I started a new thread in the general boating discussion, looking for an old race boat, wouldn't it be something if the old 34 footers that we made showed up somewhere. Chuck Fogarty's Gone Bananas was rigged for racing only, so it must be out there somewhere.

My old 38 is only 5 miles from here, but it was built as a throwaway. We didn't use any Kevlar, only firberglass and we made it 3800 pounds for a 38 foot hull and deck, lighter than the Kevlar boats of the time. Problem is, it was only designed to race for a short time and I understand it started delaminating later in it's life. It would make a nice dry exhibit for a museum or something, but I am looking for a boat I can run again.

Who knows, if we find a nice 38 out there we could possible make it the plug and modify it and take out the old 24 mold for a new line of boats. That would keep heatbuzz and my son happy.

Charlie Sr.

Yes...Yes...Yes....THERE IS A GOD!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie, as a kid I think it was around 1976 I remember a boat with the same colors as Top Banana with the name BOOMA down the sides. I would see it running around the Mass bay. Did you know this boat?

I don't remember BOOMA, the only other boat that had those colors that I know of was a 24 that I built for myself with a 454 in it with a TRS.

I was in Europe with the Marlboro people and when I came home the sales people at the boat company told me it was gone. A guy came in and wanted a boat right away, no waiting, so they sold him that new boat right off the floor of the facotry before I came home.

The name of that boat was THE STING and it ran around Narragansett Bay for 10 or more years.

Charlie Sr.

Hello Charlie Sr,

How about this idea. You and your son teach my brother (HeatBuzz) and I the legendary ways of building race boats and then we will be your first two apprentices'. (sp?)

Much like Aronow was to you, we can be your disciples...

Then we will all race...

And then drink beer.

I'd be interested in a change of career too. I know some bodywork and am good with a wrench. Currently work in construction but at the ripe old age of 29 I don't think my back can stay in theis line of work much longer. ( I had a Spinal fusion in my lower back 3 yrs ago and might need to go under the knife agian this winter for the same problem )

But on to the real topic here. Charlie This isn't exactly what you were looking for but it is close to you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...497316006&rd=1

Sorry I forgot about this one
http://www.usauctions.com/BoatPictures.aspx?BoatID=5728

I have had some interesting messages from some old friends in the industry lately.......my son and I will be down at the races in Key west, maybe some of these discussions may actually turn into something.

Do you think there may be a market for a boat made the old fashioned way.....just a good strong layup in glass with no fancy ingredients. Light enough to win but strong enough to last?

And what size would be the best to start with?

24, 28, 35, 38, 40?

You guys have become our official consulting group.

thx
C Sr.

Hello Charlie Sr,

Well I am not a racer yet, so I can't answer the question in reference to the racing circuit, but I would think that the secret to makin it cost effective would be to do just as you said and make it simple and reliable.

I only use my Banana Boat in the ocean. For the last 5 years I have been pounding the waves and enjoying every minute of it. I would certainly buy another one.

Would you have to call them something other than Banana's since the guy in Port Edgewood bought the second generation molds and the name?

How about calling them PT boats?

Back to the Simulator...

Chris

If the S.O.B. class takes off there should be a need for the 24. I guess if you have the molds make them all, Just make them to order. Go after Outerlimits make a BIG 55 footer super racer with quad G.E. turbines and surface drives, make that sucker go 200 in reverse. Base the co. in N.H. where it's tax free, and close to me and Air Dog. We can build a shop near Portsmouth up the river. The North Atlantic, the perfect test grounds if it's tough enough to handle these waters it can handle anything. Yea Yea then will have a race see from Portsmouth to Novascotia to P-town then back. YES! and will call them !!!!!!!HEATBUZZ BOATS!!!!!!! well whadya think?



Rick