Where is this now?

JayDV · 02-26-2008, 11:06 AM

I remember those skimmers (called hydroplanes) skipping along the lake in relatively calm waters. They were used mostly by kids and the speed governing was the size of the motor. I believe 10 or 15 hp in the early to mid 60's mostly because of the weight of the motors. They were so much fun back then, but even though the speed was less than 25 mph I'm sure there are several safety features violated (at that age and that low in the water it was really moving). One kid per boat, center steeringwheel, small engines (usually Mercs)

They are still being built, and the horsepower has increased' here is a link where several photos show the assembly process. The skimmer is the bottom right photo.

http://www.glen-l.com/

dan · 02-27-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayDV

I remember those skimmers (called hydroplanes) skipping along the lake in relatively calm waters. They were used mostly by kids and the speed governing was the size of the motor. I believe 10 or 15 hp in the early to mid 60's mostly because of the weight of the motors. They were so much fun back then, but even though the speed was less than 25 mph I'm sure there are several safety features violated (at that age and that low in the water it was really moving). One kid per boat, center steeringwheel, small engines (usually Mercs)

They are still being built, and the horsepower has increased' here is a link where several photos show the assembly process. The skimmer is the bottom right photo.

http://www.glen-l.com/

Boy does that bring back old memories. In 62 I built one in my grandfathers cellar. I was to young or to dumb to ck and see if I could get it out when it was finished. After a lot of yanking and tugging I got it out. I wound up selling it because I could not afford a motor. Sure wish I could have driven it once though.

mcdude · 02-27-2008, 01:43 PM

They kind of remind me of the Penn Yan Swifties I saw at the Wolfeboro Antique and Classic Boat Show a few years back.....???

same thing? bigger motor?

Just Sold · 02-27-2008, 05:13 PM

In 1963 I used my 9' Starcraft aluminum "jon" boat. I took my 3 HP Evinrude off and put a 5.5 HP Johnson on the back from my friend John Minihan's boat. I got up to speed* very quickly while sitting between the 2 seats. I passed a 16' boat with a 40 or 45 HP which was at full throttle like it was sitting still

. Based on a typical speed for that boat I was doing over 30 MPH in a low sided 9' boat. This was on the west side of Alton Bay just past the Boulder Lodges.

*(When you are <90 lbs soaking wet you could get that boat to fly.)

John A. Birdsal will remember that boat which I got in 62 after my old wood row boat http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...560&ppuser=628
took on more water that it displaced. And I still have it at my brothers in N. Reading, MA.

02-26-2008, 11:06 AM	#1
JayDV Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT & island vacation Posts: 97 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I remember those days I remember those skimmers (called hydroplanes) skipping along the lake in relatively calm waters. They were used mostly by kids and the speed governing was the size of the motor. I believe 10 or 15 hp in the early to mid 60's mostly because of the weight of the motors. They were so much fun back then, but even though the speed was less than 25 mph I'm sure there are several safety features violated (at that age and that low in the water it was really moving). One kid per boat, center steeringwheel, small engines (usually Mercs) They are still being built, and the horsepower has increased' here is a link where several photos show the assembly process. The skimmer is the bottom right photo. http://www.glen-l.com/ Last edited by JayDV; 02-26-2008 at 11:32 AM. Reason: more info

02-27-2008, 05:13 PM	#4
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	Who Needed A Hydro Plane? In 1963 I used my 9' Starcraft aluminum "jon" boat. I took my 3 HP Evinrude off and put a 5.5 HP Johnson on the back from my friend John Minihan's boat. I got up to speed* very quickly while sitting between the 2 seats. I passed a 16' boat with a 40 or 45 HP which was at full throttle like it was sitting still . Based on a typical speed for that boat I was doing over 30 MPH in a low sided 9' boat. This was on the west side of Alton Bay just past the Boulder Lodges. (When you are <90 lbs soaking wet you could get that boat to fly.) John A. Birdsal will remember that boat which I got in 62 after my old wood row boat http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...560&ppuser=628 took on more water that it displaced. And I still have it at my brothers in N. Reading, MA. __________________ Just Sold* At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

02-27-2008, 01:43 PM	#3
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	They kind of remind me of the Penn Yan Swifties I saw at the Wolfeboro Antique and Classic Boat Show a few years back.....??? same thing? bigger motor?