Magoon Gill Bontoft

littlenige · 07-27-2006, 12:22 PM

Just thought some of you might like to see what happened all those years ago to the ex Bob Magoon Kiekhaefer Aeromarine cigarette. It became I Like It Too, see picture, driven by englishman Charles Gill. He won the 1976 Cowes Torquay COwes race, beating Ken Cassir (who a year later won the same event in the cougar cat Yellowdrama III) into second and Tom Gentry into third (35' cig American Eagle). I Like It Too later became Realite Charger, driven by Mike Bontoft (son of Alf, who was tragically killed in the same 1976 Cowes race when his enfield hull called Blitz went out of control, throwing the driver out). The same 36 cigarette was later sacrificed to the leisure market. No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These photo's are from Graham Steven's offshore library - see the multimedia page at www.boatmad.com. Great pics!!!

TrippM · 07-27-2006, 12:26 PM

Would that be the Kiekhafer Aeromarine III that was campaigned in 1973?

littlenige · 07-27-2006, 01:45 PM

Right on the money!

TrippM · 07-27-2006, 03:19 PM

I was lucky enough to get a ride on that boat during a shakedown run for the Hennessy Grand Prix in Pt. Pleasant, NJ in 1973. I was 16 at the time and heavily involved in the OPC division of the APBA so this was quite a thrill. Bob Magoon was nice enough to introduce me to Karl Kiekhafer and Don Aronow before the race which he went on to win. I'll never forget that boat or that ride.

Lee · 07-28-2006, 04:24 AM

Marc Berman from BAM Marine currently owns the Kiekhaefer Aeromarine I.

littlenige · 08-13-2006, 11:19 AM

Found another shot.

Black Tornado · 08-14-2006, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

Marc Berman from BAM Marine currently owns the Kiekhaefer Aeromarine I.

Horrible end for the first 36'that never raced in 1970!

36widebody · 08-16-2006, 07:33 AM

Hello,
We are currently in the process of restoring the Aeromarine 3, ex I like it too ,ex Realite Charger. It is in Norway where it has been on land since 1984 bought from England. engines are missing, the rest is there. To my knowledge it is one of three wide body 36 ft sigarettes(9 ft wide).

Does any of you know how to get hold of some pics from the 72-73 period, or if Dr. Bob Magoon is still alive and can be reched by e-mail.

Any other information will be greatly appreciated, best regrds Joern Amundsen, Norway

littlenige · 08-16-2006, 11:13 AM

36widebody - check out the Searace book by John Crouse or go to http://www.historicraceboats.com/ for more info. Top Banana will no doubt have some pics, as will 'blacktornado' on this and other forums. What are your plans - restoration to it's most famous livery - i.e. as the Magoon Kiekhaefer Aeromarine boat?? I sincerely hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's great to hear the boat is still out there. Got any photo's you can post?? Was the conversion to pleasure really as bad as some say it was??

36widebody · 08-16-2006, 12:10 PM

[Thanks for the quick reply,
No the conversion was not really carried out, but several attempts to semi restore it has been done as you can see from the pics. The body has not been cut in.
Plans are to get as close to the Magoon Aeromarine 3, but with som other engines i assume.

New try with pics,

Best regards Joern