APBA PROPELLER BOAT RACERS SWAP SHOP

We thought it would be fun to take a look at advertistments of former owners selling them old racing hulls from the APBA classified ads (or any old ad) from many years ago. After the ad, will be an explantion, if we have one, of where that racing hull is today!

 
 

Propeller, March 1964

Mr. Trophy, 280 cu.in. Great Lakes Divisional Champion 1963. Hull reconditioned and ready for 1964 season. $1700 buys a winner. Carl Ward, 811 So Metcalf, Lima Ohio

This was the former Moonshine Baby E-54, then  Ineta Belle, prior to campaigning as Mr. Trophy. If you know where this hull is today, please contact me.

 
 

from the Detroit News, Monday, March 7,1949

For Sale - COMPLETE 225cu in Ford racing Engine--out of my race boat, "California Kid"; equipped with Weiand 10 to 1 heads and Weiand dual manifold; Harmon and Collins super "H", 6000 RPM camshaft; Spalding ignition; motor is equipped with stacks and is ready for easy installation in either race boat or hot rod. for further information, call Danny Foster...

I'm not absolutely sure but I think this ad was placed after the boat was destroyed in a crash on the Detroit River. Richard Willim

 
 

from December 1976

For Sale - Lauterbach. N-72 Tiger. 1976 World Champion. Holder of kilo record 134.6 mph plus many National and Divisional titles. Complete with standard engine - $9500. with supercharged engine- $11,000. Sherman R. Polhamus.

Carl Wilson now has her and she is shown at many vintage events.

 
 

from April 1976

For Sale - Country Boy US1, competition record holder, 1975 National. Built by Lauterbach. This boat is one of the finest 225's in the country. Call Michael Weiner. $12,500 firm

Tom Bertolini now has her and she is shown at many vintage events.

 
 

from December 1981

For Sale - 280 Nordberg. E-16 Bandit  Everything for sale, 2 engines, tilt trailer, many other parts, very competitive. Please call for information.

Travis Johnson of Indiana is currently restoring her now.

 
 

For Sale - F-19 Holy Smoke, 266 class. Fastest running 266 in the country. 85 mph running 1-2/3, and 129 mph kilo. Most dependable. Only failed to finish or start 2 times in the last 2 years. Won 60 of the last 68 heats run, finished in all but 3 in the last 2 years, including 4 combined races including 7 litres, Second in National High Point 1962, First in Region 10, Engine Chev. 395 H.P. Dry sump oil fuel injection roller cam, forged custom pistons. Will turn 10,000 rpm with no engine damage. Most powerful, unsupercharged engine ever tested in Southern California. One of the most beautiful hydros running, custom fiberglass cowling. Epoxy paint on boat. All hardware stainless or chromed. cutom pin-striped epoxy coated trailer. Complete $4,000.00. Quitting class. Earl Wham, etc.

Earl Wham sold this boat and then went on to campaign the Miss Merion Bluegrass. Anybody know what happened to this hydroplane?

 
 

from November 1972:

FOR SALE - 850 cc Hydro, 1972 DeSilva hull, 14 ft. powered by "PBS" Fiat, fresh overhaul, Dyno tested, total weight 350 lbs. Complete with cowling and trailer, ready to race. Jack Schafer, 19531 Airport Way, Santa Ana, Calif.

Bob Foley's Hang In There aka Impecunious Mouse Unfortunately, the outfit was "ready to race"  when he placed the ad, but not for long!  Jack raced it at San Diego  on October 15, and was battling for the lead when he stuffed it on the back straightaway and blew out the front part of the boat.  I was running third and was the first one to get to him.  Luckily he was OK. Jack sold the Fiat and gave me the remains of the hull.  I stillhave it.

 
 

from Jan, Feb, and March 1969:

FOR SALE - Tijuana Taxi, E-102, 1967 Western Division 280 Hydro Champion - 1968 Region 12 High Point. 17 ft. fibreglassed mahogany hull. Guaranteed legal fresh Dodge engine (with dyno report). Fendered trailer with new tires. Spare engine, props, etc. Must be considered one of the most immaculately prepared, top competition boats in the country. This is the race boat for the serious racer. $3,500. Jerry Ballard, 27912 Alaflora Drive, San Pedro, Calif. 90732

Anybody know where this one went?

 
 

from February 1968:

FOR SALE - 280 Hydro. Complete, $1,250. Without engine, $850. Lloyd hull, Chev. engine. Good trailer slings and prop.  Roy Kuhnhofer, 16561 California, Markham, Ill. 60426, phone etc.

Alan Radue's Agitator My best estimate was Ron Snyder bought it in 1968, but the earliest photo I have of Ron in it is 1969.  This confirms that Ron owned it no earlier than 1968 and probably bought it from Roy that year.  Just like fitting together pieces of a puzzle! Alan has restored her.

 
 

from January 1975:

FOR SALE - Ron Jones conventional 5-Litre "Gun Shy", alias "Miss Peg". Boat, Chev. motor, trailer, extra shaft and prop.  $4,000.  Robert Herrington, 6487 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70805, etc.

Jack Hines Miss Peg Jack found the hull languishing in a swamp in LA. He is completely rebuilding her now.

 
 

from June and July 1971:

FOR SALE - 7 Litre "Ray's Rebel Rouser H-54", formerly "Moonshine Baby", custom trailer, 427 Ford engine, complete rig with many spare parts.  Owner leaving state, no reasonable offer refused.  Call George Reynolds, Detroit, Mich., etc.

Phil Spruit's Moonshine Baby H-54 Racing hull was purchased by Steve Mahac. He raced her and then he sold it in 1976 (from another ad in Propeller) to Richie Dittrich who sold only the hull in 1984, less the 2 Ford 427 motors. I got it from a man who found it sitting outside in a boat "junkyard" in 1988 around Lake Minnetonka, MN. I have totally rebuilt her.

 
 
 
 

Thanks to Bob Foley, Jack Hines, Richard Willim, and Ken Anderson for contributing these ads!
Have an ad for any racing hull from long ago?

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