The deck installed and faired in, the rear aluminum cover fit, the boat is prepared for paint.
 

The boat is sanded and primed with a 2 part epoxy primer.
 

After sanding the primer with 320 the Barracuda is ready for paint.
 

With the boat painted, all the original exterior hardware is installed.

At last the 265 goes in. Everything is tightened, plumbed and wired.
 

Finally, the last step of the restoration, the lettering.
 

After 40 years of neglect and a two year restoration, the Barracuda is done!
 

Making sure everything is in order, the Barracuda is prepared for her first test session, 40 years to the to the day the boat had last run.
 

The boat is lifted off the original trailer with a front end loader driven by Don Smith, owner of the Boatsmith Marina. 
Don had built over 50 inboard hydroplanes in the 1940-50's.
 

Don then drives the front loader into the river.
 

My heart pounding, and butterflies in my stomach, I am ready for the ride of my life!
 

Other than A few minor problems, the boat worked and ran great for the first time out.
 

After a few slow test runs, it was time to see what the Barracuda would do. 
WOW!!! If you could only see the smile on my face!
 

Running with the big dogs at Hillsboro, Ohio. 
E-4, owned by Gary Vore, driven by Ron Snyder on the inside
Xanadu with Travis Hickman, 
Barracuda Tim Settle driving,
and on the outside (not seen) is Bill Fisk driving the Irishman GP-317
 

A special thanks to Gary Vore for his time and help with the restoration.
Jack Hines for answering alot of tech questions and machine work.
Kevin Burkett for machine work.
A special thanks to Phil Kunz for the time, information, history and photos.
All photos on this page by Phil Kunz.
If it wasn't for Phil, the boat would still be sitting in the barn gathering dust and a condo for raccoons.
Thanks for the time of my life !!!
©2006 Tim Settle

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