Desirable old boats...

[Gorilla0178]

If I can start a poll just for the interest of it. Which old boats would people like to see brought back? If poss? Any boat, any reason. But keeping with boats that would be related to this site. Im just curious what people think. I know opinions vary and that's cool. What boats would still be marketable today?

[sonicss33]

Hydrostream 18’ V-King but built with top notch quality and rigging. I owned 3 way back when and IMO they are just badass looking boats.

[nitro_rat]

Gorilla, many guys have tried to keep the small performance boat torch burning over the past few years. The reality of the situation is that for the same money it takes to build a 15-20' sport boat you can build a 24' center console that will sell for way more money. Also due to emissions and 4 strokes etc you just can't buy a new engine with enough power to make a small boat run like it should. A new V-King with a 90 or 115 on it just won't be fun. For the same purchase price you can have a fast CC that's popular right now and honestly more practical for most people.

To answer your question, I would say that maybe a Hydrostream HST would be worth building. Maybe a XT Vegas/Voyager could be done with one hull mold and two decks. Really the STV style hulls are still available and that's where to look if you want a NEW small performance hull...

[Printpresswrench]

Skater 21 and 24. Aluminum tanks and all non rot materials.

[Robby321]

Switzercraft! But never be again the good old days Illinois Chain of lakes as Dave Switzer still with us, but Bob passed few years back. Knew Bobby pretty well. From the Baby Switzer (my older brother had one, Merc 20H when I was a kid) to the Super Sports (had a SS 17/1500 XS Merc), the GLs (Neighbor had a GL20, 200 Rude, and later one day Bobby comes up the channel the new GL21 with 235 Rude! And of course the Famous Switzer Wing..Miss the good old days!


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[XstreamVking]

Gorilla, just draw what you would like to see. I myself have dreams of a 30' V-King design inspired boat. It would be fn awesome. Nothing else like it...Just add some depth to the hull and it would be there. Rig 2 300's and it would do a buck easy.

[Dave S]

I have a 3.4 300.... just going to glue/d tape...some old hulls together.......TO GET HER...... I could allways spell that...........Don't worry about dreaming about what boat could be and with..... just Buy from the s/ f used boat adds.....lots of nice deal from our friends........

[Gorilla0178]

I really appreciate all the quick responses. My partner and I are always talking about building something of our own. We have a small skiff mold that was never marketed, so the molds just sit. We have various projects that are for the "business" if you will. Meaning the shop owns them and were gonna redo them for profit. But we're always busy with "customer" projects so they just sit. We're trying to get a long term project (29 Ocean Master O/B to inboard conversion) out the door to free up some space to pull one of ours in. I love the performance stuff and hes getting into it more too. He was asking me about the Hydrostream Vulture, there is one available near by. He was considering it for himself, as it is a bigger size boat compared to most. After looking more into it, I would like one to, I have the vector copy project still but its only 17 foot. I would really need the extra space in a speed boat as I have 3 boys. He mentioned pulling molds off it if we thought it would sell. I would build myself one for sure. I do see the point of the motors getting heavier, but didn't Merc just solve that with the 250 and 300R? I think it only weighs slightly more than my Looper, its only up to 100 lbs more I think. All that aside, We have 3 potter built 20 seacrafts to do, one is partially done and highly modified, weve talked about molds for that one for along time, but its not ours, its our other partner if you will. There is a 24 formula cuddy cabin I/O to bracket conversion just waiting to be finished too, bracket is getting built, So eventually something will come up, but you gotta start somewhere. We could build really nice composite boats. And I think affordable. Both of these guys I work with used to Build Merrit Sport fish boats in pompano. One worked for them so far back in the day Old Man Roy was just starting out, and the other ran a crew for years in the not to distant past. But Ya gotta do your own thing eventually, so now we work on 99% one off or custom pieces. Waiting for the time and money to redo what he have. But tick, tock, tick, tock....

[Gorilla0178]

And eventually My boys will be old enough to enjoy boating for themselves. I told my oldest whos 11 that come guys have fast/nice cars, some have big trucks, some have awesome boats, (I didn't tell him that some guys have them all,... yet) the only one I could help him with was boats. So I hope to get them into something small one day. That reminds me, TwzteD and I were talking about a mold off his 13 bullet, but he wants to just get it gone so he can Scream and Fly. But something like that for my kid someday would be great.

[Gorilla0178]

I agree, I love all of them.
Hydrostream 18’ V-King but built with top notch quality and rigging. I owned 3 way back when and IMO they are just badass looking boats.

[Whaaaaat]

The viper with a windshield I always thought was the best looking boat ever made, until you see a person in the driver seat, then it looks out of proportion.

I always love any of the real old stuff, boats with fins like Cadillac's.

For cc type the Trinidad style panga hulls have a real clean line I like.

[Gorilla0178]

Agree again, but Skater has been copied over and over. Because it works. We talked about doing a skater too. But its all talk until its not. Oh and we could vacuum bag a sweet boat. Used to build Willys Classic flats boats when they were starting again. 20 foot flats boat that was 1000 lbs rigged with motor. All bagged in Kevlar and some in carbon.
Skater 21 and 24. Aluminum tanks and all non rot materials.

[Gorilla0178]

Oh my, I really appreciate the old Fined boats that look like old cars. Id have one for sure too.
The viper with a windshield I always thought was the best looking boat ever made, until you see a person in the driver seat, then it looks out of proportion.

I always love any of the real old stuff, boats with fins like Cadillac's.

For cc type the Trinidad style panga hulls have a real clean line I like.

[Gorilla0178]

441502Miss the red boat.

[SS Minnow]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oBRbTQRZwVI/TMBW8Nko2MI/AAAAAAAAAYE/wM4IwHFGyIM/w1200-h630-p-k-nu/SS-Minnow.jpg

[Gorilla0178]

we could fix it

[Da Bull]

If built by todays standards using Vacuum infusing with Kevlar and composites I would love to see the Laser 380 make a comeback. Don`t change a thing either.

[CUDA]

If built by todays standards using Vacuum infusing with Kevlar and composites I would love to see the Laser 380 make a comeback. Don`t change a thing either.


Didn't a Canadian already do one... TO Rob

[noli]

.


Another vote for 21 & 24 Skater


Resin infused , no wood


.

[FMP]

https://d32c3oe4bky4k6.cloudfront.net/articles-videos/-/media/uscamediasite/images/story-images/2016/4/kain-7.ashx?modified=20170725114637&mw=1920&hash=37DA3C924B7FAC4619C18E532C251F2D0554DB8D

[specboatops]

G.W. Invaders

[delawarerick]

Sidewinder with bottom mods.

[Dave S]

If you be good all year ....maybe Santa will visit .........to say good boy.....He don't do boats....Trains.

[nitro_rat]

I have the vector copy project still but its only 17 foot. I would really need the extra space in a speed boat as I have 3 boys. He mentioned pulling molds off it if we thought it would sell. I would build myself one for sure. I do see the point of the motors getting heavier, but didn't Merc just solve that with the 250 and 300R? I think it only weighs slightly more than my Looper, its only up to 100 lbs more I think.

A Vector was built with a 300 lb motor in mind, the old 2 stroke V6's are already 100 lbs heavier. Add another 100 lbs for a 250/300R and you're going down by the transom...

A Vulture is another matter completely, it will hold a big motor but the deck was updated to the Vegas for a reason (weight distribution). The XT bottom is also a big improvement over the V bottom IMO.

[Turtleherder]

Sidewinder with bottom mods.

Stretch the 18 SS and add a pad.

[89LASER]

I'd love to see the old Sidewinders built with today's materials.

[delawarerick]

I would buy one no bs I had more fun in mine. Even on retirement money I would have cash waiting:thumbsup:

[specboatops]

I thought the old 20' CB Avengers were pretty bad ass too.

[carb a rator]

Any of the old outboard checkmates. 16, 18, 20 ft. made with new techniques, no wood. Maybe a bit more freeboard to handle the new heavier motors. I bought one in the 80's, i would love to have one now.

[Captaincj]

80's Bayliner. For sure.

[Robby321]

80's Bayliner. For sure.

Mine was a 88, good all around do everything boat. Cruise, fish, swim, ski, camp out etc. Sat in the slip most summer, out for a flush and bottom bath (salt water) when needed. Bought it used off a fresh water lake, then spent 25 years in the salt. Very little maintenance needed, finally salt got to it and it died last year.

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[Captaincj]

I was kidding about the Bayliner of course....

[Robby321]

I was kidding about the Bayliner of course....

I wasn't and care less what others think anyway. Don't knock it until ya try it...very popular Pacific Northwest..

[AZMIDLYF]

.


Another vote for 21 & 24 Skater


Resin infused , no wood


.

Noli, Talon will build a 24 any way you want...full carbon even. The deck has been modified, but the rest is Skater lineage.

https://www.talon-powerboats.com/talon-24-2/441574441575

[Captaincj]

I wasn't and care less what others think anyway. Don't knock it until ya try it...very popular Pacific Northwest..

Definitely not trying to offend.

[JBS]

1 Triad v21
2 Paramount 21
I'm bias!

[FMP]

I wasn't and care less what others think anyway. Don't knock it until ya try it...very popular Pacific Northwest..

I still find cherry examples around in the classifieds,
That's a good one with the little cuddy.

[Robby321]

I still find cherry examples around in the classifieds,
That's a good one with the little cuddy.

Cuddy is simple a big azz womans purse..ya kept tossing chit in there until ya can't find it, then it all unloaded.."AHA..I KNEW I had this" But the dog (it was her boat anyway) loved the hatch. Bark all the bikinis, show me where to go! Both are gone now, but not the mems...

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Sees that 38 Nortech a friend of a friend of mine (my bud has a 27 Eliminator Speedster now new, twin 400r, beast! Thats his dads cruiser, wife Julie on the swim deck)

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It was Dog approved..........

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[FMP]

Good times are not forgotten

[99fxst99]

19' Baja Twilighter. We had a blast with this boat. 1979 boat, 1983 200 Merc. 74mph on a Medallion speedo. Fast enough to be fun (ran with the V-Kings with 150s that the local dealer was selling a ton of), big enough to be comfortable if the water chopped up a bit, and enough room under deck to overnight on.
I would have loved to have had one stretched to about 23', extend the hull straight back and lengthen the deck.
Baja actually offered this boat with up to a 330hp big block with a TRS outdrive!

[99fxst99]

I wasn't and care less what others think anyway. Don't knock it until ya try it...very popular Pacific Northwest..

I have been of the opinion that the design wasn't the bad part, it was the build quality of that period. The boats were designed to run with small engines to keep cost down, so the design had to be accommodating to that.

[FMP]

http://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1973/b73-5.jpg
http://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1976/b76-8.jpg
http://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1979/b79-11.jpg
http://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1978/b78-7.jpghttp://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1976/b76-5.jpg
http://www.hurrikain.com/marine_images/1972/b72-7.jpg
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=441458&d=1432232200

[FMP]

I have been of the opinion that the design wasn't the bad part, it was the build quality of that period. The boats were designed to run with small engines to keep cost down, so the design had to be accommodating to that.

Actually the mid to larger hulls are tough for what they are. I know of a late 80s br that has not been pampered at all since day one. Most transoms and hulls would have been mush long before, has a 150 on it since new. Built in set back , lifting hull , heavy and strong.

[TwzteD]

I wouldnt mind having a Donzi sweet 16 OB conversion or a super boat 16

[Gorilla0178]

This thread has brought up so many cool boats I didn't know existed.

[Da Bull]

Didn't a Canadian already do one... TO RobNot to my knowledge. They did a 21ft SRV. Not the same boat.

[Radiant]

I always thought a Lake and Bay Boca pocket hull with a sport boat style cap would be a cool little boat. Would easily be a 110+ mph boat with a 300r. It'll hold the weight. They have a pad and a decent V. Doesn't have to be too light as I think the lighter ones don't ride as well. Mine is a splash and is pretty light. I haven't put big power on it, but these boats can put up big numbers with the right setup.

They also have a wide beam at about 8 feet. They carry a load very well

You can borrow mine to splash, all I ask for is a bare hull out of the mold with stringers installed, I'll do the rest lol

[Robby321]

I have been of the opinion that the design wasn't the bad part, it was the build quality of that period. The boats were designed to run with small engines to keep cost down, so the design had to be accommodating to that.

Simple made for the masses, family fun at a affordable price. Never made to be race boats. To each his own. And the "owners" were kinda clueless on maintenance. Many simple not kept dry, and wet does wonders to wood..

[XstreamVking]

Radiant, where did you come by a splash of the boca 20? Is somebody building them?

[Radiant]

Radiant, where did you come by a splash of the boca 20? Is somebody building them?

My boat is a 1991 Radiant Marine. Built by Bill Chambers and Jack Harper who were partners. The company later became O.O.S.I. Bill soon after started Back Country boats where the hook was added and a new modern top cap was made. Wylie later ended up with the company.

Type "project radiant (lake and bay hull)" into google and you'll see my rebuild build thread. I redid the whole boat.

It is an awesome boat, I rafted up to a Lake and Bay and you can tell just by how my boat and the L&B reacted to waves, how light it is. The owner of the L&B even commented on that.

The list of L&B splashes is large. But today, the same hull is built by Lake and Bay, Islamorada Boatworks, Concept, and maybe 1 more

[WavetoWave]

23' Warlock. Revised deck, outboard version. Howard made one or two like that.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48057476921_c00f129d83_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gdF8Ai)Warlock23Offshore - (https://flic.kr/p/2gdF8Ai)

[XstreamVking]

I knew Bill C. He passed away some years ago. I had one of his 22' splashes sold as a proline, moharra, allseas, and then as flats and bay. Mine was an all seas. Bro still has one...He was a real character and I met him at the offshore races in sarasota.

[fobe]

How about the 24 Excalibur with a single big O/B.

[Gorilla0178]

I always thought a Lake and Bay Boca pocket hull with a sport boat style cap would be a cool little boat. Would easily be a 110+ mph boat with a 300r. It'll hold the weight. They have a pad and a decent V. Doesn't have to be too light as I think the lighter ones don't ride as well. Mine is a splash and is pretty light. I haven't put big power on it, but these boats can put up big numbers with the right setup.

They also have a wide beam at about 8 feet. They carry a load very well

You can borrow mine to splash, all I ask for is a bare hull out of the mold with stringers installed, I'll do the rest lol

As far as I know someone is making lake and bay again..

[Radiant]

As far as I know someone is making lake and bay again..

A few companies are building them. But I’m talking about building a sport boat off that hull, like a 20ft Action marine but i think the L&B has a faster bottom. Build it light and the hull will probably weigh 600-700 lbs. It’ll scoot with 300 hp, it can float a 300r no problem, gotta think about today’s 500+ motors

[XstreamVking]

Around here you can't swing a dead cat w/o hitting a L&B. There is a guy on here with a 300XS going 100 with a modded 20 boca.

[Kcraft]

Kind of looks like a Laser

Not to my knowledge. They did a 21ft SRV. Not the same boat.
http://i66.tinypic.com/atp07b.jpg
...

[Da Bull]

It should. Both designs were by the same guy. Roark Summerford owned Laser before starting STV. I`m sure the 21ft SRV is first cousin to the 380.

[largecar91]

How about the 24 Excalibur with a single big O/B. I had one of those but with a 482 big block:D

[fobe]

Nice ride. Such great looking boats. Any more pics?
Matt

[largecar91]

482/ #3 speedmaster, k planes. Fun boat but heavy! Ran a best of 75

[derpid]

there are so many 80's and 90's boat's I grew up around that I wish could be replicated today. the styles and bodylines were so much cooler than most boats available today. just to name a few.... the Carlson cvx's, sidewinders, Baja's, Chryslers, the checkmates of that era, and there were all the mold rip offs like the swiftsures, larsons, invaders,, vangards. IMO if you were to re-create some of those older boats in a 17-18ft length with big o/b power options and optional open bow configs the nostalgia crowd would scoop them up. I know I would. glastron seemed like they were on that track with the gt-160 a few years back but it was a small cruiser barely rated for a 115. I can say with great confidence if you could make lighter version of my '92 seaswirl spyder 188 with a pad, more strakes and rated for a 300 I would give you my soul.

[derpid]

and after going through fujimos thread on yesteryear I think I have to extend my gap to start in the 70's. just too many awesome boats that don't exist anymore.

[fobe]

What ever became of the Excal?
Nice pics, thanks.

[Gorilla0178]

I love the old cvx line of old glastrons. The cvx 20 is beautifull.

[XstreamVking]

http://www.classicglastron.com/71maybea2plus2-lowerres.JPG

[Robby321]

This one. Me at 3 years old curly headed budding Outlaw, bro, sis Mom and Dad (Mon and Dad RIP, rest us truck on" in the boat my dad and brother built. 1953. See all the other boats with oars? PEONS! Suck my 2 stroke smell!

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Or later brothers Baby Switzer, 20H Merc...

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[flabum1017]

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[Bodhi]

I'd love to see a modern day build of the Hydrostream Vulture, always loved the stretched look

[delawarerick]

I love the old cvx line of old glastrons. The cvx 20 is beautifull.

Did the cvx 20 come as an outboard?

[Gorilla0178]

Did the cvx 20 come as an outboard?

Yes, it had a motor well that took up the whole back. Still Looked good, but the inboards looked best I think,

[Gorilla0178]

Pic

[TwzteD]

Looks almost like the back of the Allison GS

[CUDA]

Looks almost like the back of the Allison GS

Now you know where he got the Idea;)

[Robby321]

Buddy mine had a CVX23 460 jet..real party boat


441911
Us in the water messing the Yamaha standup jetski..thats my new 74 Switzer with new XS 1500
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New 74 stand up..
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[1954bmw]

http://www.classicglastron.com/71maybea2plus2-lowerres.JPG
What king of bottom did this have, true tunnel or flat???

[XstreamVking]

Molinari racing tunnel heritage. True tunnel no pods...

[JWS]

agreed!

[Robby321]

441947

[specboatops]

Molinari racing tunnel heritage. True tunnel no pods...

Exactly like my G.W.Invader Tunnel - no pods!

[CUDA]

1984 Sleekcraft SST MVP

[FUJIMO]

Robby321...similar boat as what you had? Mt. Dora Antique Boat Show - Mt. Dora, Florida...http://www.quincylooperracing.us/images/AlumBoat.JPG

[Robby321]

Robby321...similar boat as what you had? Mt. Dora Antique Boat Show - Mt. Dora, Florida...http://www.quincylooperracing.us/images/AlumBoat.JPG

My Merc Guru here has done Mt Dora. Long trip, but knows all and has sold motors them. I don't know what that is, but I had same Rude (think it was a clam-shell hood?) at one time. Heres a couple pix Baby Swit, 20H..(Not my brothers).............
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[CUDA]

I remember using a two blade prop on my 1975 Viper with Merc inline 150 20 inch motor.

Fun times.

[Robby321]

HOLD on Fugi..that old ( look like 10/15hp?). My Dad bought this me a kid. My first boat! He was a showoff, anything new had to have. Told mom its a "tender" the his 17ft cruiser anchored knee deep on the shore. Couple pix the cruisier, my young ass, and the boat and what looked like restored (not mine, someone else's) But later in its life, took out the inboard West Bend, sealed up hull, took a can of dads nails, probably slammed a 100 in perimeter transom.."that should hold". Dad gave me a 10 HP Rude and slammed it on. What I remember is porpoised Dolphin has more control! "well that didn't work"..? No pic that episode.
DUH as thinking it now, a 20 inch shaft on 12 inch transom, 6 foot boat? Yep, learned a little when Dad said.."told ya would not work, but you know more that I D0..(smartass kid).
Want his 1964 Amphicar story and me? Cost ya..anyway..(Miss ya Dad, as didn't appreciate you teaching as I do now..."Thanks"...:thumbsup:
Family

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The Skeeto..
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[Robby321]

I remember using a two blade prop on my 1975 Viper with Merc inline 150 20 inch motor.

Fun times.



Ran a 2B 14x28 cupped (SS, $280 out the door )XS. I "think" it was Short shaft Merc..Hmm (HA, loved that tail as GOT me "tail" too! Take me for a ride, "only if you do me later a ride..!"
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Still run a 2B SS 12, 24 my Flatty..

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[rhardwick]

Glastron GT143 Jetflight..

[Laseraddict]

I thought the old 20' CB Avengers were pretty bad ass too.

Yeah I had a 19' or 20' CeeBee Avenger ski boat, 2 wrap around buckets up front connected to bench seats behind the buckets down each side of the boat.
It had a slightly rounded bottom but had lifting strakes just outside of center which acted like a pad. Had a 3.0 225hp Merc carb motor on it with a torque master and it ran 84-85moh with just me and Less than half a tank of gas in it.
That boat did EVERYTHING really well! Drove like 12hrs from Arizona up into the Mtns of Cali to go get it, and what i thought was just something I'd fix up and sell turned out to be probably the best all around boat I have ever owned...

[Laseraddict]

It should. Both designs were by the same guy. Roark Summerford owned Laser before starting STV. I`m sure the 21ft SRV is first cousin to the 380.

Hey Bull, just wondering if you know of any other companies that made copies of the Laser 380??! I know about Performance Products and then the Starcraft Eagle, but there has got to be other's out there I'd think, right!?
Figure maybe it will help me find the actual hull design that I really want knowing any other companies that splashed the 380 hull..
Thanks in advance for any other name's you can think of that made this hull..

[Da Bull]

Sorry but I don`t know of any. Just the ones you named. There could be tho. The Laser 380 was a highly successful boat on the race coarse as it should have been because thats what Mr Summerford designed it to do. It was also very popular as a ski/pleasure boat.

[cooperider]

Some of you mentioned Checkmate. How about a modern version of the old Checkmate Predictor, a closed deck 16ft boat?

[mr fun]

Gorilla , what is the name and contact info for your shop ? sounds like you could eliminate a number of years of learning curve by just having you do some layup in my mold , thanks

[dmillar]

Very cool thread!!!! The first performance hulls I saw were Switzers with the famous tower of power Mercs on a small finger lake in New York back in the 70's. I was hooked!!!!!

[282]

Sidewinder or CeeBee Avenger are my tops

[Instigator]

One day I will buy one of these.

Ill convert it to OB and I’ll resto-mod into a Mod-VP w/a V-8 Looper, w/string steer and center steer.

Yeah I know they never built one.
But they should have.

One of prettiest boats ever.

Glastron CV-21

Early ‘70’s, before the GT Bond boats.

They made, I think, 18, 21, 23, and 27.
Gorgeous lines.

[1954bmw]

What is the first one, never saw one like it, looks like it has a small cudy on the front???

[Bronson Johnson]

How about a stretched 20 foot Action open bow, maybe 22 to 24?

[Instigator]

27’ Glastron Carlson cuddy/day cruiser.

Most were twin I/Os.


What is the first one, never saw one like it, looks like it has a small cudy on the front???

[mr fun]

Go rilla , you out there ???

[David]

494105

[jimmie jam]

For me, it all started in 1975 when I fell in love with the Sidewinder 18SS. I ordered a new one in gold flake with a blue flake stripe and a powder blue interior (remember, it was the 70's) and a 135 Evinrude Starflight w/Tilt and Trim and a "new Teflon coated" SS prop. I put it on a EZ Loader trailer and loved using it...dragging it everywhere I could. Had ot for a couple of years and sold it to a friend in 1977 because I packed up and moved from NE Ohio to Fort Laudedale. Fast forward to 2013 and I'm going through some old photos...bingo the only photos I have of the boat! Attempted to find the guy I sold it to, no luck. Even went so far as to contact the Ohio DNR (with the OH #'s from the photos) only to find that it was last titled in 77 when he bought it from me and he/boat is nowhere to be found. I did get the VIN of both the hull and motor. Contacted a mutual friend that said he moved to TX shortly after I left and took the boat. He has a VERY common name so Google was of no help as I would try from time to time to find him. Soooo, June 2021 I attempt to find the guy/boat. Now, if you have a VIN you can check the TX public records for titles/registration of boats/motors, so I did. BINGO, the boat is alive in TX having been last registered in 2019. To make a longer story short...I know have the boat back AND was able to find and talk the guy I sold it to. He kept the boat until 1990 and then sold it to a co-worker (who I have also spoke to) how kept till 1999. Up to that point it time it was completely original sans the trailer that was stolen while on lake Conroy. He remembers selling it to a young couple north of Dallas. Do not know what happened to/with the boat from 1999 to 2006 when purchased by the guy that sold the boat back to me. During that time the original interior was removed along with the correct trailer and original 135 Rude (replaced with a 1998 90hp Rude). I purchased the boat sight unseen (shop owner said I would waist my time/money to go and look at the boat because they can correct anything altered/changed/damaged, just buy the boat) and looked at the only photo he had from 2006 when he bought it. It had not been in the water for nearly 4 years (wife says longer) but it was covered well and sitting outside. Mind you it took from June until October to actually get the owner to sell. During this time, I found a shop in Ardmore OK that is going to do full restoration. Had the complete rig put on a flat bed and hauled 200 miles to the shop from Rochester, TX two weeks ago. Mind you, I have yet to see the boat. Driver had a "minor" shock on the way to OK, see the photos. I'll be flying to OK next week to see it and come up with a game plan. I actually met the shop owner a couple of weeks ago when he flew in to FLL for the Int'nal boat show. It will most likely take about seven months to complete. My goal is to have the boat completed by my 70th birthday next year and get it to 70 mph. Gonna take a lot of work to get this hull there. When new it would do 60+- with the 135...even the jet boats topped out at 60-63. The most difficult task will be the interior because nothing is left of the original, as I only have one interior photo when new. Power will be another issue, vintage or new...

[David]

Cool story. Does the boat have a core? The Sidewinders built in Canada were not cored. A local restorer told me that they run better with a core.

The Sidewinder did not have a pad and would be a handful at 70. A new motor would be reliable and fuel efficient. My pick would be the Merc 150. Unless of course some else has proven that the heavy new V6s handle OK on that boat

[jimmie jam]

Cool story. Does the boat have a core? The Sidewinders built in Canada were not cored. A local restorer told me that they run better with a core.

The Sidewinder did not have a pad and would be a handful at 70. A new motor would be reliable and fuel efficient. My pick would be the Merc 150. Unless of course some else has proven that the heavy new V6s handle OK on that boat

Not sure but it was not built in Canada. In 1974 Thompson bought the rights and molds from Sidewinder when thry got tired of fighting the "clone" makers. Mine was built in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. If I do a period correct "as original" I'll have to find a 135 Rude to redo which will be difficult as I've been looking. One of the many the other issue is the weight of the modern engines. In 75 that motor w/tilt & trim weighed about 300 pounds. I'm looking at 150-200 hp motors that are at least 425 and up to 500+- pounds. The hull is getting rebuilt from the inside out so handling the hp won't be an issue. A jack plate will also put the weight back a 4-5 more inches. As for the pad, I could add one but that will remove the originality of the hull design. Same with the interior. I'm going to put it back exactly as it was when new and not do a custom. Again, I have not physically seen the boat yet, next week I will. Getting it to 70 may not happen because I'm only willing to do a small amount of alterations. Gonna be interesting.....

[Gorilla0178]

Go rilla , you out there ???
Yup im around, still getting sticky.

[FMP]

Cool story. Does the boat have a core? The Sidewinders built in Canada were not cored. A local restorer told me that they run better with a core.

The Sidewinder did not have a pad and would be a handful at 70. A new motor would be reliable and fuel efficient. My pick would be the Merc 150. Unless of course some else has proven that the heavy new V6s handle OK on that boat

ETec G2 3cyl 150HP , be my "new" pick.

[David]

The 150 triple would be a good choice, but can any be found?

Cool project

[jimmie jam]

ETec G2 3cyl 150HP , be my "new" pick.

I would consider a K150WLP 20" . There a plenty of new crated 2020's for sale...only weighs 397.

[jimmie jam]

Just got back from OK and seeing my boat since I sold it 44 years ago , interesting to say the least. I'm having John Tiger build me a 135/140 V4 cross flow from scratch. It will mimic my original motor which was removed in 2006. Gonna make more HP for me......