Delcraft Tunnel Boat Complete Restoration

**Tom Smyth** · 04-29-2022, 03:30 PM

Finally picked up this 15' Delcraft tunnel built by Ron DelRosa in California. this boat set SJ and SJJ records back in the day, driven by Bob Holloway, Greg Horn and Ron Baker. Thrilled as a pig in fresh mud to become the owner of this. Plan to detail the full restoration process here over the next few years. Many Many Thanks to Mark Nelson for parting with this boat. A few pics of the as received condition.

This boat will be restored and rigged as it was when it set the SJ record in 1970. No WAY i am putting two inlines on it as it had when it set the SJJ record in 1971.....

**Tom Smyth** · 04-29-2022, 03:32 PM

PS it has had a freshwater wash down to remove the 1/4" of dust from sitting in a warehouse for the last 20 years.....

**Dave S** · 04-29-2022, 04:42 PM

Nice.......History.......and went to a good home.

**Dave S** · 04-29-2022, 04:44 PM

1/4 dust and H2o....= Pigs wallow........

**rock** · 04-30-2022, 07:22 AM

Looks like a pretty cool project Tom. Congrats.

Rock

**rgsauger** · 04-30-2022, 07:46 AM

Very cool!

**Jimboat** · 04-30-2022, 10:02 AM

Great project!

**scott reierson** · 05-02-2022, 11:34 AM

Nice!

**tnelsmn** · 05-03-2022, 07:59 AM

Awesome, can't wait to see what you do with it, Tom!

**mr fun** · 05-08-2022, 12:33 PM

looks like they kept it nice and dry , so do I smell a stacker ?

think a 65 xs would be more manageable

**Tom Smyth** · 05-08-2022, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by mr fun

looks like they kept it nice and dry , so do I smell a stacker ?

think a 65 xs would be more manageable

no this was raced with a 1350 and set the SJ record in 1970. It will be rigged as it was raced back in the day.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-11-2022, 12:57 PM

So to start of the disassembly ( i call it planned destruction) the front cowl has to be patterned and then removed, trying to identify unique features that were used in its build. Removing quite a few bronze ring neck nails, the plywood was still in remarkably stubborn condition. took quite a few pics to document some of the bracing and joints, especially the end / edge of where the cowling fit into the side of the cockpits. Enjoy.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-12-2022, 09:20 AM

Destruction day two. First glimpse under the deck. Staples and ring neck nails to remove.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-12-2022, 02:22 PM

end of day two destruction. Good Progress. amazing how strong all the fasteners are still holding this boat together...remember it was built in 1969.....

**1954bmw** · 05-13-2022, 07:13 AM

I know this is a stupid question, but please explain the ring neck nails, when I google it , it comes back as how to trim the nails on my parakeet. Maybe a picture of a removed nail??? Thanks.