Mercury Through The Years...

**willabee** · 09-09-2016, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

Man, that guy standing closest to the truck sure looks like Roy Ridgell !

**bernie** · 09-09-2016, 09:26 AM

Roy - it sure is! But who would put a trailer hitch on a 36 hp VW bus?

**willabee** · 09-09-2016, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by bernie

Roy - it sure is! But who would put a trailer hitch on a 36 hp VW bus?

If memory serves, Roy had a green VW bus when he was Manager of European Racing. Drove it through the mountains with a load of spare parts,props and tools pulling a Molinari. Of course they were up to 40 HP by that time.

So the answer to your question is ...... Roy Ridgell and Olegator.

**2us70** · 09-09-2016, 10:41 AM

Must have been right after he put that boat together. Notice that it is not completely painted.

Originally Posted by bernie

John McCall trying to set a kilo record. I don't recall if he set that record but I know he got hurt in that boat trying.
Got this list a while back from Gene LanhamAttachment 354821 Attachment 354822
And another shot I found on the web.

**Robby321** · 09-09-2016, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

...Your up early Bernie...

Damn! Bet that boat didn't weigh but 200 pounds, if that w/o motor! I simple LIKE IT!

**olboatman** · 09-09-2016, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Robby321

Damn! Bet that boat didn't weigh but 200 pounds, if that w/o motor! I simple LIKE IT!

Rob..... I want one too!

Gary

**bernie** · 09-09-2016, 09:01 PM

Rob..... I want one too!

Gary

Just a thought - from that view one could scale that boat - probably a 12" or 14" steering wheel, use that for a starting point and see what you come up with - length, width, sponson depth, etc.

**AZMIDLYF** · 09-09-2016, 09:23 PM

Click image for larger version.

Name: 14238212_1505001442859129_5022485416819621466_n.jpg
Views: 22
Size: 76.6 KB
ID: 354904

**AZMIDLYF** · 09-09-2016, 09:23 PM

Click image for larger version.

Name: 14291913_1505001439525796_1204416934166254602_n.jpg
Views: 19
Size: 33.1 KB
ID: 354905

**Robby321** · 09-10-2016, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by bernie

Rob..... I want one too!

Gary

Just a thought - from that view one could scale that boat - probably a 12" or 14" steering wheel, use that for a starting point and see what you come up with - length, width, sponson depth, etc.

WHOA!
Thats a old school 12 inch wheel think. Damn, maybe 10 inch? But don't matter. Got similar my Flatty. As yes that a "ring ring bell" the wheel spoke and had one my decades ago a tricycle, (and have one ALL my bikes the bars too!) and I can't wait (well ok can) for some water cop to pull me over and say "where the horn"? "Ring Ring" .."OK"? ...then hit the twin horns under the deck that raise the deck a blast! "Never grow UP!"

Click image for larger version.

Name: S5302038-1.JPG
Views: 237
Size: 29.8 KB
ID: 354911

**olboatman** · 09-10-2016, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by bernie

Rob..... I want one too!

Gary

Just a thought - from that view one could scale that boat - probably a 12" or 14" steering wheel, use that for a starting point and see what you come up with - length, width, sponson depth, etc.

Ya know Bernie that boat does not look like a real difficult build. I built two (A-B class) utility boats when I was real young( in high school) and I think if someone drew it up it would be fun. Problem is time and room in the shop as too many projects in the works. I am lookin forward to retirement! BTW I have a "86" OMC 140 all modded out with a 15" mid, coned low water pick up LU with more goodies that would be a nice fit with low C/G. Gary

**bernie** · 09-10-2016, 07:56 AM

Ya know Bernie that boat does not look like a real difficult build. I built two (A-B class) utility boats when I was real young( in high school) and I think if someone drew it up it would be fun. Problem is time and room in the shop as too many projects in the works. I am lookin forward to retirement! BTW I have a "86" OMC 140 all modded out with a 15" mid, coned low water pick up LU with more goodies that would be a nice fit with low C/G. Gary

WHAT - Build it and put an OMC on it! I'd rather put Hillary in the White House! M1000 BP studs up with adapter and Superspeedmaster - then one pass to see what 83+ feels like in that thing!

Click image for larger version.

Name: hydro.r.jpg
Views: 65
Size: 50.1 KB
ID: 354913

Has to be similar to my old ride - I could get into upper 80's with an 800/Superspeedmaster. This boat is now in Northern Wisconsin getting a 6 looper installed - not mine.

**olboatman** · 09-10-2016, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by bernie

Ya know Bernie that boat does not look like a real difficult build. I built two (A-B class) utility boats when I was real young( in high school) and I think if someone drew it up it would be fun. Problem is time and room in the shop as too many projects in the works. I am lookin forward to retirement! BTW I have a "86" OMC 140 all modded out with a 15" mid, coned low water pick up LU with more goodies that would be a nice fit with low C/G. Gary

WHAT - Build it and put an OMC on it! I'd rather put Hillary in the White House! M1000 BP studs up with adapter and Superspeedmaster - then one pass to see what 83+ feels like in that thing!

Has to be similar to my old ride - I could get into upper 80's with an 800/Superspeedmaster. This boat is now in Northern Wisconsin getting a 6 looper installed - not mine.

You must really dislike OMCs if you rather elect Hillary!!!! LOL

BTW Impressive rig!

Gary

**bernie** · 09-10-2016, 08:37 AM

You must really dislike OMCs if you rather elect Hillary!!!! LOL

BTW Impressive rig!

Gary

I started working at Mercury in 1965 when OMC was "the enemy!" Then later on when a whole batch of OMC people came to Mercury and all we heard about was how good they were (excuse me, then why did they leave)? Loved the sound of a Super Strangler and had tons of respect for Charlie Strang - saw him about 15 years ago when Merc had hired him as an independent "referee" for some us vs. them product testing, and some time to talk and mostly listened to what he had to say!