Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

Here is a couple old ones from the benihana gp pt pleasant nj 1980

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

The photo of 'Fino' is Bobby Rautbord winning the World Championship in 1972 or 1973.

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

Sorry if I was unclear! I ment around 1969 or beginning of 1970.

BROWNIE has the answer below!

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

Very interesting info!

Do you know if this was one of the first Cigarette raceboats?

I looks like an Cigarette sticker in the rear!

Do you know more about the boat, engines, drives?

Is the boat still alive?

I found these pics today at:

http://albaco.net/tornado/balestrieri_tornado_07.php


Left: FINO
Right: Vincenzo Balestrieri and Bobby Rautbord talking.

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

Fino is a 36 Cigarette if I'm not mistaken.....

Aaron

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

There seems to be very little information on the monohull Cougar 38, 41, and 46 US-1 boats. These boats seemed to be popular in offshore racing back in the 1980s (when the racing was REALLY OFFSHORE - the Bimini to Cat Cay race comes to mind). Today, these boats seem to have faded into history.

Also, I am curious how the Cougar monohull boats would do in pleasure boat form. I have found that many were constructed out of Kevlar/Carbon, and weight quite a bit more than other similar length offshore boats. For example, the Cougar 38 US-1 weighs 12,000 lbs, compared to the Cigarette 38 Top Gun's approximate 9,100 lbs. I would assume that the extra weight would make these boats very rugged and run well in rough seas.

Thank you,
Sorci

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

Yes, I agree. You don't see many around.
We had one docked next to our blackfin back in 1986 in NY.
These may be a bit slower than a cig, but boy they are cool looking.
They even seem fast just sitting in the water.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/files/7503.jpg

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

I tried to get info on the Cougar mono hulls like the Tolman group 1981 boat, earlier in the thread

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

and you forgot to mention THEY ARE HUGE WAVE CRUSHERS :evilb:

jr mike

Re: OLD RACE BOATS - Where are they now?
 

I also agree, Cougars are extremely attractive looking, and their styling is timeless. As soon as the necessary funds become available, I will certainly be in the market for one; The 38 US-1 pictured above is my favorite model. I also wonder how Arneson Surface Drives would perform on these boats.

Maybe the Cougar's rugged construction is partly due to where they are built; waters around England tend to be rough on a regular basis. Boats built in England would have to be sturdy.

Sorci