Sleeper M-2
owner / driver Bill Burgess
location Orlando, Florida
hull original Chris Craft  built in 1931, converted to F Service Runabout in 1955 (M)
LOA 17'
motor 1961 Ford 390
marathon engine was Ford 427
power transfer Borg Warner 71 C; Casalle V Drive
propeller Cary 2 blade  12x14, 12x15, 12x16
years raced 1955-1966
This boat was raced originally in local regattas, 1955-1966. In 1956, registered as APBA M-2 F Service. In 1956, it was powered by a Buick engine, and was driven from the rear of the boat. Competing in the Nationals in Buffalo, almost won. However the motor (Buick) fell apart, Bill Burgess (driver) & Harold Bauer, (who was the owner at that time) decided to change the  power to Ford 390 FE and make hull adjustments. In 1959, added to the chine on both sides from the trip back to increase the hull width at the transom. Knee braces were added to all the stringers and original braces. Cavitation plate was built for more running surface and stability and fins for tracking. Placement of the engine moved to the rear and attached by a Borg Warner velvet drive 71C coupled to a Casalle V- Drive via a jack shaft. Prop shaft angles and steering were changed. The seating arrangement was changed to two forward cockpits driving from the cockpit forward of the engine. Bucket seats were added. The entire hull was fiberglassed. We made prop changes and settled on a two blade, Cary propeller. In 1961, won Buffalo Launch Club around Grand Island Marathon 27 miles, in 22 minutes and 37 seconds. A local record. For years, canvassed the boat, traveled thousands of miles from Buffalo to Miami, FL, including Washington, DC, Elizabeth City, NC, Millville, NJ, Rehovoth Beach, Norfolf, VA, Chestertown, MD, etc. It was definitely a crowd pleaser. This boat today is owned and restored by Tom Frauenheim who purchased it from the estate of Harold Bauer. The boat has been sitting for many years (36) and needed extensive restoration. Bill Burgess had the chance to drive this boat again at the Buffalo Launch Club Antique Regatta, (2003). As boat racing goes, a part of history many involved will never forget, especially people in Buffalo NY. A pioneer area in boat racing. 
Riding mechanics were Fran Semenick & Mike Thompson
launch ramp