Bubbledeck "Popeyes" Cigarette
 

At long last I am happy to say the purchase of the "Popeyes" Bubbledeck Cigarette has been completed.
Currently the boat is being fully restored / upgraded to compete in Marathon Racing - the boat is already entered into the Cowes to Monte Carlo Race, taking place in June 2013. (Historic Class)
What I am looking for is any history / photos, however small on the Boat so I can put together a complete history. The Vin No: CRT390160780 so there is no confusion.
Also the boat is actually 39' from bow to stern, with drives and tabs, about 42'6".
In addition, also looking for Sponsorship for the Race - there are still two places left in the crew - be something to tell the Grand Kids about!
Thanks in advance to all who help out...

sweet.....post some pics!!!

Will it be located in Poole harbor?

Jeff

Popeye's Bubble Deck
 

Here is a picture of Richards boat, one of two bubble decks built. Bud

Thanks guys for replying to the message.
Boat will be kept in the South Coast of England when finished.
Still haven't finalised the final paint scheme - will depend on Sponsors.

Cool boat..Enjoy it & good luck in the race

Just curious - is this the old Popeyes that was involved in the accident that killed Joel Halpern (Beep Beep) back in the early 80's? I could have sworn that was a bubble deck - I know it was a Popeye's. Also, weren't there 3? The Fayva Boat and one built for the owner of the Mets but never raced? Regardless - awesome boat. Glad to see it will be restored properly!

Cig, different boat.

Congrats!!

That mets boat was a cig 39 competition.
Boat is kept at manhasset bay marina li,ny.

The boat that killed Joel Halpern was a 37.6' flat deck Cigarette. I think it was Al Copeland's first race boat and I think the accident actually happened on his first race????? The boat went on to be renamed 'Stiletto', not sure what happened with it after that.

Richards boat is one of only two bubble decks and did race as 'Popeyes' and 'Halter Racing'. It is a 39' and built in 1979. The 37.6' was popped out of the same mould but blocked off to create a slightly shorter boat, as requested by Jerry Jacoby and raced as 'Ajac Hawk' with Bob Saccenti. This of course was the first of what turned into the Top Gun series, I think Popeyes/Stiletto was boat #2 but not totally sure on that. The other bubble deck was built for Billy Martin but predominantly owned and raced by Michelle Maynard as 'Bounty Hunter' and 'Fayva Shoes'. The boat is now in Poole, UK.

Having given this some more thought over night, it would probably make more sense if Al Copeland owned the bubble deck before the flat deck. It's an older boat and it seems sensible to think that the bubble deck was sold to buy the boat of a newer design.......

Is there anybody out there that knows for sure??

Stan Ware

I'm looking at pictures of the collision in My Searace book of Al Copeland an Joel Halpern. Al was in the flat deck #37 an Joel was in Michelob Lite cat #2

Thats right and Joey Ippolito was navigating for Joel but he survived. What a tragic loss for the sport. I saw Joel's 38' Cobra 'Beep Beep' race a couple of times and thought he was great!

I rember Beep Beep. Good old days.