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

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.