Switzer Craft—Ahead of Its Time and Timeless.
 

A remarkable story well told by Rich Luhrs (T2X), http://speedonthewater.com/boat-rest...-timeless.html.

These boats were simply amazing and the product creativity, ingenuity and true brilliance.

My first boat was a '71, 15' Switzer similar to the red boat in the photo.

A hot rod, no doubt.

Wonder if Rich ever "Opened up" his wing.

It would have to be wicked fast and a little scary.

great read :coolcowboy:

Great Read!
 

This was a pleasent surprise!

I grew up on the chain of lakes in Illinois. My brother and I had a several of these boats, and in every one of them we had a blast!

My brother had a GL20 with a Merc 260 IO (almost sunk it at LOTO after hitting a submerged hunk of tree) He then got a 21 cuddy with a GT235 Evinrude. I'll never forget running that boat on Bangs Lake in Waconda ILL in mid-march. Light snow, extremely cold (had snowmobile suits on).

I had a 17 SS with a sraight-6 Merc outboard. People at Blarney Island used to run for cover when we would pull up because that boat had no reverse, so we used to just bash into the pier to stop. I sold that one and got another one with a 200 v-6 Merc. That was a fairly wicked ride as it chine-walked like crazy!

Then I got a silver GL 21 with a 2.5 Merc and then sold it to buy a new 21 Cuddy with a 2.5 Mariner (black with red metalflake).

I had the chance to buy a wing back in the early-80s. It was in a feild up near Madison Wisc. It was sitting on a pile of tires with a crapped out 135 merc on the back. Like a dumbazz, I passed! Could have owned it for several hundred..............

I cut my teeth on those boats and seeing this article and pics bring back a lot of fond memories..................


Thanks Guys!!

I have had her up to almost 115 and then had an engine issue. I will take her to 120 next.... and eventually 125. That will make her the fastest wing in history officially......and that's enough for the old girl. Top speed is still way north of that.

T2x

Too Rich, pardon the pun, for my blood. I know you will proceed with proper caution.

lol.. suiside machines, but awsome. Back in the early 70's I had 16' hustler, my cousin a 16' Baja, and we raced a few Swtizers on the Rock River and Chain O' Lakes. Those damn little Switzf'kers were always a couple MPH faster them me. But we had a blast.

As always a great read Rich, Thanks for posting again.

ah yes the switzer

i have one of those... it sucks offshore lol

But it is quick with the power it has. 22' with 270 HP 350 MAG and has done 58 on gps consistently... when it is really calm that is.

Here is my 1990 Switzer 250SS.

rich,
post pics of your wing.

I did....see above. Post #7

I don't think the Switzers had Offshore in mind for anything other than their largest designs..... These are pure speed burners....but they did very well in Lake and River marathons with wicked mixed chop......

You must make a distinction between their purpose built race hulls and the wide variety of pleasure boats that Dave designed. I have seen some of his hulls eat up rough water while others need specific calm conditions for maximum performance..... Again, the variety is almost overwhelming.

Add some steps to the bottom and I bet it would really haul the mail!!!! LOL :drink::drink::drink:

I actually have one of the larger designs, its 22 feet with 21 degree deadrise, i beleive it is the most aggressive hull he made in terms of offshore ability. Its just not good offshore though, i mean it can take 1-2 foot chop okay, but over 3 you have to throttle back significantly.

The boat does handle beatifully on calm water though. It is the same hull design as that 250 SS but it has a better deck layout IMO and is scaled down a bit.

Its for sale cheap if someone is interested.

My first boat. 30 years ago
Had a Johnson 55 re powered with a evinrude 140
Great boat Great memories!

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/46...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/47...600x600Q85.jpg

Mine is for sale cheap.

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/boa/2552495438.html

Our friends had a Switzer on LOTO about 20 years ago. Great read. Thanks!

Here's an old article about the Wings that you might enjoy. This was written before T2X got his chance to fly a wing!

My wife was on my buddies a few weeks ago.... The flying saucer.... It was his birthday and I gave him the 70's brochure on them...
Jr.