Including wooden prototypes 67 Switzer Wings in all


Are they worth it? They are the holy grail of 1960's OPC race boats. Nothing else like them

I wonder who bought it?

Looked like a pretty simple project. 1 thing I've learned about old race boats is that they don't take chit to get rigged.

Well...not so fast there fella. This one had twin engines and an adjustable aeleron controlled by the driver's foot. IN addition you need to remember that engines of that period and size require almost non stop maintenance to simply keep them in running condition not to mention the complete absence of electrical parts that are not just as dried and brittle as the engines themselves.

I chose to rig mine( see below) with current engines...this entails fuel pumps, custom tie bar and mounts, hydraulic steering and power trim..and.. power lift (4 pumps in total).

The more traditionally rigged "Miss Diablo" also pictured below has consumed well over $75,000 to date in the project, and still requires a stacked exhaust system which had to be built from scratch off old Mercury drawings and pieces.

T2x

Plus...even if you rigged it.... bet you'd think twice before driving it..........They gave the term "Airborne" a whole new meaning..:D

ETC..........:p

This was the last 18 footer in existence that could be restored to my knowledge. There are a couple of 20 footers , like mine (Darren's actually), that are in the resto process. In addition there is one 20 footer in an old junk boatyard that belongs to an owner who will not part with it at any price.

Here is an updated list that I have been keeping and it has been shrinking:

1. Miss Diablo....Bob Valachovic/Kenny Kitson...18'

2. John Sherlock's "Wing on a Stick"....18'

3. Ours " Dust'n the Wind"........20'

4. Boynton Beach Wing........ 20'

5. Fort Lauderdale area Wing........ 20'

6. Junkyard wing..............20'

7. Wing in Arizona (rescued by Ron Hill Last year)-18'

8, 9,..... In a collection in Dayton, Ohio

10. Gene Lanham's(reported sold to Keith Eickert 10 yrs ago)-18'

11. Mertens family Wing....................18'

12. Wing at a motorcycle dealership in Canada....... 20'

13. Wing in New Mexico rigged with 2 x 65's.....18'


Sadly there are no wood hulls (the earliest and most rare)still in existence.

Do the math.

In this age of "priceless" antiques and Barrett Jackson, the "Wings" are currently undervalued IMHO.

T2x

P.S. By the way, did I mention they are still the fastest design in history based on Lbs/HP? Try 100 mph at 18 x 8 feet at 1200 lbs with 2 80 hp outboards and 1962 vintage propellers. (See U1 above)

Rich

Your boat looks Great


Mike

Thanks Mike :D

hey t2x, you have any more pics of your boat or others? i think that might be one of the most unique boats i have ever seen.

thanx,
josh

here ya go......