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Our first reproduction was a fun project, the boat ran extremely well, and we wanted to do another one. Then in the fall of 2005, several conversations lead to a handshake and our second skiff project. This project had special, ribbon striped mahogany deck and transom, dark blue upholstered bench seats fore and aft, and was powered by a stock, warranted Marine Power motor with a Borg Warner transmission. The boat runs very well, lives in a boathouse here on Lake Winnipesaukee, and gets a good workout every summer by providing lots of boat rides.

Click here for project photos - Tinker/Sassy

 

       

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Our third reproduction project - based on a a 1930's Gar Wood Speedster Design

Then in the fall of 2007, several conversations lead to a handshake and our third reproduction project for a 21 foot Gentleman’s Racer. Compulsion was an aft cockpit speedster design, very similar to my beloved Obsession, in fact we spent a lot of time measuring the lines of Obsession and only made a few modifications. This new hull was constructed of white oak frames with Honduras Mahogany planking, and powered by a 383 Chevy “stroker” motor. The bare hull and motor were transported to our Vintage Race Boat Shop in February, 2008 where work began on project completion, and we made it in time for the vintage regatta in Clayton, NY in August 2008. The Gar Wood deck hardware did not arrive from the chrome shop in time for Clayton, but the photos below show that our new hull design ran very well, and we ran at the front of the pack all weekend long. Another rewarding project, working closely with the owner to make this speedster a truly personal, Gentleman's Racer.

Click here for project photos of Compulsion

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In the fall of 2009, several conversations lead to a handshake and our fourth reproduction project for a California style flat bottom ski boat. Impulse was based on a late 1940's John Hacker utility design, with a runabout style front cockpit, utility style engine box, and large comfortable aft seat. We added a lot more transom tumblehome to our design, increased the crown of the deck and took a plank off the hull sides to lower the sheer line profile. Hacker hardware was used, the upholstery and bottom color was burgundy, and the mahogany deck and hull planking were stained and varnished along with the flooring and side panels.

 

In keeping with the California vintage ski boat theme, a vintage 327 cubic inch Chevrolet motor was built at Larry's Auto Machine in Groton, Connecticut, and was fully dressed with three deuces on a polished Offenhauser intake manifold and polished Glenwood aluminum exhaust manifolds. This reverse rotation marine motor was run on their dyno when completed, to chart the horsepower and power curve, and also to dial in the timing advance and fuel system for maximum power.

Click here for project photos - Impulse

 

       

       

       

 

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Our fifth reproduction project - based on a 1930's Ventnor Hydroplane Design

 

Vintage race boats and boat racing are in my blood, and our fifth reproduction project will be a reproduction of my grandfather's Sally Ann Jr a 225 hydroplane that was an APBA national champion.   My grandfather, William Edgar John Sr. was a naval architect, owned a shipyard in Rye, New York, raced in several inboard classes, and was inducted into the APBA's Honor Squadron in 1955, two years after my other hero, Gar Wood. My father, William Edgar John Jr. raced International-One-Design  sailboats on Long Island Sound where he was Fleet Chairman for many years and was the first President of the IOD class, based out of the Larchmont Yacht Club where he was very active. My grandmother was also active in the early days of power boat racing in this country. She actually drove and won quite a few APBA boat races, and I have two large trophies that she won in 1914. Both my grandfather and grandmother are in the photo.

 

Our reproduction of Sally Ann Jr. will also be a two seater and will be built very strong with modern lightweight power to run reliably at hull speeds on the vintage circuit, including ACBS, CRA and APBA vintage events.

Click here for vintage event schedule !!!

 

With the help of Peter Kreissle, we now have some original 225 Ventnor hydroplane design drawings, and will be working with Ken Basset to draw the actual build plans for our Sally Ann Jr. reproduction project. Steve Balcer will build the bare hull and install the drive line for us at his shop in Bay City, Michigan. The bare hull will then be transported to the Vintage Race Boat Shop in Wolfeboro for the final motor installation, rigging, finish work, lettering and upholstery. We are currently searching for history and photos of Sally Ann Jr. and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Click here for project photos - Sally Ann Jr

 

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Reproduction Vintage Race Boats

We can build one for you...

 

Bill John

Vintage Race Boat Shop

603-569-5824

john1948@metrocast.net

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For locals, please stop by the shop and join our:

Saturday Morning Gatherings

Some related vintage race boat links:

• Classic Race Boat Association

• The Vintage Hydroplanes

• American Power Boat Association

• Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum

• The Vintage Circuit

• Photo Archives of Vintage Events

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