Pit Box

This 'Patsy' style boat was run during the 1960s by Tony Della Zoppa from Switzerland, who was living in England at the time. Originally it had a McCoy 29 motor and is claimed to be a European record holder. The McCoy died and has been replaced by an ETA 29 with  some of the McCoy parts. Tony turned up in Bulgaria for the European championships and offered the boat to Norman Lara. Norman then ran it at the Victoria winter regatta, very conscious of its age and 'flying tendency'.   Jan 09

Fairey or Supermarine.

Was Harold Puntis employed by either of these companies? This was the last of his Firefly series, built in the late 40s. The method of construction follows aircraft practice with flanged aluminium frames and tubes and a Dural skin, all flush riveted together.  Motor was derived from a Westbury Atom V bottom half and a variety of home produced barrels and heads. This must be the first ever 'blinged up' hydro with chrome trim and embellishments that serve no useful purpose at all. A similar motor is being sought and with minor work only, Firefly IV should be almost as good as new.                    Dec 08           

Two of the most unusual hydro hulls you are ever likely to see. The grey boat is early American 'Ventnor' style, while the yellow one with its cylindrical hull is a complete mystery. Again it might  have trans Atlantic influence as it is likely they came from the same source as they were found together. At around 30" long a 10cc sparkie would seem about right for the almost scale looking ventnor. The boats turned up recently on ebay and the vendor had no other information about them, but happily they have gone to two enthusiasts who will be able to re- engine them with something appropriate at some stage.

Thanks to Mark Russell and Nigel Mobbs for details and photos.      Nov 08.

Bob Palmer held the American 'B' Class record in the early 50s with this boat and motor. The 15cc motor is from the Octura production castings of the original Watkins/Palmer design. The boat is mainly balsa built on to a ply floor, a design that both these competitors used to great effect. They shared their plans freely with British builders including Norman Hodge with 'Rita' and Ernie Clark with his record breaking Gordon 3, as well as the minute 10cc Patsy. Bill Everitt, used a similar design and building principle for his 30cc 'Melody' that won numerous trophies and individual races during the 1950s. As well as the Palmer boat illustrated, 'Patsy' and 'Melody' have both survived and will be featured at a later date.

Amazingly, in 1997 Bob Palmer and friends ran hydros in the States for the first time in many years, and also travelled over to the UK to compete in the International at St Albans.  

Thanks to Peter Hill who restored the boat and has provided the details.            Oct 08