
American
Vintage Tethered Hydroplanes
From Kent Lund
12 pictures use < >
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First tethered hydroplane to reach 100mph
Known affectionately as the 'Time Machine' this Class B 20cc. 1" stroke - 1.5 bore was built by Ray Sevey of Philadelphia in 1949.
Official record speed 78mph.
Ed Kalfus achieved the first ever 100mph run with this 30cc hydro in 1961.
Designed by an artist? The mystery is how this fluid hull was built?
The curves are reflected in its ornate stand.
Early example of Z-drive, tether bracket above prop.
Multi-step 'Dreamer' hull designed by Ed Kalfus in 1939 and based on the 'Little Star' design of L J French.
The engine closely follows the plans for the 'Dreamer' 30cc motor.
A 'Miss Philly' style hull with the later 'bulge bypass' Hornet motor. Most American boats were started with a knotted cord, outboard style, rather than the 'diabolo' fashion favoured in the UK. The starting cord can still be seen wrapped round the flywheel, with the wooden toggle. Typical three leg bridle with the third line attached to the cylinder head. A lovely boat!
A typical 'New York' boat from Henry Phrohal. Narrow body with very short but wide sponsons is the route followed by most of the 'New Yorkers'.
Originally a multi step boat from the 30s, this boat has had the rear step filled in and sponsons fitted to the front step at some stage in its life. Four-stroke OHV motor.
Look at the depth of the sponsons and height of the engine. Seriously BIG.
Picture shows an unusual Z-drive with tractor prop mounted very deep.
Just look at the size of that engine.
No upper capacity limit in the USA.
This V-twin motor involved very complex casting and machining to produce this spectacular engine.
Based on two 'Dreamer' cylinder assemblies.
Known affectionately as the 'Time Machine' this Class B 20cc. 1" stroke - 1.5 bore was built by Ray Sevey of Philadelphia in 1949.
Official record speed 78mph.
Kent Lund from Detroit supplied these pictures, and although not GB, I thought they were so good they should be shared.
This is just a small sample of Kent's photo library, he is hoping eventually to produce
a book of the collection.
Kent would like me to point out that all the images are copyrighted, his email
address is highwayphoto@comcast.net
If anyone can add to (or correct) the captions please get in touch
admin@onthewire.co.uk
©copyrightKentLund 2007