like matchwood. GG bought the boat “as was” and shipped it back to Oshberg.
Both Jeremy and Shakey went over the weir —- Bill broke both wrists—- Jeremy ran out of luck that day. He never made it.
One and only time i raced Liege !

[willabee]

. .... Freddie and Wilf were laps ahead of everyone in the 1969 Liege race —— That was when Wilf came into
the pits a tad too hot and shortened the nose somewhat, boat was all wood —- it splintered like matchwood. GG bought the boat “as was” and shipped it back to Oshberg. .....

Don't recall a Miles, splintered or otherwise coming to Oshkosh in 69. Do remember the boat Miles drove in Paris and Havasu in 1970 .....

483913

[jackiewilson]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;3270969]. .... Freddie and Wilf were laps ahead of everyone in the 1969 Liege race —— That was when Wilf came into
the pits a tad too hot and shortened the nose somewhat, boat was all wood —- it splintered like matchwood. GG bought the boat “as was” and shipped it back to Oshberg. ..... [/QUOTE

Don't recall a Miles, splintered or otherwise coming to Oshkosh in 69. Do remember the boat Miles drove in Paris and Havasu in 1970 .....

483913

Hey Willa—- glad to hear you’re alive and well and twice as cranky!!!!
Reason that you don’t remember a MILES being shipped to you in 69, was because they were still “SHAKESPEARE” at that time . Burgess was still building them.
Dave Burgess is still very much alive and kicking—— he built boats for Shakespeare—Miles— and finally under his own label—- BURGESS— and very competitive boats they were too, beating the Molinari—- Seebold —- VELDEN and Hodges regularly. John Hill, Jon Jones . Both won world titles in a Burgess. All good boats.

[jackiewilson]

In January 1971 , Colonel Peter Tejera—- the Naval attaché at the Venezuelan embassy asked me to talk with GG about the possibility of him providing a new Molinari . He was nearing the end of his stint at the embassy and was an ardent boat racer . He had managed to acquire a New Shakespeare , and a CCC JONRUDE {from Cougar marine } . GG was anxious to get his hand on the latest JONRUDE so he agreed , he could have a new molinari and a cowbell in exchange for the Shakespeare and the CCC.
I drove Peter a new AUDI and a trailer through snowstorms and blocked motorways to Como. . Renato and Peter got into an argument about what the final amount should be , Peter won hands down. Brought the whole rig back to England. Peter asked that we drop it off at the cougar factory in London . They were to ship it to Venezuela on board the only submarine the Venezuelan navy had . I delivered the Shakespeare and the CCC to SWMF in Poole . I never heard what happened after that,

[willabee]

In January 1971 , Colonel Peter Tejera—- the Naval attaché at the Venezuelan embassy asked me to talk with GG about the possibility of him providing a new Molinari . He was nearing the end of his stint at the embassy and was an ardent boat racer . He had managed to acquire a New Shakespeare , and a CCC JONRUDE {from Cougar marine } . GG was anxious to get his hand on the latest JONRUDE so he agreed , he could have a new molinari and a cowbell in exchange for the Shakespeare and the CCC.
I drove Peter a new AUDI and a trailer through snowstorms and blocked motorways to Como. . Renato and Peter got into an argument about what the final amount should be , Peter won hands down. Brought the whole rig back to England. Peter asked that we drop it off at the cougar factory in London . They were to ship it to Venezuela on board the only submarine the Venezuelan navy had . I delivered the Shakespeare and the CCC to SWMF in Poole . I never heard what happened after that,

It's good to be alive and well and ..... cranky!

Can't help you with the tale of the Shakespeare/CCC, never heard that one. I don't know much about OMC's, but I think the CCC was a mid 1970's motor? Nonetheless, it was an interesting story. Just the right combination of Ian Fleming and Walt Disney ..... mystery and imagination. :D

[STEVERINO]

In January 1971 , Colonel Peter Tejera—- the Naval attaché at the Venezuelan embassy asked me to talk with GG about the possibility of him providing a new Molinari . He was nearing the end of his stint at the embassy and was an ardent boat racer . He had managed to acquire a New Shakespeare , and a CCC JONRUDE {from Cougar marine } . GG was anxious to get his hand on the latest JONRUDE so he agreed , he could have a new molinari and a cowbell in exchange for the Shakespeare and the CCC.
I drove Peter a new AUDI and a trailer through snowstorms and blocked motorways to Como. . Renato and Peter got into an argument about what the final amount should be , Peter won hands down. Brought the whole rig back to England. Peter asked that we drop it off at the cougar factory in London . They were to ship it to Venezuela on board the only submarine the Venezuelan navy had . I delivered the Shakespeare and the CCC to SWMF in Poole . I never heard what happened after that, I can remember Peter Tejera having a blue fireflake 15ft Shakespeare grp boat with a 1000sbp engine in 1970 if as you say he purchased a OMC engine I think it would be a 99cu inch V4.OMC did make that engine available to private customers like myself we had a Johnson and Tom Percival had a Evinrude these engines ran a much lower compression than the factory race engines that also had powertrim and up and down movement.I think the cost of a customer OMC engine was around £1200 pounds at that time.

[jackiewilson]

It's good to be alive and well and ..... cranky!

Can't help you with the tale of the Shakespeare/CCC, never heard that one. I don't know much about OMC's, but I think the CCC was a mid 1970's motor? Nonetheless, it was an interesting story. Just the right combination of Ian Fleming and Walt Disney ..... mystery and imagination. :D


Just wait until you read the Book William !!!!
Havent copied anyone‘s style of writing , all my own doing, just the way i recall it. Managed 100,000 words last year, but only done another 10,000 this year up to now. With no sign of having the time to sit down and write .
Ian Fleming and Walt Disney, big hitters whichever way you look at it ? I will try and live up to it Bill!
Never ever thought my life was much different to any one else‘s, its only on reflection and comments from my kids and grandkids , i realise i have lived an extraordinary existence!
I will try and finish the book before i finally „COP MY CLOGS“—- I have read quite a number of „“BIOGRAPHICAL“ life stories, without exception , they have all fallen well short of the mark.
Even Sonny Levi‘s DOWS TO DELTAS could have been written better !! {in my opinion}.
Best boating bible of all time is without a doubt SEARACE written by John Crouse —- trouble is — whilst it is the“BIBLE“ of offshore , there’s little or no mention of Circuit or circle racing as we know it.
Now i am not in any way trying to write a bible of circuit racing—- i can only tell you of some of the happenings in my life. Places and people —- just my version of how i saw things.
Yes, of course there‘s an element of romance, a bit of adventure , more than enough tragedy, plenty of excitement . But it can only ever be one mans take on the love of powerboat racing .
Promise to keep beavering at it until its finished .

[jackiewilson]

JUST AN AFTERTHOUGHT——- i will swop any one of my concepts for a copy of SEARACE. Only time i get to read it is at Marks place—— its on the table the whole time !
Rollers are not included in this offer !

[willabee]

----Mr. T.----and some other OLD RETIRED RACERS

Fifty plus years later--

Vacationing in Florida:)483727
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483727

Just received word that Tom Stickle, aka Mr. T (far left in the photo above) isn't doing very well. Tom's daughter Tina posted that Tom has been in the hospital for the last 12 days. He has several problems including a cracked rib, a blood clot in his lungs and infection. She said he was transferred to a nursing/rehab hospital today.
Want to wish one of boat racing's all time nice guys the very best towards a speedy and full recovery.

[peterse90]

St. Mary's, OHIO (borrowed from another website);

484014 484015

[jackiewilson]

MR,T.—- TOM——STICKLE— has always been „“Tommy“ to me, been friends with Marcia and Tom for over fifty years , always called him simply TOMMY.
Mercury factory team driver , and bloody good he was too. Could drink any man under the table, smoke a pack of camels a day, and wake up without a hangover.
Would win a thousand bucks at Ceasers Palace—- still went to bed broke.
Had the most expensive DIAMOND ENCRUSTED ROLEX i ever saw !
Was an APBA PIT BOSS for years after he quit racing.
If the Seebolds were at the race —-STICKLE would be close by. Even brothers don’t get as close as they were!
Tommy is one of the nicest guys i ever met in my life .
Get well soon my friend—- god willing— i will see you in Tavares in the fall.

[jackiewilson]

Bought a very old fashioned STARTRITE BAND-IT bandsaw. Probably 1938. reason for doing this is, its a straight drive from the motor to the the bottom wheel. Which does away with toothed belts . It’s not cluttered with unnecessary safety switches . Has a ridiculously wide throat, [yes, even wider than the legendary french whore]. A very deep cut. Plus its all solid steel.
Downside was, it didn’t have a table, or a guide fence—— so i set about making my own. It’s taken me just over a week , but results are outstanding—- damn but im feckin good when i put my mind to it! OH, and modest with it ???????????

[jackiewilson]

484054484055484056

Simplest fence ever. And it works!

[GENE LANHAM]

St. Mary's, OHIO (borrowed from another website);

484014 484015

484071

[jackiewilson]

484102484103

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness i have to tell you that VICKY, my son Mark’s wife, passed away last night, at their home in Stuart Florida .
Vicky was at every single race meeting Mark ever raced —- happiest girl on the planet.Loved to dance and party. Was loved by everyone .
Mark took seven years to build MOONLIGHT LADY . Intended to sail round the world with Vicky once he retired.

[Bob V]

484102484103

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness i have to tell you that VICKY, my son Mark’s wife, passed away last night, at their home in Stuart Florida .
Vicky was at every single race meeting Mark ever raced —- happiest girl on the planet.Loved to dance and party. Was loved by everyone .
Mark took seven years to build MOONLIGHT LADY . Intended to sail round the world with Vicky once he retired.

My condolences to the entire Wilson family...

[willabee]

Jackie, we're very sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.

[robert j garner]

My condolences to Mark and the family.

Rob Garner and Jim Garner

[peterse90]

My condolences to the entire Wilson family as well...

[STEVERINO]

484102484103

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness i have to tell you that VICKY, my son Mark’s wife, passed away last night, at their home in Stuart Florida .
Vicky was at every single race meeting Mark ever raced —- happiest girl on the planet.Loved to dance and party. Was loved by everyone .
Mark took seven years to build MOONLIGHT LADY . Intended to sail round the world with Vicky once he retired. So sorry and shocked to hear such sad news Jackie my thoughts are with all the Wilson family.

[OLEGATOR]

so sorry to hear of your loss. the entire wilson family will be in my prayers.

[FUJIMO]

...Truly sorry to hear of this great loss Jackie. Condolences to Mark & the entire family...

[2us70]

The Wife and I send our condolences. The kind of losses are tough on a family.

[Rotary John]

Sorry for your family on their loss.

[jackiewilson]

Talked to Mark for an hour or two last night. Well, it was his birthday, Vicky had decided not to leave on his birthday, so she she left with a half hour to spare .
Been a bit of an upheaval for the wilson Firm, what with the purchase of new premises , moving the factory from Fort Pierce back down to Stuart [Palm City actually] .
Craig and his family already moved into the house at the ranch and the workshops being expanded to accommodate both WILSON CUSTOM MARINE. AND WILSON COMPOSITES !!!
Marks house wont be ready for a while yet, important to complete the move and get the shop up and running first.
Should be open for business around Easter time ,
Sad part of all this, is the fact that we are still in lockdown here with severe travel restrictions, USA is one of those countries that require a UK resident to spend a 14 day quarantine period, before and after a visit there. So not a single member of the Wilson clan in England will be at Vicky‘s wake.
Looks like we are still on course to be out of quarantine by April 14TH. That’s when life should slowly get back to something like „“Normal“—-whatever that may be ??????
Thanks to all my friends for the condolences—— too many to thank each one of you personally, so forgive me . This way i don’t miss anyone out.

[John Schubert]

Talked to Mark for an hour or two last night. Well, it was his birthday, Vicky had decided not to leave on his birthday, so she she left with a half hour to spare .
Been a bit of an upheaval for the wilson Firm, what with the purchase of new premises , moving the factory from Fort Pierce back down to Stuart [Palm City actually] .
Craig and his family already moved into the house at the ranch and the workshops being expanded to accommodate both WILSON CUSTOM MARINE. AND WILSON COMPOSITES !!!
Marks house wont be ready for a while yet, important to complete the move and get the shop up and running first.
Should be open for business around Easter time ,
Sad part of all this, is the fact that we are still in lockdown here with severe travel restrictions, USA is one of those countries that require a UK resident to spend a 14 day quarantine period, before and after a visit there. So not a single member of the Wilson clan in England will be at Vicky‘s wake.
Looks like we are still on course to be out of quarantine by April 14TH. That’s when life should slowly get back to something like „“Normal“—-whatever that may be ??????
Thanks to all my friends for the condolences—— too many to thank each one of you personally, so forgive me . This way i don’t miss anyone out.
So sorry to read about Mark's wife passing. Worse possible life happening to experience, and almost as bad that no one from the UK family can be there to say goodbye & hug Mark.

John

[jackiewilson]

OK, SO I KNOW THIS IS GOING „“OFF PISTE“ BUT , BEAR WITH ME.

Couple of days have past since Marks wife Vicky passed away, [ somehow, i just don’t like that expression]. Seems to be the only thing i have thought about during that time, simply cannot get her out of my mind. Only a few close friends knew of Vicky‘s ailment—started thirteen years ago when Mark received a phone call from her. “Mark, where am i , ive forgotten where we live!!!“. Vicks had just been on her weekly trip to the bank, as she always did on a Monday.
Stop messing about girl, what’s up ? Mark did know exactly where she was , so he went and found her .
That was the first indication that anything was wrong . Vicky was just 50 years old .
Now i can’t tell you whether it was dementure or Alzheimer’s , all i can tell you is we watched it eat into her for 13 years before she died .
My son tried everything known to man, in an attempt to stem the advance of this terrible ailment.
Simply would not hear of having her hospitalised, or put in a care home, or hospice. He was with her 24/7 until the moment she died .
Wherever he went — Vicky went— end of !!!!! Whether it was a top level management or board meeting, visiting customers , or sitting in reception at WILSON CUSTOM MARINE . Two of them were together and inseparable .
Many of the OLD FARTS will remember her with Mark at the last fall meeting in Tavares . She refused To leave his side for even a minute .
Seebold and i discussed this on numerous occasions , we both agreed that neither of us could devote the amount of care and attention to our loved ones as Mark did.
Over the years , i have often wondered if i could have done a better job of raising my children .
I was always shy of praising my kids —- just wish i had told them more often, just how proud of them i really am. Especially my son Mark. So i will say it one more time. MARK, I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU—ALWAYS HAVE BEEN— EVERYTHING A MAN COULD WISH FROM HIS BOY. I LOVE YOU .
Not one of my kids read scream and fly—- why? —i have no idea!! Not even Mark.

[jackiewilson]

484236

My son Mark—with his son Craig. Seems like all our life was spent around power boats . Here i am forty years later , nothing much has changed , except i grew older without really trying. Life sill revolves around power boats one way or another . Mark and Craig Design and Build offshore power boats for real.
Me—i make „“CONCEPTS OF POWERBOATS“ . Nothing changes very much!

[jackiewilson]

484260
My. Baby sister Jan used to follow Mark and i throughout our racing careers. She also held on to a stack of racing memorabilia. Here are some of the comics she kept.

[Lake X Kid]

My son Mark—with his son Craig. Seems like all our life was spent around power boats . Here i am forty years later , nothing much has changed , except i grew older without really trying. Life sill revolves around power boats one way or another . Mark and Craig Design and Build offshore power boats for real.
Me—i make „“CONCEPTS OF POWERBOATS“ . Nothing changes very much!

484270

[powerabout]

Condolences to the Wilson clan

[jackiewilson]

Tomorrow at noon, we get handed the keys to our new/old house . Old house , but New to us .
We opted for a single story bungalow, getting too old to climb stairs . Slight problem here as there is no garage !!!!!!! Solved the problem. “SUPERSHED“. EAT YOUR HEART OUT !!!! As we speak, work is on to erect my dream Workshop. Custom made shed—- will house ALL my new machinery.
Opted for only the best—- after years of making do with what i could afford , have finally achieved everything i ever wanted workshop wise . Should be up and running by Easter.
Will send you progress pictures !!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

484297

This was a report on that fateful day in Casale . Mark had joined Renato in the Martini team, he had driven in Milan the previous race —- boat was a piece of SH-T, no power steering and it leaked like a sieve . When the boat was hauled out on the crane , it took twenty minutes for the PHOO-PHOO valves to drain it. That was the first time NICOLO SAN GERMANO and i fell out big time . Afraid i told him his fortune —— and his lineage ! I simply felt that him in particular —- along with OMC had let Mark down big time. But that’s a tale for another day! Tom Percival went well up the scale in my estimation after that accident.

[Lake X Kid]

This was a report on that fateful day in Casale . Mark had joined Renato in the Martini team, he had driven in Milan the previous race —- boat was a piece of SH-T, no power steering and it leaked like a sieve . When the boat was hauled out on the crane , it took twenty minutes for the PHOO-PHOO valves to drain it. That was the first time NICOLO SAN GERMANO and i fell out big time . Afraid i told him his fortune —— and his lineage ! I simply felt that him in particular —- along with OMC had let Mark down big time. But that’s a tale for another day!
Tom Percival went well up the scale in my estimation after that accident.

I have witnessed the slow reaction of rescue teams in Italy. When I, one time literally pointed to a pilot in the water, and told them to proceed to the accident.

Tom in another fender bender. This reminds me of his good fortune, that one of the Como carpenters (only time I remember one of them being at a race) was at an Auronzo Italy race. Tom banged the side (with I do believe it was his buddy Bob Spalding) and received a hole.

The hole was right at the waterline on the right sponson, near the cockpit area. So we get the water logged boat on shore. And whilst I am repairing Tom's malfunction kill switch, the singing carpenter (he sang during work at the Como shop, the other carpenter just listened) was repairing the wooden hole with a hand saw, hammer and glue. And it was successful and Tom Percival was ready for the next heat.

484345

[jackiewilson]

At Casale Monferrato they never considered there could ever be „“AN ACCIDENT“ If you had a skiff or a rowboat , then that would suffice.
It was the camaraderie , the great food —- and the bat sized mosquitoes that made CASALE what it is.

[jackiewilson]

484376

Everyday sort of average mossie that can be felt , any evening as the sun goes down on CASALE MONFERRATO ——— especially around dinner time ???????

[jackiewilson]

Finally , after what seems to have been forever, work starts on the next house. Plumber, carpenter, builder and audio engineer all descend on the house and start attacking.
Concrete slab for SUPERSHED gets laid [if only].
Decided on composite cladding for the workshop— fifteen year guarantee, [ not that its going to be of much use to me ] maintenance free, and no more expensive than good quality timber.
Bought ten sheets of 8 x 4 x 2 mm stainless steel —— don’t ask, i don’t know either!!!!
But the price is on the floor, each sheet cost me £13 [$18] .
Electrician is due in a week today. Loft gets fully floored [storage].
Gas fitter is fitting fancy new „“COMBY“ boiler and heating system— and a new built into the wall gas fire—- does look the dogs cajones, i have to say.
Most craftsmen charge around $250 a day—- but they do put in a nine hour day!
Four men for three weeks —- don’t have to be EINSTEIN to work that bugger out. I’m weeping already and we are only two hours into the job.
AND SO IT BEGINS ??????

[FUJIMO]

...always stay away from these guys. they are serious disease spreaders. in florida, they are the known as the state bird...https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=484376&d=1616440378

[Watermark]

Best wishes to you and Mrs. Wilson in your new adventure.
484409
-M

[jackiewilson]

THANKS MARK— TURNS OUT ITS A HELL OF JUMP—- NOT JUST THE STEP I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE .
Just got all the new stainless worktops twisted in to shape . Needed 20 feet of it, so i had to use two 8 X 4 sheets of stainless .
Run out of concrete with quite a way to go—- can’t get any more until Friday —- puts the programme behind . Someday you eat bear!!!!

[jackiewilson]

484411

Just never get tired of this picture MITCH LEMBSKE and the SEEBOLD SILVERWING. With the Westlake Vee 12 Jaguar. Would love to know the gearcase he ran with this boat. ????
if anybody out there knows , i would really like to know !!!!!!!!!!

[FUJIMO]

...endurance tunnel (ET) of the lembske's was using a speedmaster. which one, either a #2 or a #3, don't know. willa might know. #3 was definately out there run'n around long before 1985. pretty sure it wasn't a #4, although the very last silverwing, built & rigged a few years later, was run'n a #4 at 148 mph. the guy that would 100% know what speedmaster was on the westlake v12 jaguar lembske seebold, would be "tfitschen" here on scream & fly, as he was part of the effort back then. hope he is still out there.

[jackiewilson]

Now there is a man i would happily talk to .

[Lake X Kid]

At Lake X in the 1960's, the company had a truck come through the housing area (and maybe the shop area too), that would spray an anti-mosquitoes Fog.
~~~

One solution to the Mosquitoes problem is a controversial gene modification.

"Only female mosquitoes bite humans because they need blood to produce eggs. So the plan is to release the male, modified mosquitoes who will then hopefully breed with wild female mosquitoes.

However the males carry a protein that will kill off any female offspring before they reach mature biting age. Males, which only feed on nectar, will survive and pass on the genes."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53856776

[FUJIMO]

...all over southeast florida in the 60's & well into the 70's, Malathion Fogging with street trucks AND overhead large prop planes were numerous, for years & years... yes, us kids, parents having no idea either, would chase after these trucks on our bikes just to be in the fog. this happened everywhere here, with no warnings to the public.https://i.pinimg.com/originals/36/eb/7e/36eb7e43454cdf037ad4d12806b8b72e.jpg

[Lake X Kid]

...all over southeast florida in the 60's & well into the 70's, Malathion Fogging with street trucks AND overhead large prop planes were numerous, for years & years... yes, us kids, parents having no idea either, would chase after these trucks on our bikes just to be in the fog. this happened everywhere here, with no warnings to the public.

Playing in the truck's fog was a neighborhood delight, and I do not remember any of the parents telling us not to.

[Lake X Kid]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=469648&d=1595036880
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=484411&d=1574600392

[FUJIMO]

Playing in the truck's fog was a neighborhood delight, and I do not remember any of the parents telling us not to.
...agreed...

[jackiewilson]

...agreed...

During the war years 1939/45. i lived in a small village in West Yorkshire called LIGHTCLIFFE . Only thing of note was, it had a railway station!.
In those wartime years, everything was moved by rail, and pulled by steam train,BIG STEAM ENGINES — FUELLED BY COAL. Coal is dirty filthy stuff , that once its burning hot , it chucks out SOOT.
Over the track was a bridge with railings. It was about twenty yards in front of where the train would stop. If you stick your head through the railings —- when the driver shoved the forward lever all the way in. Fire and brimstone and tons of soot would be hurled into the sky . I was around ten years old . My face would be black as charcoal— just the eyes were left white.
I have been put across my sainted mothers knee on many occasions for pulling that particular stunt.
Mother never needed anything more than the palm of her hand to make my bare arse sore for a week, or until we went playing trains again

[jackiewilson]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=469648&d=1595036880
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=484411&d=1574600392

You know what Roy, i was always under the impression that it was „“A WESLAKE“ motor in the boat. Could be somebody else might have breathed on it , but i still think it was a weslake. Then again I always thought it was a SIDEWINDER ??? But here it says it was a SILVER WING.
Bill Seebold told me he built IT —- so that should make it a „“SEEBOLD“????????????

[jackiewilson]

484432

SUPERSHED base is half done—- contractor ran out of steam and materials half way through——can’t get any materials until Friday———— COVIDS BLOODY FAULT —- just like everything else . 100 year old pensioner was Walking down the street, suffered a fatal heart attack and fell under a double decker bus ..
Still died of COVID didn’t he ??????

[willabee]

You know what Roy, i was always under the impression that it was „“A WESLAKE“ motor in the boat. Could be somebody else might have breathed on it , but i still think it was a weslake. Then again I always thought it was a SIDEWINDER ??? But here it says it was a SILVER WING.
Bill Seebold told me he built IT —- so that should make it a „“SEEBOLD“????????????

Back in 2011, tfitschen posted the following ..... the boat that won Parker in 85 was a Seebold ......

The first boats that we had at speed and marine were a short molinari, with a small block chevy, then we ran the pickle fork molinari with a big block chevy. After that boat was destroyed while leading the Parker enduro, we got a Seebold that we originally ran a big block chevy, then eventually won the 1985 Parker Enduro with the jaguar V-12. After the 1985 race we started building our own version, with a single cockpit, and a open ski boat deck, under the name Silverwing.

[jackiewilson]

Back in 2011, tfitschen posted the following ..... the boat that won Parker in 85 was a Seebold ......

The first boats that we had at speed and marine were a short molinari, with a small block chevy, then we ran the pickle fork molinari with a big block chevy. After that boat was destroyed while leading the Parker enduro, we got a Seebold that we originally ran a big block chevy, then eventually won the 1985 Parker Enduro with the jaguar V-12. After the 1985 race we started building our own version, with a single cockpit, and a open ski boat deck, under the name Silverwing.

So far so good Bill, but was it a breathed on WESLAKE Jaguar, or was there a tuner of jaguars in the USA ? And what gearcase was it ???

[willabee]

So far so good Bill, but was it a breathed on WESLAKE Jaguar, or was there a tuner of jaguars in the USA ? And what gearcase was it ???

Can't help ya with the Jag, but think the drive was the new TRS. If I remember correctly, that drive with a redesigned McII SSM is what we ran on the Merc Hi-Perf "Rotary Whipper" in 1973 pictured below .....

484482

Seems to me they said that drive could handle over 750 HP. It would have been the drive Speed Marine bought for their 1st KT in 74. It was also on the Cosworth that Benz drove to win the KT Championship in 78. I don't know if it was still in use in the mid eighties. It was pretty beefy .....

484483

[Lake X Kid]

During the war years 1939/45. i lived in a small village in West Yorkshire called LIGHTCLIFFE . Only thing of note was, it had a railway station!.
In those wartime years, everything was moved by rail, and pulled by steam train,BIG STEAM ENGINES — FUELLED BY COAL. Coal is dirty filthy stuff , that once its burning hot , it chucks out SOOT.
...

The 21st Century is changing delivery transportation.
~~~

"Some Samsung customers in Ireland will receive their orders through a courier that can take to the skies and reach them within a few minutes. The tech giant has teamed up (https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-partners-with-manna-to-launch-drone-delivery-service-to-irish-customers) with Manna Drone Delivery to make, well, drone delivery an option for Irish customers, so long as they're purchasing the latest Galaxy devices.... orders must be placed via Samsung's Irish website (https://www.samsung.com/ie/), and the option only available for customers based in a town called Oranmore at the moment.

Manna uses customized aerospace grade drones that can fly at an altitude of 164 to 262 feet and at speeds exceeding 60 kph (37 mph). The company says that's fast enough for a drone to reach Oranmore customers within three minutes after leaving the dispatch center."

Yahoo News.

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EHhoL3Nvpee0FmZApsefSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTQ1OS42NjtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-03/5bc9c060-8c90-11eb-b9ee-f491988a6dc0

[jackiewilson]

Can't help ya with the Jag, but think the drive was the new TRS. If I remember correctly, that drive with a redesigned McII SSM is what we ran on the Merc Hi-Perf "Rotary Whipper" in 1973 pictured below .....

484482

Seems to me they said that drive could handle over 750 HP. It would have been the drive Speed Marine bought for their 1st KT in 74. It was also on the Cosworth that Benz drove to win the KT Championship in 78. I don't know if it was still in use in the mid eighties. It was pretty beefy .....

484483

I would have loved to have had that thing on the Cosworth William . Always felt the motor would run much quicker —- just never got the boat to run more than125 mph before it got out of shape .

[Rotary John]

Unfortunately your "rotary whipper" never wiped a rotary. Only time they ran together, Provo 1973, and the rotary won.

[Watermark]

Unfortunately your "rotary whipper" never whipped a rotary. Only time they ran together, Provo 1973, and the rotary won.

'Gotta love it! Posts and replies like this are great .. reminds me of the saying, "All fishermen are liars except you and me, and sometimes I'm not so sure about you!" haha.

Here's my theory: it's not that any of us purposely lie... we may simply forget, embellish or have that old, "Must Have Won? recall going on. It's just a racing guy's thing - and a forever competitive attitude. ;0).

In the end, dialogue and debates from the best of our sport is truly special.. Keep it flowing :thumbsup:

[FUJIMO]

jeeez. i don't know who to believe now...:smiletest:

[FUJIMO]

...willa you r probably on the right track, that the 1985 speed marine kilo kt seebold used the number two speedmaster. the prop had to be something really special because not much back then pitchwise to hit 138 mph with the 1.5:1 ratio. don't believe 1.33:1 ratio was even available yet on that drive like was available in the number three drives. "although"...the destroked jag motor WAS turning 7,200 at w.o.t....so...maybe? those v-12's were made in three cubic inch sizes. a 5.3 litre, a 6.0 litre, and a 7.0 litre. the v-12 that was used by mitch lembske for the kilo was 399 cu. in....so it was a destroked/purpose built to scream engine. regarding the merc number two speedy. they were, as you know, merely a trs upper with a new speedy lower. in endurance & offshore boats they were used on, the speedy version was found to be less durable that a standard trs drive, believe it or not. the weaker half being the bottom half. also, just like the standard trs, they were best used in the 400 to 500 horsepower range for power in front of them for durability reasons. mercs come a long way since then, for sure...

[jackiewilson]

...willa you r probably on the right track, that the 1985 speed marine kilo kt seebold used the number two speedmaster. the prop had to be something really special because not much back then pitchwise to hit 138 mph with the 1.5:1 ratio. don't believe 1.33:1 ratio was even available yet on that drive like was available in the number three drives. "although"...the destroked jag motor WAS turning 7,200 at w.o.t....so...maybe? those v-12's were made in three cubic inch sizes. a 5.3 litre, a 6.0 litre, and a 7.0 litre. the v-12 that was used by mitch lembske for the kilo was 399 cu. in....so it was a destroked/purpose built to scream engine. regarding the merc number two speedy. they were, as you know, merely a trs upper with a new speedy lower. in endurance & offshore boats they were used on, the speedy version was found to be less durable that a standard trs drive, believe it or not. the weaker half being the bottom half. also, just like the standard trs, they were best used in the 400 to 500 horsepower range for power in front of them for durability reasons. mercs come a long way since then, for sure...

now that all ties in with what i remember , although IAN HAWKINS or MALCOLM TYRREL could verify these statements,
F1 motors were making 750 up, and running 12,000 rpm in the mid to late 70‘s
Duckworth decided that the LE MANS version of the cosworth DFV three litre normally aspirated fuel injected motor would suffice .
This poked out 400 hip at 8,000 rpm and was as reliable as daybreak and dusk. Hodges designed
top speed was some 123 mph, before the port sponson started waving at the crowd — never did cure it.
Wing helped all round — until there was a cross wind , then the the whole rig would float, anywhere except where you pointed it .
Most revs i ever saw was 8,500, boat was 20 feet long and and was equal to any of the factory boats at that time .
unfortunately , i only got one shot at it, low budget operation but it was done by the finest engineering company in the world at the time. Only ever ran it for one season .
Duckworth and Mercury did get together on several projects after that. Seebold boat that Bentz used in Miami was Far quicker than any KT that ran previously . My honest opinion is —top speed was in the mid 130‘s . [Yes , i was there in Miami watching .
Boaat never once got out of shape — was the biggest leap forward in KT design ever , but it did effectively kill the class.

[willabee]

...willa you r probably on the right track, that the 1985 speed marine kilo kt seebold used the number two speedmaster. the prop had to be something really special......

Received an email last night from Boob Hetzel, Mercury's Mr. Propeller. He was at the 85 Parker Enduro and confirmed that the winning Speed Marine KT was running the TRS drive. Bob probably spent some time banging on props for that rig.

I asked him how the rotaries fared against that KT, he just chuckled. :D

[jackiewilson]

Received an email last night from Boob Hetzel, Mercury's Mr. Propeller. He was at the 85 Parker Enduro and confirmed that the winning Speed Marine KT was running the TRS drive. Bob probably spent some time banging on props for that rig.



I asked him how the rotaries fared against that KT, he just chuckled. :D

HETZEL was the one that got me running at Parker after Garbrecht and Duckworth switched the gear ratios. None of the props i had been running earlier that season would even begin to work . He banged away for hours before managing to get me on plane , i will always be grateful for everything he did at Parker that day.
I still think the Cosworth team went a long way towards sorting the reliability problems of the SSM bottom ends. I’m sure Malcolm tyrrel could tell you exactly what happened — i was on a strictly „“NEED TO KNOW „“ basis.

[FUJIMO]

...if only a dry sump lower could have been around for the number two through five ssm's...;)

[jackiewilson]

Funny old time for me at present— like hanging over a cliff without visible means of support—- its been called LIMBO by many. Neither one thing nor the other , not here -but not there either . Have a house, but can’t move in. Will have a new workshop—— but not yet. Most certainly will not be ready for Easter weekend now!!! Half packed my workshop, so all activity ceased for the next two weeks .
That don’t stop me wheeling and a dealing.
Bought another bandsaw—- one owner for fifty years— totally original —— same model as the one i bought a month ago. DONT ASK!!!!

[FUJIMO]

...if you tell someone not to do something, they are going to do it. basic human psychology. sooo..."where" do you find the number of metal & wood working tools & machinery thats "for sale", in your area? online?...in a local rag of some sort?...someone else telling you whats available?(word of mouth)...a large local daily or weekly flea market?...or what? you have said you have sold or traded items very simply as well. give us the rundown mr. wilson...haha.:smiletest:

[jackiewilson]

...if you tell someone not to do something, they are going to do it. basic human psychology. sooo..."where" do you find the number of metal & wood working tools & machinery thats "for sale", in your area? online?...in a local rag of some sort?...someone else telling you whats available?(word of mouth)...a large local daily or weekly flea market?...or what? you have said you have sold or traded items very simply as well. give us the rundown mr. wilson...haha.:smiletest:

Never ever thought about it FUJI — its what i do. Gradual progression of one thing leading to another. I am forever talking to people, always amazes me where the journey takes you after saying ‘HELLO, AND WHAT DO YOU DO”??? —-
I LOVE CAR BOOT SALES !! The variety of people selling all their unwanted items— often from a garden shed , where tools go to die !!!
there is a hard core of people who are retired—-engineers —woodworkers —tradesmen, all seem to congregate at any car boot sale —— those who sell only second used tools and instruments , machines and hand tools .
Invariably, old tools are far superior to the modern stuff , which is usually nothing like the standard of old tools and machinery . Cutlery and cutting tools from Sheffield and Pittsburg —- the Ruhr valley and Toledo ; Machinery from Ohio , Derby and Wolverhampton. Instruments from Geneva — Milan and Paris.
Nowadays all the stuff in the shops is made in the Far East—- Taiwan- Korea- China. Japanese tooling is nothing like it was pre-war.
Today its a throw away society—- quality is adequate to last a short while before replacing it with another of the same ilk. IN THE PAST —If you were an apprentice carpenter —- you looked for tools from an old carpenter who had retired —— or bought tools that would last the rest of your life . Instruments that would last 100 years or more . Compasses -micrometers - wood or steel rulers .
STARRETT IN OHIO AND MOORE AND WRIGHT IN England —— devices that were almost too good for their own good.
Nowadays, can anyone tell me for certain that the modern radar system is any more accurate than a good old fashioned SEXTANT, that has been around for hundreds of years—- made of brass and housed in a wooden box. Will still be being used long after series i-2-3, plastic radar has been dumped .
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT “FINGS AIN’T WOT THEY USED TO BE” !!!

[mr fun]

Sir Jackie, yes I can verify an electronic Radar is better than a sextant until the power goes out, at that point your side of the discussion wins. mainly during daytime navigation is certainly a plus in visually hampered situations. second, how many people do you know that know what to do with a sextant ? I strongly agree tools from the far east are limited at best for longevity. need to ask you a question about Marks endeavors currently, sending you a PM, Fun Out :cool:

[powerabout]

Sir Jackie, yes I can verify an electronic Radar is better than a sextant until the power goes out, at that point your side of the discussion wins. mainly during daytime navigation is certainly a plus in visually hampered situations. second, how many people do you know that know what to do with a sextant ? I strongly agree tools from the far east are limited at best for longevity. need to ask you a question about Marks endeavors currently, sending you a PM, Fun Out :cool:
Using stars is much more accurate than the Sun for a position as you get more triangulation.

[jackiewilson]

Sir Jackie, yes I can verify an electronic Radar is better than a sextant until the power goes out, at that point your side of the discussion wins. mainly during daytime navigation is certainly a plus in visually hampered situations. second, how many people do you know that know what to do with a sextant ? I strongly agree tools from the far east are limited at best for longevity. need to ask you a question about Marks endeavors currently, sending you a PM, Fun Out :cool:

so you are telling me that radar is more accurate than the moon and stars. Relies on only mans ability to use the science that has been around since before pontius was a pilate.
Forgive me if i don’t agree Keith, and as you say, without batteries its just a piece of useless equipment—- just like the mobile phone , computer and iPad —. Voice never fails though does it, not all the time there’s breath in the body!

[mr fun]

all i'm saying in thick fog mid morning a sextant is about as useful as a soiled napkin

[jackiewilson]

all i'm saying in thick fog mid morning a sextant is about as useful as a soiled napkin
About the same as a radar without batteries then??????????? MITIGATING CICUMSTANCES DONTCHA KNOW!!!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

CLOCKS OVER HERE WENT FORWARD BY ONE HOUR SOMETIME DURING THE NIGHT.
i always wait until after breakfast and the crossword puzzle before changing the time on my wrist watch. Undid the clasp and removed watch from wrist!!!!!!!!!
Was surprised when two butterflies— one long eared bat —- two sparrows and hawk moth flew out from under the strap . Inside was a long lost garden of spring onions and new potatoes ????????? Ok, so i only take off my watch twice a year to turn it back and forth an hour , but Jesus wept —- the hidden gardens of JRW on your wrist .
was quite a disgusting sight—even to me. Took a beer glass and filled it with hot water chucked the ticker in and then two STERADENT tablets. Boiled like a witches brew , but man you should see the gleaming Timex on my wrist—- FECKIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

[powerabout]

About the same as a radar without batteries then??????????? MITIGATING CICUMSTANCES DONTCHA KNOW!!!!!!!!

you just use those guys from the AC boats and have a hand cranked Radar

[jackiewilson]

you just use those guys from the AC boats and have a hand cranked Radar
Do night glasses work in fog Pilgrim????????? AC boats????????? Or is that our beloved bloody spellcheck ??????

[powerabout]

radar works in fog

[jackiewilson]

radar works in fog

not without fecking batteries it dont !!!!!!!!

[2us70]

Unfortunately modern navigation aids have become required even in the clear light of day in some cases. In the 60s and 70s one could navigate South Biscayne Bay using just your Mark 1 eyeballs. The navigation markers were easily seen from one to the next and well maintained. By the early 2000s the markers were out of visual range of each other and required binoculars to locate. Driving a boat while looking through binocs doesn't work. Thus I wound up getting my first GPS chart device. One advantage these devices have is instant and accurate speed readings to a !/10 mph. This allows fine setup adjustments on the fly. Would have been nice back in the day.
By the way Jackie Starrett is located i Athol, Mass.

[FUJIMO]

...note to self: always carry extra batteries...

[jackiewilson]

Of course he can’t drive worth a lick- purely the car that he’s always had that does the winning .
Put any other driver in the same car and they would win anyway. Well that’s the story going round.
Whilst the world was singing Verstappens praises and winning all the practice sessions ,plus the first pole position of the new season, Hamilton was quietly dialling in last years car !!!!!!
Lucky bastard only went and won the season opener ???????????? Wonder how the hell that happened
WIN NUMBER 96 methinks ——. No F1 driver ever came close to winning 100 GP’S before —— really does look like the only way to stop him is shoot the bugger; ??????

[jackiewilson]

Unfortunately modern navigation aids have become required even in the clear light of day in some cases. In the 60s and 70s one could navigate South Biscayne Bay using just your Mark 1 eyeballs. The navigation markers were easily seen from one to the next and well maintained. By the early 2000s the markers were out of visual range of each other and required binoculars to locate. Driving a boat while looking through binocs doesn't work. Thus I wound up getting my first GPS chart device. One advantage these devices have is instant and accurate speed readings to a !/10 mph. This allows fine setup adjustments on the fly. Would have been nice back in the day.
By the way Jackie Starrett is located i Athol, Mass.

My apologies .i thought BROWNE AND SHARPE were in MASS—— American measuring devices have always been world class. So why do we all buy CHEAP, CHUCKAWAY CHINKIE CRAP???????? WHEN for a few dollars more , we could have once in a lifetime tooling ???

[FUJIMO]

My apologies .i thought BROWNE AND SHARPE were in MASS—— American measuring devices have always been world class. So why do we all buy CHEAP, CHUCKAWAY CHINKIE CRAP???????? WHEN for a few dollars more , we could have once in a lifetime tooling ???
...because technological improvements now occur every hour these days, not once every 20 or 30 years, like when we were coming up...thats why jackie. its hard for us to grasp, i know, but we need to accept its reality. some things can't be improved upon, but most can, and are...

[WaterZebra]

My apologies .i thought BROWNE AND SHARPE were in MASS—— American measuring devices have always been world class. So why do we all buy CHEAP, CHUCKAWAY CHINKIE CRAP???????? WHEN for a few dollars more , we could have once in a lifetime tooling ???

LOL...........I switched to digital micrometers because I've forgotten HOW TO READ analog ones over the years!

[mr fun]

last I herd the new plastic sextants made who knows where were all the rage, give a mellinal a sextant or a phonebook and the delima is the same amount of stress for the poor creature.

[Lake X Kid]

Of course he can’t drive worth a lick- purely the car that he’s always had that does the winning .
Put any other driver in the same car and they would win anyway. Well that’s the story going round.
Whilst the world was singing Verstappens praises and winning all the practice sessions ,plus the first pole position of the new season, Hamilton was quietly dialling in last years car !!!!!!
Lucky bastard only went and won the season opener ???????????? Wonder how the hell that happened
WIN NUMBER 96 methinks ——. No F1 driver ever came close to winning 100 GP’S before —— really does look like the only way to stop him is shoot the bugger; ??????

I admire F1 technology, but competition for a win - throughout the field is lacking. Considering the 3rd place car was almost One Minute behind the winning car.

That is why I will be watching competition tomorrow at Bristol, because no one knows (unlike F1) who is going to be the overall winner. The 40 field Nascar race was postponed today, Sunday, because of rain.

Here is last week V8 powered Late Models slinging clay on the 1/2 mile course. See in-camera action.


https://youtu.be/ERl5HNuYfI0

[Lake X Kid]

I would like to recognize the small time mechanic (like myself back in the day) who only had a tool box, and not a Rolling Tool Cabinet. Most of them, like me, bought quality tools like craftsman, which were more affordable.

And we never bought tools off the Snap-On Truck, but we nevertheless looked at them.
And later, I also admired the Ingersoll Rand tools. I went to their East LA manufacturing facility, and I saw ratchets with handles at least 2 feet long. The plant is no longer there, but they did quality work.

[GENE LANHAM]

Can't help ya with the Jag, but think the drive was the new TRS. If I remember correctly, that drive with a redesigned McII SSM is what we ran on the Merc Hi-Perf "Rotary Whipper" in 1973 pictured below .....

484482

Seems to me they said that drive could handle over 750 HP. It would have been the drive Speed Marine bought for their 1st KT in 74. It was also on the Cosworth that Benz drove to win the KT Championship in 78. I don't know if it was still in use in the mid eighties. It was pretty beefy .....

484483

Any time I see--or hear--MC-II--My brain goes into REVERSE

Must be an age related thing??????

484684

[jackiewilson]

...because technological improvements now occur every hour these days, not once every 20 or 30 years, like when we were coming up...thats why jackie. its hard for us to grasp, i know, but we need to accept its reality. some things can't be improved upon, but most can, and are...

C’mon Fuji, give me a break, just what “hourly improvements” can justify SHODDY GOODS???
Im in touch with reality, believe me, the internet terrifies me —— covid, from a source SOMEWHERE in the Far East which nobody in this day and age can positively trace the source back to, !!!! runs rife in this super modern technology minded world and is running ALMOST out of control.
Before all this modern technology —- important things like voting for a new president or prime minister, had to be done by walking or driving to a polling both and registering your vote by your own hand —— no ifs, or buts —- no cyber, on line, Registering.
If hackers from India, Argentina and Timbuktu can steal my life savings from a supposedly safe bank . What chance is there of having a FAIR ballot.even allowing the world web web anywhere near the ballot box. ????? So much for the you “must accept modern technology” !!!!!!! It begs the question WHY???????? That surely does not mean we should bin all the old rules—-ways—and methods, learned over thousands of years and bow to the undoubtably superior knowledge of modern technology.
Any of you remember the first digital watches???? Chuck away the ticka-ticka- timex and the Rolex perpetual oyster, they were obsolete !!!!!!! Wasn’t long before people got pissed off with digi watches .
BIRO writing implements were humongously expensive at the off——- ten a penny here now———25 for a dollar in Malmarts ——— Good or bad, i don’t know, you’re your own judge !!!
Most things are improved on are they ???? I wonder if they really are Fuji????
One thing i do Know for certain —- Modern Technology divided a nation— that’s a fact.

[FUJIMO]

...One thing i do Know for certain —- Modern Technology divided a nation— that’s a fact.
...in many ways, i can't argue that point...

[Lake X Kid]

Sextant misreading?
The Indonesians do not think it was a miscalculation, with a new digital instruments or the old and simple tech sextant.

Artificial Reefs constructed from Chinese and Vietnamese sunken fishing vessels.
The Indonesian government is playing hardball. And I just became aware of it.
These have to be company vessels, to go from and back to their home base.
I do not think a mom & pop fishing boat, could afford the round trip fuel bill.
And also chance their life’s big expenditure, the family fishing boat being scuttled.

China might now be a superpower, but not all her surrounding waters are friendly neighbors. Especially, when the Chinese fleet comes and over-fishes their waters too.


https://youtu.be/R_zpdEf-X08


https://youtu.be/1IwGMh-EncY

[jackiewilson]

ROY, don’t you think its a bit weird that every single one of those boats , looks exactly like the one next to it. Just like dinky toys a kid would line up in the bath. 47 boats exactly like one another ????
you might be excused for thinking modern technology is rearing its ugly head here ?????????

[jackiewilson]

I would like to recognize the small time mechanic (like myself back in the day) who only had a tool box, and not a Rolling Tool Cabinet. Most of them, like me, bought quality tools like craftsman, which were more affordable.

And we never bought tools off the Snap-On Truck, but we nevertheless looked at them.
And later, I also admired the Ingersoll Rand tools. I went to their East LA manufacturing facility, and I saw ratchets with handles at least 2 feet long. The plant is no longer there, but they did quality work.

Exactly what i was talking about—- you have to pay a lot more for quality goods , you can’t buy a ROLLS -ROYCE with a FORD pocket !!!
If you want fresh milk delivered to your door by the farmer, it will cost you a whole lot more than you would pay at PUBLIX.
If you want a good brand of power tool ,ie; Milwaukee or DE-Walt , it will cost you a hell of a lot more than any of the cheap chinkie jobs that last for a couple of weeks before you chuck ‘em.
Same with a craftsman—- if you want the best— pay him top money. Job will get finished in time and no penalties!!!!! Just saying !!!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

484726

ITS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN,——-BLACKTHORN—- every hedgerow in England is aglow with the stuff. It’s a sign winter is nearly done—-spring is in the air —- and summer is a coming.
I’m on the move again and things are not moving as fast as i need them to—- that leads to irritability and the ramifications and consequences????????
At my age——- i have not time to stop ad stare , and wait for those who do not care , for those who always drag their heels , and have just no idea of how it feels — TO BE ALIVE!!!!

[FUJIMO]

...amen...:cheers:

[jackiewilson]

...amen...:cheers:

JESUS WEPT FUJI———- are we actually agreeing for once ????

Today—for the first time in my life, i feel “OLD”. My body no longer obeys my thoughts.—— i helped to move our old settee to outside . Woke up in the middle of the night to a chronic backache —- a couple of the thousand miles an hour aspirins to shift it . Damn thing has persisted all day . Whoever said growing old was “fun”, was either 20 years old, or a blatant liar .
.

[jackiewilson]

FINALLY, THE CONCRETE PAD WAS LAID!!!!!!! Could have understood if it had been an apartment block———but its a shed for crying out loud—- its all of 16’ x 12MM —- i know its SUPERSHED to me —- but that’s feckin ridiculous . Next thing easters coming up.—— four days vacation .
LIFE GETS TEDIOUS DON’T IT ?????????

[2us70]

I assume you meant 12cm thick. That would be about an inch thicker than a standard slab over here. When you install your machines you get the benefit of the thicker slab. I have a few friends who have installed car lifts in their garages. A 4 inch slab just doesn't work. My own garage floor cracked diagonally shortly after we moved in. Just not thick enough.

[jackiewilson]

I assume you meant 12cm thick. That would be about an inch thicker than a standard slab over here. When you install your machines you get the benefit of the thicker slab. I have a few friends who have installed car lifts in their garages. A 4 inch slab just doesn't work. My own garage floor cracked diagonally shortly after we moved in. Just not thick enough.

There was already a substantial base in place. To level it correctly there were depths of 8” of concrete poured . Reinforcing rod was also used —— this is one of the reasons they ran out of materials. I inspected it today. Floor covering arrived later in the day. Easter weekend, so not much activity. Going to be hard pushed to get all done and dusted before all the machines come in on the 12 April.
Another couple of days and my workshop is cleared and locked down tight ready for moving.

[2us70]

Sounds like they did it right to me. Before my career in the Fire Service I worked in construction so I have some knowledge in that area. Probably why I have never been satisfied with my own house was built. Have spent the last 30 years trying to correct some of the deficiencies.

[FUJIMO]

...for a guy like you jackie, placement of each machine is next of importance, for the electrician to place outlets & lights, etc., exactly where you need them. not to mention a few extra here & there, just for the hell of it. draw those placements out on a pad of paper for the guy. you know the routine, hell, like you have'nt done THIS before, right?...;)

[techteam]

...for a guy like you jackie, placement of each machine is next of importance, for the electrician to place outlets & lights, etc., exactly where you need them. not to mention a few extra here & there, just for the hell of it. draw those placements out on a pad of paper for the guy. you know the routine, hell, like you have'nt done THIS before, right?...;)

:D:D Electric Outlets placed !! I think he's more of a multi socket extension man.

[jackiewilson]

...for a guy like you jackie, placement of each machine is next of importance, for the electrician to place outlets & lights, etc., exactly where you need them. not to mention a few extra here & there, just for the hell of it. draw those placements out on a pad of paper for the guy. you know the routine, hell, like you have'nt done THIS before, right?...;)

my old workshop had four, LED, four foot lights in the ceiling. Plus one above the work bench.
Was reasonable , adequate, but that was it. I am sold on LED strip lights . New shop can have up to six installed . Lathe has to have its own light. Pillar drill should have had, but didn’t. I have more than enough lights to suffice . I bought a pack of ten ,

[FUJIMO]

...led lights are great. they use next to no power, so you can install three times as many and still not use near the amount of juice you used to...

[WaterZebra]

...led lights are great. they use next to no power, so you can install three times as many and still not use near the amount of juice you used to...

LEDs have changed the game in lighting. Yes, they are cheaper to burn but the foremost advantage in shop lighting is the "instant on" in cold temperatures. Another advantage is in dealing with fluorescents was the broken tubes, mercury, flickering and humming. I have a box full of T12 ballasts I can't even give away? Global production of T12 bulbs stopped 10 years ago. I re-rigged my shop for T8s thinking that they would be the long term solution. I was wrong. LED development was an explosion. I just replaced my corded work light with a cordless one that charges via 12V USB cord. No more broken bulbs or rough duty bulbs. CFLs are becoming scarce in the hardware stores too. I don't think there are any vehicles produced today that still use 12VDC incandescents?

[FUJIMO]

...and for air-conditioned space, like we all have here in florida, the a-c is no longer fighting the heat that the old fixtures used to put out...

[willabee]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=483727

Just received word that Tom Stickle, aka Mr. T (far left in the photo above) isn't doing very well. Tom's daughter Tina posted that Tom has been in the hospital for the last 12 days. He has several problems including a cracked rib, a blood clot in his lungs and infection. She said he was transferred to a nursing/rehab hospital today.
Want to wish one of boat racing's all time nice guys the very best towards a speedy and full recovery.

Spoke with Tom today. He is still in the hospital (rehab), as they continue to work on his leg infection. Said he is not making much progress. He'd like to go home but knows they won't let him out until it's under control.. I think a phone call from a few of you would go a long way towards lifting his spirits. He runs short of breath when he talks on the phone, so he won't be able to talk long (he'll let you know). I don't think I should post his number here, but if you would like to call him, send me a PM and I'll send you his cell number.

484833

[Lake X Kid]

Negotiating a major sponsorship for a race boat, must have taken some skill and/or determination.
“How many spectators at a boat race,” asks potential corporate sponsor. (Please Don't ask about television and major media outlet coverage).

When it comes to tunnel circuit racing, I think the Europeans were ahead of the Yanks. The Americans in the early 1970’s seemed to be satisfied with a local sponsor (if they had that). Cees, Bob and Tom were flying corporate colors, when other competitors were deciding what their favorite color was to put on their race boats. (Correct me, if my recollections or observations are wrong).

Maybe the Merc and OMC rivalry benefitted many drivers, and made them complacent in pursuing sponsorship money. Therefore, more kudos to the early pioneers who brought big name sponsors to tunnel boat racing.

Bill Seebold was a hometown guy from the Busch neighborhood, that geographically benefited Bill and his family. (And Bernie Little had Bud distributorships that helped cement his connection to the Busch family). If Bill writes his book, I hope he has a chapter, about acquiring major sponsorship in cold-calling exec’s offices. And having seat down meetings with them, and presenting his racing portfolio.

But the negotiating I would like to have been a witness to would be. Not Tom’s and Bob’s, but Cees. Tom and Bob seemed to me be more polished, than Cees, who was more apt to tell you want he thought. To be present when Cees van der Veldon pitched for major sponsorship, would to me be an interesting session.

And opposite of Cees outgoing demeanor, would be Renato Molinari more reserved social attitude. Someone like me wonders how did Renato approach Martini & Rossi. Was he alone, or did he have a representative talk to the appropriate corporate connections. And then there is Jackie's approach to said sponsorship.

484832

[Lake X Kid]

I was fortunate to talk to Tom at the OFF meeting in Tavares 2019. Tom the best to your health.
When I did a little shop talk with Tom then, he was in high praise of Bill Seebold's racing skill.
Two great guys Tom and Bill.


Spoke with Tom today. He is still in the hospital (rehab), as they continue to work on his leg infection. Said he is not making much progress. He'd like to go home but knows they won't let him out until it's under control.. I think a phone call from a few of you would go a long way towards lifting his spirits. He runs short of breath when he talks on the phone, so he won't be able to talk long (he'll let you know). I don't think I should post his number here, but if you would like to call him, send me a PM and I'll send you his cell number.

484833

[jackiewilson]

ROY, this is going to take a lot longer than i have time for right now.
PARKINSON WAS THE RINGMASTER OF SPONSORSHIP.
CANON—-JOHN PLAYERS——Parky brought them all to the table . —- GG AND MERCURY decided who the drivers would be. RENATO did have a number of influential backers who brought in Martini- but we are opening a new book here—- not just a chapter —- i am tired and i am going to bed .

[jackiewilson]

Spoke with Tom today. He is still in the hospital (rehab), as they continue to work on his leg infection. Said he is not making much progress. He'd like to go home but knows they won't let him out until it's under control.. I think a phone call from a few of you would go a long way towards lifting his spirits. He runs short of breath when he talks on the phone, so he won't be able to talk long (he'll let you know). I don't think I should post his number here, but if you would like to call him, send me a PM and I'll send you his cell number.

484833

confess to being a tad slow off the mark here Bill—- had a number of issues in my own family. Called Tom just once , but no reply. Like the road to hell, i was paved with good intentions and never made it ‘ i will call tomorrow—- Billy gave me the number . Apologies .

[FUJIMO]

...tom got a staph infection in his leg, or? they gave me one during a simple miniscus knee operation. called mersa. methisilin resistant staph. bad bad bad.

[jackiewilson]

Okay, lets do this one at a time. I suddenly and unexpectedly have time on my hands . Yesterday i collected a sawbench—-had help putting it in the trusty Lexus, but not getting it out????
it kinda got away from me, i tried to halt its progress , but was positioned badly and tore all the muscles from the top of the shoulder down to the elbow—— it bloody hurt.
Upshot of all this is —- only damn thing i can do is hit the keyboard with both hands —- let the left hand stay on the left , and the right stays on the right , resting the wrists on the pads either side of the iPad ———do not let either hand past the centre. Fine in theory— but a stone bitch in practice .

TOMMY STICKLE. Friend of mine since the heady days of Como in 1970 when Mercury race headquarters were based in TORRIGGIA. Garbrecht was in charge —- willabee was ramrod —-ROY RIDGELL was holding it all together . and the world was a great place to live in , and just being alive and there at that time was my idea of heaven.
WELL, Tommy’s not doing too good at the moment —— a few complications have set him back a tad .
IF any of you care to take a time out and give him a call, im sure he would appreciate it.

Now back to ROY — only sponsorship i ever had in my life was petrol from SHELL FOR A WHOLE SEASON FOR FREE. Plus a couple of all expenses paid from Mercury. Though they did provide all the equipment ,boats and motors , and the back up required .
Afraid DIPLOMACY and me never were good bedfellows —— now my kids were a different kettle of fish . When my daughter Sam was ten years old — MICKEY HASTAIN of HASTAINS GLASS sponsors her for a whole season .
Mark always managed to find a great sponsor ——— ROVERHIRE —-BARDGROVE—-IMPALA——ROLATRUC—-ARCADIAN——BUDWEISER—. Just to mention a few . I never had anything to do with Marks sponsorship deals, he did it all on his own.
AHHHH- now we come to the “ITALIAN JOB”— where to begin ??????
Most American racers will have come across the name RASSINI. They were two brothers CARLO AND HENRI. Owned the BANCO RASSINI in MILAN . Now they had a list of clientele that just happened to include MARTINI & ROSSI——- BLACK AND DECKER—-FIAT—-BENNETON, ETC. Both loved racing and Renato ????????????
PARKINSON had his own PR company, and one of his clients was MERCURY. David was the promoter of the CANON SERIES of F1 races , long before there was such a thing. He was the pioneer of organised boat racing in Europe , worked closely with APBA AND THE UIM.
After the canon series finished David and I worked together to form the FONDA SERIES . he made it a worldwide race series —-very successful for nine years [in spite of the UIM].
ROLF FROHLING was head of the UIM and hated the success of FONDA. But PARKINSON had a history of success and an impeccable track record .
OMC then started the V8 program which was highly successful for a short while, that is until the cost of operations finally sent the company tits up. This will be denied by some—- but the fact remains —- OMC WENT BELLY UP. The biggest outboard corporation in the world , went bust chasing racing success.——- trying to emulate Mercury——- which they never quite managed .
All the while the tobacco companies were involved —- sponsorship was plentiful—— booze companies — CARLSBERG and MARTINI ——- LONG JOHN —- HENNESSY AND HEINEKEN,— ETC — cash flowed like wine. Those were the HALCYON DAYS OF BOAT RACING. Time for a shave and haircut !!!!!!!!!!

[willabee]

As I recall it .....

In the late 60's, Mercury did not allow any names on their boats other than Mercury names, i.e. Quicksilver, Thunderbolt, etc. Outside sponsorship was not allowed. I remember someone pulling up to the Mercury parts truck with their "memo billed" race boat all painted up with sponsorship names. Even though it was done professionally and looked great, the driver was told he had to remove all of it before Merc would start helping him with testing. I think it was 1970 when they finally let us paint names like "Up, Up and Away" on the boats. In the early seventies, I think some of the European drivers were able to secure some sponsorship money and they were ultimately successful in lobbying the policy makers for acceptance. Mercury's acceptance was probably conditioned on them getting their pound of flesh out of every deal.

Kitson may have been the lone exception to the rule .....

484865

[jackiewilson]

Have to tell you Bill—- it was every good european boat racers dream to get Mercury backing —- those that couldn’t make it , went to OMC. They weren’t that picky ??????
it was the Italians that made boats a work of art and not just things that floated ——- RIVA was a fine example —- TORRIGGIA and MOLINARI—— SCOTTI made a beautiful job of his later boats.ABBATTE was right up there with the best.
Americans started to make some really good , beautifully crafted boats .
early race boats were a bit „“AGRICULTURAL“ at best —— but racing did indeed „“improve the breed“
IMHO it was HODGES who brought the beauty factor into English made boats. He was a craftsman of all things wood . Restorer of antiques and a master craftsman.
Dave Burgess wasn’t too shabby either ——- Velden never attained the heights of beauty that Hodges did. Cougar made a good boat—- but even stretching imagination —- they were never a thing of beauty , but they performed well.
Switzers were futuristic but „“agricultural“, just know i am going to get a load of flak over this, please remember, this Is just my opinion . Just saying !

[jackiewilson]

Can‘t recall exactly when i first got interested in the American side of racing, i had an American magazine called SPEED-N-SPRAY delivered every month.learned about men like BILL COOPER—-LOU BRUMETT—-RAICH HALLETT——BDP—— LAUDERBACK—STAUDACHER—. To me, at that time, heaven was a MERCURY 700–BIG SIX.
I eventually did meet most of the characters featured in the American comics .
Mercury is just one big family, i almost said HAPPY, but that would not be quite correct.
You have all heard north meets south, and east meets west ———— well its at Mercury where circuit meets offshore. Now circuit racing does include OMC—. Offshore doesn’t, that’s a fact ——- OFFSHORE IS MERCURY ——- inboard —outboard —— pioneered and definitely its the home of offshore .for a while,, OMC tried to run at Mercury , but in the end they fell by the wayside . Japs never even tried. While the Far East producers dominated motor bike racing with teams like KAWASAKI—-SUZUKI— TOHATSU AND YAMAHA- They just never even made a half hearted attempt at racing===
Jap and chinky motors are big in America ——- can you imagine the scenario if they had ever picked up the cudgel and gone head to head with Mercury AND OMC????????
oh yes- before i forget —HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE,

[FUJIMO]

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;——- OFFSHORE IS MERCURY ——- inboard —outboard —— pioneered and definitely its the home of offshore...
[/QUOTE]
...and still today, nobody even comes close..."the race never stops"...:thumbsup:

[jackiewilson]

Back in the 70‘s i seem to remember OMC having a sales slogan that went „“WE RACE FISHING MOTORS“———
Some wag wrote MERCURY BUILD RACE MOTORS TO GO FISHING.
I do find it ironic that the UIM designation of an outboard is——-CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE TRANSOM COMPLETE WITH ITS DRIVE———- maybe they should add. WITH A CRANE ?????????

[powerabout]

Back in the 70‘s i seem to remember OMC having a sales slogan that went „“WE RACE FISHING MOTORS“———
Some wag wrote MERCURY BUILD RACE MOTORS TO GO FISHING.
I do find it ironic that the UIM designation of an outboard is——-CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE TRANSOM COMPLETE WITH ITS DRIVE———- maybe they should add. WITH A CRANE ?????????
You milked that one... Genius call

[jackiewilson]

You milked that one... Genius call

WHAT CAN I TELL YOU PILGRIM ????? Somedays. you eat bear !!!!!!!!!

[jackiewilson]

FACT——- MALCOLM TYRRELL AND IAN HAWKINS could whip out, the Cosworth OUTBOARD , complete WITH ITS DRIVE, in under three minutes

[FUJIMO]

WHAT CAN I TELL YOU PILGRIM ????? Somedays. you eat bear !!!!!!!!!
...you are what you eat comes to mind...haha...

[FUJIMO]

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/76641_166177446740814_2272172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=XO8P1ED7vUsAX_fg-vM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=2b99cc8c40f9d0433f2aeca4f9b621fe&oe=608EC943

[jackiewilson]

1970 Havasu winner driven by Sirois——destroyed by PRUETT in 1971 ——- JIM HUNT and i towed THE WRECKAGE back to OSHBERG behind PRUETTS Pontiac station wagon. Well. I went as far as EL PASO. Willabee knows the final outcome, think it was BONFIRED??????

[FUJIMO]

...originally black, as above, then painted red, memory fading...?

[WaterZebra]

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/76641_166177446740814_2272172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=XO8P1ED7vUsAX_fg-vM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=2b99cc8c40f9d0433f2aeca4f9b621fe&oe=608EC943
Man, that model has detail! Who built these? How many were made? For who? Up/Away got repainted for the 1971 catalog centerfold shot as the 1970 Havasu world champion?

[willabee]

...originally black, as above, then painted red, memory fading...?

Originally orange with black stripes. I towed that thing from Wisconsin to Arizona twice but don't have a color picture anymore :nonod: .....

Sirois at Havasu 69, finished 3rd .....
484994

It showed up at Parker 70 in black (behind the red boat) ....

484995

.

[jackiewilson]

485004485005

YOU MEAN SOMETHING LIKE THIS WILLIAM———-i have my uses.

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=485004&d=1617633127

[willabee]

Man, that model has detail! Who built these? How many were made? For who? Up/Away got repainted for the 1971 catalog centerfold shot as the 1970 Havasu world champion?

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/76641_166177446740814_2272172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=XO8P1ED7vUsAX_fg-vM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=2b99cc8c40f9d0433f2aeca4f9b621fe&oe=608EC943

The model pictured is a one of a kind. I don't remember who did that model, but the detail is perfect ..... great job! The one that Merc had made for sale to the public wasn't close, I think they only put one outboard motor on it!

[willabee]

485004485005

YOU MEAN SOMETHING LIKE THIS WILLIAM———-i have my uses.

No, that's not the color. The 187 boat was actually red deck with flat black cowling. The original orange on Up, Up and Away was closer to this ..... 485073 ..... Back in 68/69, racing a tunnel boat was a whole new adventure for most US drivers. Consequently, the Molinari's you saw back then were often orange trimmed in 'splinter'. :D

[peterse90]

One of my all-time favourite ORANGE Molinaris;

485089

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=485005&d=1617633186

[FUJIMO]

...tell us why this was your mistake again willa...?https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=485073&d=1584563221

[peterse90]

A lot of history in this famous and well known 1970 picture/poster. Bill Sirois in Up Up and Away and behind him is Jim Merten who finished second in the hull that Bill drove in 1971 for his second consecutive OWC win. To me Bill's 1970 hull looks more 'rocker bottom' and Merten's looks more 'sprint' sponson design. I'm sure Willabee could expand upon this if I am seeing these differences correctly.

485094

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=485094&d=1617674538

[FUJIMO]

...this model & photo courtesy of sam cullis mark75h...https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/76641_166177446740814_2272172_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=XO8P1ED7vUsAX_fg-vM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=2b99cc8c40f9d0433f2aeca4f9b621fe&oe=608EC943

[WaterZebra]

A lot of history in this famous and well known 1970 picture/poster. Bill Sirois in Up Up and Away and behind him is Jim Merton who finished second in the hull that Bill drove in 1971 for his second consecutive OWC win. To me Bill's 1970 hull looks more 'rocker bottom' and Merton's looks more 'sprint' sponson design. I'm sure Willabee could expand upon this if I am seeing these differences correctly.

485094
I have the sister poster to this one with an inset of #998 in LH corner with the start of the race at the beach. Titled: From Start to Finish,, Mercury's First. Funny thing is, the poster shows the Mercury Team white Molinaris with T2 power?

[jackiewilson]

Everybody who had anything to do with the Havasu race , ate breakfast at the NAUTICAL INN. MERCURY, and OMC. Presidents, Drivers , mechanics, den mothers, house cleaners.AND PRUETT. It was an absolute must .
OMC pulled a real smart move By supplying the nautical with place mats —— big ones with pictures of all the OMC drivers and boats ——— very collectible indeed . Me myself had at least a dozen. Had them all the time we lived in France.

[willabee]

..... Up/Away got repainted for the 1971 catalog centerfold shot as the 1970 Havasu world champion?

This boat got around! Back in 1968, Glastron and Molinari made some kind of deal that allowed Glastron to produce and market fiberglass Molinari tunnel hulls. The 21' orange with black twin was used for the mold. Here's a pic of the wood boat and a glass version .....
485132 ....
485131
They look the same. The glass boats ran pretty well, once earned a 2nd place finish at Havasu in 1969.

The wood boat was rigged in Oskkosh with 1250 BP's, was test driven by Gary Garbrecht and I think it's first race was the 1969 Parker 9 Hour, driven by Bob Thompson. Bob didn't do well, he never really got the boat to get up and air out. It came back to Oshkosh and was used for the testing of many different components. During that time Mr. K told Garbrecht that he was banned from test driving. We hadn't hired any factory drivers yet, so I was the lucky replacement. I spent many enjoyable hours in that boat that summer.

Bob Massey ran it with BP's at Long Beach 1969. That wasn't a good course for that boat, but I think he finished second anyway. He did know how to run that thing .....
485122

More testing and then Bill Sirois ran it at the 1969 Havasu OWC still sporting BP gearcases. He finished 3rd, beginning a remarkable three year streak of great finishes at Havasu. Bill definately knew how to air it out. :thumbsup:
485123

Over the winter the boat was painted black with grey stripes, rerigged and given a name .....Up,Up and Away :smiletest: The first activity it saw in 1970 was the Parker 9 Hour, this time driven by our favorite guy, Billy Don Pruett. I recall that we put a pair of experimental powerheads on it, but still ran the BP lower units. Pruett blew the gearcases up three different times and had to call it a day.
Behind the red Molinari .....
485125

Sirois won with it at St. Mary's, this time using speedmasters. It was really windy and rough, but that rig could get over some water. He even passed Kitson's wing on the straightaway!

From there it went to Havasu, still dressed in black and won the big prize .....
485126

After Havasu 70, Merc's PR department took over. They put some BS PR paint job on the poor thing and sent it to dealers and to shows. It took a nice picture, but I'll always believe the boat should have toured as it raced (except for the chrome stacks, they were really cool :D).
485128

Pruett wanted to run the 1971 Havasu OWC and this boat was pulled off tour for him. He modified the fancy paint job so that he could put his number on it and it was fitted with a pair of new Twister I's. Turned out the boat had developed a bad leak which gave him some grief. It also proved to be not as fast as it was (probably due to the 500 extra pounds of paint it was carrying).
He ended up blowing over and I'm pretty sure the boat was used for a weiner roast at Lake X ..... sad ending for a Champ.
485129

[peterse90]

Willabee, what a great bit of history !!

Or as the saying goes...Now You Know the Rest of the Story. :cheers:

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=281309&d=1376564819

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=315488&d=1290196714

[FUJIMO]

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58868&d=1083668451

[jackiewilson]

LOTS OF HAPPY MEMORIES THERE !!!!!! Quite a few sad ones too—— Pruett never raced again after the HAVASU FLIP—— he tore his hip out and other injuries , he was in a lot of pain . I never could tell whether it was Pruett growing old , or his natural bloody mindedness, or his downright cantankerous ness .
Sirois went to almost all offshore racing with Copeland ——-RITCHIE POWERS followed him_-_- La_mort went offshore —— Mert went and got himself killed —- Gene went with all the heavy hitters in offshore .——— 188th street in miami was the in place to be. CK got retired and opened up KAM —-
GG WENT ON TO GREAT THINGS WITH MERCURY BEFORE SWITCHING TO OMC . World of racing as i knew it changed forever.

[jackiewilson]

485148

Fifty years on———- any winters morning at Seebolds bolthole in Naples Florida —- even the beers still the same, we just got fifty years older —— even Mike turned sixty this year !!!!!!!!!!!

[RogerH]

Fuji was busy

485156