Switzer wing on EBAY
 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VINTA...em190197676441

18k??

Ernie

what are these things in this condition really worth?

Put down the pipe. Nice car trailer though!

This looks like the wing that until a couple of years ago was bolted on top of a post in front of a marina in fla with a couple of 6 cyl stacker mercs on the back.

I saw that boat on S&F thread "Wing on a Stick" . Cool racing history, but it was on top of a sign since 1973.

Outdoor Advertising
 

And they say that OUTDOOR ADVERTISING does not work...they are wrong.
A point that I had fun proving many times during my 25 years in the Outdoor Business...Bud

It sold for 13K

I wondered what happened to that thing. I stay down the street from them every time I'm in S. Houston working.

pretty cool piece, wonder how many they actually made.

YES!!

Switizer Boats
 

There is a good article on the Switzer boats in Iron Fist,the book on Carl Kiekhaefer They were made in Crystal Lake Ill. and there are a few still around,and I think they have their own club.

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......

etc........

Bob Switzer himself....... In a wooden version that would be priceless today.

what is the ETA on an attempt at it floating?:cool-smiley-027:

look what showed up on ebay a powercat

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/antiq...em160209009552

Ernie

I think this one is rarer AND faster:

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Mptv/1097/3073_0008.jpg

Same vintage though.

Actually that's Richie Sutphen and the old "Miss Gangway".

T2x

We are trying like hell to make Chattahoochee...

That means she will run in March...... I am also trying to do Clayton and Tonawanda.....so maybe you can come down?

T2x

Wooooo Clayton for sure, I am excited to see it/one.

Gonna be spooooookey with all that power!.

Not really...... we will run it by GPS....nothing over 90 or so..... There is no way that we can get too cute on that short course.....but the acceleration out of those little turns should be mind boggling.......:D

T2x

this is for sale at www.powerboatlistings.com
20' Switzer 20 footer Wing
1970 Ottawa 20 Switzer 20 footer Wing
1970 SWITZER CRAFT WING TWIN HULL TWIN OUTBOARDS. One of the most sought after SWITZER 1 of 20 built Original owner is parting ways from his prize possession It was bought new in 1970 from Mercury Racing Division in Wisconsin and brought over to Ottawa Canada Ran with a pair of 140's on the back 1st 2 years this boat was used very little 3rd year it was raced on Canadian Circuit Owner bought another Switzer when rule changes were made. and boat has been on the trailer since Yes that's right, boat was on the water for only 3 summers and raced one of those years. Boat was originally molded in black Has the nickname THUNDERBALL on the side. Dual cockpits There is no absolutely no ROT or Stress Cracks Black is faded Bottom of boat still has a shine to it. Cables for rear wing and the outboards are still on but may need to be changed, seized. Has the 2 x 20 gallons fuel cells inside Transom for outboards are in excellent condition Very capable of speeds of 110 mph with right combination Sold without outboard motors It was stored inside a garage for most of it's life but parked outside under a tarp the last few years. Condition is excellent for a restorable boat. Comes with an older trailer that is capable of making a long trip. I am a 3rd party seller you can email or skype me at [email protected] any questions you may have on this craft. If I cannot answer your questions I will contact the owner himself. I will give owner's name and phone number upon request to serious buyers or bidders Buyer will get the Canadian registration for the boat. This craft is the only one known to be in Canada Pictures do not do it justice Buyer is responsible for transportation, shipping and insurance costs Sale of this boat is AS IS and FINAL .. Located in Ottawa .
Length: 20' Year: 1970 Location: Contact Number: 613-422-6070 Asking: $25,000 Details & Photos »

tried to post pics of it sitting but only got this

From the way its been for sale all summer, I'd say "asking" is not the correct word ... more like "demanding" :crazy: