:OT-2: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

[boomtown]

Can you name the Boat?

[Reever]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Atlas Van Lines.

[supercub]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

What kind of motor/motors??

[Big_Jim]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Yup. That's easy. It's the 1955 "Scooter Too". Owned by Edgar Kaiser after "eyeing the lines" of the Slo-Mo-Shun IV, it was designed and built by Bart Carter and Jack Regas. The only boat to try the Allison W-24 cylinder engine. While it was not a particularly beautiful boat, it was very fast. But truth be told, it was overpowered--think a Chevy Vega with a 427 Hemi. It led races, but the motor was more powerful than the propellers and shafts at the time could handle...so it never won, and most of the time DNF. I think it sank something like five times over it's career and was given the nickname "The Submarine boat". Ran as Scooter Too, Miss Tri-Cities, Adios....maybe a couple other names. But after five seasons it was retired. Spent a couple decades on a pole outside the pits in the Tri-Cities next to the Columbia River as a gate guard. Was taken down maybe 20 years ago and has passed amongst a few owners who have tried to restore it. I lost track of it a long time ago, but obviously someone is taking better care of her now. Looks good!

At the Tahoe show?

The photo is from 1956. I had Jack sign it several years ago before he passed away. After the Scooter Too, he went on to drive Kaiser's more famous "Hawaii Kai III", winning the 1957 National Championship, setting the world straightaway speed record, and the 1958 Gold Cup.

[Reever]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Big Jim,

I hope there is some way to plug your brain into a computer before you kick.
Serious, but just kidding.

[Big_Jim]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Big Jim,

I hope there is some way to plug your brain into a computer before you kick.
Serious, but just kidding.

Yeah, but then there would be that part of my brain with the midget clown porn....and nobody wants to see that.

[boomtown]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Yup. That's easy. It's the 1955 "Scooter Too". Owned by Edgar Kaiser after "eyeing the lines" of the Slo-Mo-Shun IV, it was designed and built by Bart Carter and Jack Regas. The only boat to try the Allison W-24 cylinder engine. While it was not a particularly beautiful boat, it was very fast. But truth be told, it was overpowered--think a Chevy Vega with a 427 Hemi. It led races, but the motor was more powerful than the propellers and shafts at the time could handle...so it never won, and most of the time DNF. I think it sank something like five times over it's career and was given the nickname "The Submarine boat". Ran as Scooter Too, Miss Tri-Cities, Adios....maybe a couple other names. But after five seasons it was retired. Spent a couple decades on a pole outside the pits in the Tri-Cities next to the Columbia River as a gate guard. Was taken down maybe 20 years ago and has passed amongst a few owners who have tried to restore it. I lost track of it a long time ago, but obviously someone is taking better care of her now. Looks good!

At the Tahoe show?

The photo is from 1956. I had Jack sign it several years ago before he passed away. After the Scooter Too, he went on to drive Kaiser's more famous "Hawaii Kai III", winning the 1957 National Championship, setting the world straightaway speed record, and the 1958 Gold Cup.

Thanks Brad!

Yes, that is Scooter Too powered by the 3000hp Allison V-3420 (twin V-1710). It was on display at Obexer's Boat Company during the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance this weekend in Homewood, CA. It's in a state of arrested preservation with no current plans for restoration. The guy I talked to said that it was never run over 1/2 throttle.

Here is a little more:

[Big_Jim]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Thanks Brad!

Yes, that is Scooter Too powered by the 3000hp Allison V-3420 (twin V-1710). It was on display at Obexer's Boat Company during the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance this weekend in Homewood, CA. It's in a state of arrested preservation with no current plans for restoration. The guy I talked to said that it was never run over 1/2 throttle.

Here is a little more:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22136[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]22137[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]22138[/ATTACH]

It's actually in better condition than I have seen it in a long time and even if it's not planned to restore, at least it's not deteriorating anymore. Cool pictures. I'd love to hear that W-24 run....even at half throttle!

[V1670]

Re: Hydroplane Quiz for Big_Jim

Big Jim,

I hope there is some way to plug your brain into a computer before you kick.
Serious, but just kidding.

Live long and prosper Big Jim; aside from your wealth of knowledge on the sport(s), I get a kick out of your stories too. Love in insider perspective.