vintage ski/raceboat show?

livefreeordie · 02-06-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloboat

Classic looking ski. any idea who built it?

Did you know that the guys on the west coast had no idea we actually ski raced in the east? Ever! I talked to a couple of SoCal skiers recently and they were also very surprised to hear about the resurgence of world class events on the big lake.

It was Ed Crawford's ski. From what I was told he built a bunch of custom skis in the 70s.

sloboat · 02-14-2013, 06:14 PM

Nice, He built a few and probably more. There were a few of us building skiis during that time period.

take a look at this video. Looks like silver sands in the background.

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...e-Check-it-out

mowtorman · 02-17-2013, 05:14 PM

Historical Society pictures from a 1953 article which describes waterskiing as first appearing in NH in about 1950. Article below

http://www.lwhs.us/winnipesaukee/wat...waterbirds.htm

SIKSUKR · 02-18-2013, 09:31 AM

That 3rd photo looks like the guy is holding 2 ropes while the girl next to him is skiing no-hands!

gtxrider · 03-15-2013, 03:57 AM

Saw this at the New York Boat show. Sharp looking boat

mowtorman · 08-05-2013, 09:36 PM

This Saturday at the point area of Opechee Park in Laconia, 10-5. Come see sleek hand laid fiberglass boats from 40 years ago on the water at Lake Opechee. The point area was the sight of many regional and national waterski championships in the 1950's and Laconia the home of some of the best waterskiers in the country. Many of these old boats like Magnums, Sidewinders, Checkmates, Sutphens, Tahitis and Hydrostreams are long lost to landfills, but some are still running strong as you will see on Saturday. Thanks to Winnisquam Marine and Mike Testa State Farm Insurance for supporting this gathering. The park is open to the public at no charge. There will be old Northland and O'Brien waterskis and other race memorabilia. Come share stories, see old friends and make new ones.

mowtorman · 08-08-2013, 02:39 PM

Parking for trailers at the DPW lot just up the street form the Messer St. launch. the driveway has a large mural painted on the building next to it, hard to miss. Plenty of room out back. Hope to see your ride, looks like it's going to be a nice day.

sloboat · 08-09-2013, 04:33 PM

We were fortunate to get our hands on some photos from the ski race era. these are a few taken by Karen Geiling of Lake Shore Park. Karen passed away way too young but we were thrilled to be provided access to her photo albums by LSP. The albums were donated to LSP by Karen's husband Lenny Cole. Thanks!

There are more that will be posted as time allows. Some of the people here are as yet unidetified so help if you can.

Hoping to see everyone tomorrow at Opechee.

mowtorman · 08-11-2013, 05:47 AM

The gathering yesterday went very well. Perfect day with little boat traffic on the lake and a nice breeze creating a little bit of chop. Winnisquam Marine's pontoon rides were a big hit and many new faces came down to see the Northland skis and share their stories. Many thanks to the Magnums and their generosity in sharing their boats. Thanks to Michael Testa State Farm Insurance and the city of Laconia for supporting the event. There was a demonstration of ski racing, nice to see. There were some beautiful boats, hopefully pics to follow. Look for us again same time next year!

PS. Thanks to Lynda Laflamme and the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Museum at Funspot for help in gathering information about Laconia's watersports history as well as loaning trophies from the races to display. The museum is loaded with local aritifacts, including the wooden rudder from the Lady of the Lake. They have some great videos including the arrival of the pieces of the Mount Washington in Laconia from Vermont by rail, old black and white video of the 1959 national waterski championships, and early home movies of power boating on the lake in the 1930's. The museum is a fun stop on a rainy day and also sponsors local guest speakers.

http://www.lwhs.us/

NHBUOY · 08-17-2013, 08:19 AM

Am not happy we couldn't make the party this year.. BUT.. we are already getting a rocket, or two, together for next year.

NHBUOY · 08-26-2013, 09:37 AM

...ttt.. for The Penthouse...

Mr Cooke's Crew · 08-26-2013, 11:34 AM

Looks like a missile..lol, As far as next year goes, like Vince Lombardi once said " the knee...always the knee". Good catching up with you the other day Jay....keep in touch.

gtxrider · 09-15-2013, 12:48 PM

I finally am sitting down and down loading pictures. "GO SOX!!!"

mowtorman · 10-08-2013, 04:59 PM

twin Hydrodyne like this one very prominent back in the day, Vector is a classic thrill ride for sure, and yes that is a 200 (!) on it. Anyone seen any Sutphens around anywhere?

mowtorman · 11-20-2013, 08:34 PM

Wendy at the North Pole Tavern was nice enough to let me borrow and scan this pic. I would guess the vintage is late 50's or early 60's. The vantage point is still the same on Weirs Boulevard. It's not often you see boats this size on the lake these days. I don't know if this gathering was for a particular type of boat but they are of similar design and appear to be mostly plywood with a couple of aluminums. There also appears to be a couple of glass boats in the background. There was no information on the back of the actual photo. Anyone that might know anything about the makes of the boats or the event your input would be appreciated.

BroadHopper · 11-21-2013, 11:00 AM

Many of the small runabouts were actually boats built from plans or kits ordered from Sears Roebuck. My father built one and in the early 60's I built a 14' from plywood. I later fiberglass the hull.

One of my neighbor built a hydroplane from plywood. It was heavy but man it was fast for its size!

I can remember kayak kits using stretched canvas for the hull.

Most popular wood boats in their days were Penn-Yan and Pembroke boats. The Pembroke boats were made in NH and the Penn-Yan were made in a 'dry town' in the Finger Lakes area of NY.

BroadHopper · 11-21-2013, 11:06 AM

They were very popular waterski boats back in the '60's. Not only for the marathon races they were great for the slalom and jumping contests.

I believe Goodhue Marine sold them. Tuppy had a Hydrodyne with twin Quicksilver engines. 'It take two to do it'. Mom wasn't too happy when he docks at the family camp.

Can anyone remember Digangi's boat. I'm trying to remember if that was a Tahiti or Sutphen?

RayBob · 12-14-2020, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloboat

We were fortunate to get our hands on some photos from the ski race era. these are a few taken by Karen Geiling of Lake Shore Park. Karen passed away way too young but we were thrilled to be provided access to her photo albums by LSP. The albums were donated to LSP by Karen's husband Lenny Cole. Thanks!

There are more that will be posted as time allows. Some of the people here are as yet unidetified so help if you can.

Hoping to see everyone tomorrow at Opechee.

Just an FYI...The white "Super Sneaker" (custom painted by Mr. Larry Hook of Cumberland, RI) did belong to Bill Zaccardo, but I believe it was a GW Invader and not a Magnum.

I owned/drove the red Hydrostream Viper with the 115 Merc in the photos. Those days were GREAT!!!

mowtorman · 04-06-2016, 05:19 AM

Lake Opechee Sunday Aug 7th. Get your rides ready and join us, still plenty of time.

mowtorman · 04-11-2016, 05:18 PM

Look familiar?

rockythedog · 05-27-2016, 05:39 AM

I have a green Century Ski Fury just like the one in the picture.

rockythedog · 05-27-2016, 04:35 PM

So I bought it from the second owner, think the first owners name was Weir. The floor was gutted and no engine or tranny. Have since come up with a fresh 383 and velvet drive, just haven't gotten around to putting it back together. Figure it will make a good boat for my granddaughter but seeing as she is only 2&1/2 I have time.

rockythedog · 05-27-2016, 06:38 PM

Typo in previous post, have a 318 for the boat.

LovinTheLake · 03-31-2017, 05:35 PM

Hey all--first time posting, though I have learned so much by reading. I wrote a story about the WinniSkiathon for the Laker last summer and heard from a woman who remembers hearing about her father first skiing on the lake in 1940 when he was 13 years old. He then taught her mom to waterski in 1948 off Balmoral and scads of others for years after that. I know Julie Miller's piece in NH Profiles in 1953 said Winnipesaukee roots were in 1950. Anyone know of skiing before that? Or have any pics? Working on a story for a spring issue and hoping this weekend's snow might lend itself to some walks down Memory Lane.
Thank you!

Descant · 03-31-2017, 08:18 PM

I think Weirs Times has done stories on Dick Binette and others of the early skiing days. There are lots of stories out there about the ski races we did in the sixties.

BroadHopper · 04-01-2017, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LovinTheLake

Hey all--first time posting, though I have learned so much by reading. I wrote a story about the WinniSkiathon for the Laker last summer and heard from a woman who remembers hearing about her father first skiing on the lake in 1940 when he was 13 years old. He then taught her mom to waterski in 1948 off Balmoral and scads of others for years after that. I know Julie Miller's piece in NH Profiles in 1953 said Winnipesaukee roots were in 1950. Anyone know of skiing before that? Or have any pics? Working on a story for a spring issue and hoping this weekend's snow might lend itself to some walks down Memory Lane.
Thank you!

You may want to talk to 'Jack' Irwin. He has some stories.

I am in touch with Alicia Trudgeon who's grandfather organized the water skiing events on Opechee back in the 50's. She has tons of memorabilia to share from that era. Let me know if interested.

LovinTheLake · 04-01-2017, 10:42 AM

Thanks Broadhopper. Yes! I would love to be put in touch with Alice. The whole question of pre-1950 is what I'm working on right now, but there's so much I want to know about all early skiing! Do I find 'Jack' at Irwin's Marina?

02-17-2013, 05:14 PM	#3
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Early ski pics Historical Society pictures from a 1953 article which describes waterskiing as first appearing in NH in about 1950. Article below http://www.lwhs.us/winnipesaukee/wat...waterbirds.htm Attached Images

02-18-2013, 09:31 AM	#4
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	That 3rd photo looks like the guy is holding 2 ropes while the girl next to him is skiing no-hands! __________________ SIKSUKR

03-15-2013, 03:57 AM	#5
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	New Glastron Saw this at the New York Boat show. Sharp looking boat Attached Images

08-05-2013, 09:36 PM	#6
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Lakes Region Waterski Boat Classic This Saturday at the point area of Opechee Park in Laconia, 10-5. Come see sleek hand laid fiberglass boats from 40 years ago on the water at Lake Opechee. The point area was the sight of many regional and national waterski championships in the 1950's and Laconia the home of some of the best waterskiers in the country. Many of these old boats like Magnums, Sidewinders, Checkmates, Sutphens, Tahitis and Hydrostreams are long lost to landfills, but some are still running strong as you will see on Saturday. Thanks to Winnisquam Marine and Mike Testa State Farm Insurance for supporting this gathering. The park is open to the public at no charge. There will be old Northland and O'Brien waterskis and other race memorabilia. Come share stories, see old friends and make new ones.

08-08-2013, 02:39 PM	#7
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Messer St. parking Parking for trailers at the DPW lot just up the street form the Messer St. launch. the driveway has a large mural painted on the building next to it, hard to miss. Plenty of room out back. Hope to see your ride, looks like it's going to be a nice day.

02-14-2013, 06:14 PM	#2
sloboat Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 27 Thanks: 7 Thanked 26 Times in 11 Posts	Nice, He built a few and probably more. There were a few of us building skiis during that time period. take a look at this video. Looks like silver sands in the background. http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...e-Check-it-out

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08-09-2013, 04:33 PM	#8
sloboat Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 27 Thanks: 7 Thanked 26 Times in 11 Posts	Photos Found We were fortunate to get our hands on some photos from the ski race era. these are a few taken by Karen Geiling of Lake Shore Park. Karen passed away way too young but we were thrilled to be provided access to her photo albums by LSP. The albums were donated to LSP by Karen's husband Lenny Cole. Thanks! There are more that will be posted as time allows. Some of the people here are as yet unidetified so help if you can. Hoping to see everyone tomorrow at Opechee. Attached Images

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08-11-2013, 05:47 AM	#9
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Lake Opechee The gathering yesterday went very well. Perfect day with little boat traffic on the lake and a nice breeze creating a little bit of chop. Winnisquam Marine's pontoon rides were a big hit and many new faces came down to see the Northland skis and share their stories. Many thanks to the Magnums and their generosity in sharing their boats. Thanks to Michael Testa State Farm Insurance and the city of Laconia for supporting the event. There was a demonstration of ski racing, nice to see. There were some beautiful boats, hopefully pics to follow. Look for us again same time next year! PS. Thanks to Lynda Laflamme and the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Museum at Funspot for help in gathering information about Laconia's watersports history as well as loaning trophies from the races to display. The museum is loaded with local aritifacts, including the wooden rudder from the Lady of the Lake. They have some great videos including the arrival of the pieces of the Mount Washington in Laconia from Vermont by rail, old black and white video of the 1959 national waterski championships, and early home movies of power boating on the lake in the 1930's. The museum is a fun stop on a rainy day and also sponsors local guest speakers. http://www.lwhs.us/ Last edited by mowtorman; 08-11-2013 at 01:41 PM. Reason: add info

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08-17-2013, 08:19 AM	#10
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	Am not happy we couldn't make the party this year.. BUT.. we are already getting a rocket, or two, together for next year. Attached Images

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08-26-2013, 09:37 AM	#11
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	...ttt.. for The Penthouse...

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08-26-2013, 11:34 AM	#12
Mr Cooke's Crew Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 45 Thanks: 99 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts	Vegas Skier: Looks like a missile..lol, As far as next year goes, like Vince Lombardi once said " the knee...always the knee". Good catching up with you the other day Jay....keep in touch.

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09-15-2013, 12:48 PM	#13
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	Some Pictures I finally am sitting down and down loading pictures. "GO SOX!!!" Attached Images Last edited by gtxrider; 09-15-2013 at 01:09 PM. Reason: adding picture

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10-08-2013, 04:59 PM	#14
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	More nice rides... twin Hydrodyne like this one very prominent back in the day, Vector is a classic thrill ride for sure, and yes that is a 200 (!) on it. Anyone seen any Sutphens around anywhere? Attached Images

11-20-2013, 08:34 PM	#15
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Christmas Island Wendy at the North Pole Tavern was nice enough to let me borrow and scan this pic. I would guess the vintage is late 50's or early 60's. The vantage point is still the same on Weirs Boulevard. It's not often you see boats this size on the lake these days. I don't know if this gathering was for a particular type of boat but they are of similar design and appear to be mostly plywood with a couple of aluminums. There also appears to be a couple of glass boats in the background. There was no information on the back of the actual photo. Anyone that might know anything about the makes of the boats or the event your input would be appreciated. Attached Images

11-21-2013, 11:00 AM	#16
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,576 Thanks: 3,216 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Wooden boats in the 50's Many of the small runabouts were actually boats built from plans or kits ordered from Sears Roebuck. My father built one and in the early 60's I built a 14' from plywood. I later fiberglass the hull. One of my neighbor built a hydroplane from plywood. It was heavy but man it was fast for its size! I can remember kayak kits using stretched canvas for the hull. Most popular wood boats in their days were Penn-Yan and Pembroke boats. The Pembroke boats were made in NH and the Penn-Yan were made in a 'dry town' in the Finger Lakes area of NY. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

11-21-2013, 11:06 AM	#17
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,576 Thanks: 3,216 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Hydrodynes They were very popular waterski boats back in the '60's. Not only for the marathon races they were great for the slalom and jumping contests. I believe Goodhue Marine sold them. Tuppy had a Hydrodyne with twin Quicksilver engines. 'It take two to do it'. Mom wasn't too happy when he docks at the family camp. Can anyone remember Digangi's boat. I'm trying to remember if that was a Tahiti or Sutphen? __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-06-2016, 05:19 AM	#19
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	We're back....... Lake Opechee Sunday Aug 7th. Get your rides ready and join us, still plenty of time.

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04-11-2016, 05:18 PM	#20
mowtorman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 231 Thanks: 75 Thanked 142 Times in 79 Posts	Another ghost Look familiar? Attached Images Last edited by mowtorman; 12-16-2020 at 01:02 PM.

05-27-2016, 05:39 AM	#21
rockythedog Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	I have a green Century Ski Fury just like the one in the picture.

05-27-2016, 04:35 PM	#22
rockythedog Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	So I bought it from the second owner, think the first owners name was Weir. The floor was gutted and no engine or tranny. Have since come up with a fresh 383 and velvet drive, just haven't gotten around to putting it back together. Figure it will make a good boat for my granddaughter but seeing as she is only 2&1/2 I have time.

05-27-2016, 06:38 PM	#23
rockythedog Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Typo in previous post, have a 318 for the boat.

03-31-2017, 05:35 PM	#24
LovinTheLake Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 3 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Who were the first water skiers on Winnipesaukee? Hey all--first time posting, though I have learned so much by reading. I wrote a story about the WinniSkiathon for the Laker last summer and heard from a woman who remembers hearing about her father first skiing on the lake in 1940 when he was 13 years old. He then taught her mom to waterski in 1948 off Balmoral and scads of others for years after that. I know Julie Miller's piece in NH Profiles in 1953 said Winnipesaukee roots were in 1950. Anyone know of skiing before that? Or have any pics? Working on a story for a spring issue and hoping this weekend's snow might lend itself to some walks down Memory Lane. Thank you!

03-31-2017, 08:18 PM	#25
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,361 Thanks: 1,347 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	I think Weirs Times has done stories on Dick Binette and others of the early skiing days. There are lots of stories out there about the ski races we did in the sixties.

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