What happened to the 36 class in stock?

[bill boyes]

It is funny to me, that as a KID, I went along with just about everyone else, calling 36 Runabout the JU for adults...I raced the class several times, but only because it was a "FREE RIDE"....

Somewhere I know there are 36 Racers looking down on us saying,
Galldang, why has taken you guys so long to realize 36 was a GREAT CLASS."

I want to list a few of the guy and Gals that ran 36 out here..

Marge McKinny
Danny Schwarzenback, The Bandit
Mike Wetmore, Rinso Blue
Lane Curry
Don "BOASTING" Boster, Hawg Dawg
Carl Myer's brother, Turtle Express
Horace "HORSE" Chambers
Tito "THE CHIEF" Smith
Brooks from Needles...
Ken Scoville, Sr.
Pete Delackner
Nick Fennesey
Rod Zapf
Alan Sutfin Sr.

The above are all west Coast guys...

I remember Stan Fitts
Ron Rake
John Finn and others....racing 36...

Not a "HUGE" list, but a list of hard workers for our FAMILY CLUB, many of whom quit when 36 was dropped from APBA...

Here was a class that had cheap motors, slow speeds and great competition..
Danny Schwarzenbach once built himself a new runabout on the floor of his garage, then went on to win the Nationals in it..

If I were in charge, 36 would come back....Does anyone remember why it was dropped???

[Ron Hill]

I didn't meet the REQUIRED 25 boats to make it a class....

Lack of planning from APBA!! Lack of thought from APBA's Commission. It wasn't a MERCURY and Mercury was going to build a 25 SS motor....and boat racing was going to be so huge, they didn't need no stick 36 class!!!

Lack of ...of forget it...

Let's see...Cracker Box and GN are basically West Coast Classes....good thing they weren't dropped...

There should a thousand classes...Run them together to fill the fields. When a class gets 50 boats across the STARTING line in a calendar year, they are will be awarded a National Championship....if someone cared enough to bid on them!

[bill boyes]

WELL, how many D stock runabouts are they, Fact is D stock hydro is near the 25 min . BSR and BSH below the min. This would not happen in todays APBA. I would like to a form of 36 come back. But the old guys are in Sport C. Don't have to get their feet wet etc.

[Mark75H]

There were 13 DSR's in 2004

There were 33 DSH's in 2004

[capnzee]

I raced 36 in the Nationals at Beloit Wisconsin, a race sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon I believe. I drove a boat very similar to a De Silva but built by Bill Boyes and myself (holding the string line). I remember testing with Dan Schwarzenbach before we left for the Nationals. We had quite a few props to test and had agreed that since he was the "old timer", he would take the fastest prop and I would get the 2nd fastest. Once I found the prop I thought was "real good", I slipped the throttle cable a notch or two and sure 'nuff, Ol Dan was a little faster. I notched her back up for the "big race" and sure 'nuff, I was a little faster than 'ol Dan. If I had left the engine exactly the way I had it set up in the first heat, I would have probably won the Nationals, but no I had to "jack" it a quarter of an inch and ended up with a 4th overall. That was great racing! As I remember, a Mercury was entered in the race. The Merc led the race but pitted short of the finish line. What ever happened to Pabst Blue Ribbon? :eek:
Capnzee

[capnzee]

Are you sure there were 33 DSH'S and only 13 DSR's. I can't see a lot of difference in the two. We may have some DSR's masquerading as DSH's. I have a feeling that that is the reason we have lost the run-a-bouts. To me, a run-a-bout used to look like a boat, even had a seat for a rider--now, they defy definition, much less float. Taking the boat and the "float" out of the run-a-bouts (as I knew them in the 50's and 60's) has certainly helped to spell the end of stock racing. "Take me back to the classes I have loved (sung to the tune of "West Virginia"), 36's, run-a-bouts, real boats that floated in the water before the start. Boats that you could get on plane, turn a corner without rolling then go like hell for the finish line." Those were the days when a year old boat was as good as a new one and you didn't have to build each year to keep up with the rules. Those were the years when boats had transoms, sides, gunnels and all the other endearing terms usually reserved for boats only. Can this run-a-way (which is what the new run-a-bouts should be called) be stopped before it self distructs? A new 36 to 40 inch stock class, maybe with reverse, a starter and a seat for two is a way of putting the old timers back in the seat, bringing on the young kids, yuppie dads and saving boat racing. Been a long time waiting to say this! Capnzee

[Pop990]

I had just the boat you are describing in Ill. in the 60's. It was a Willis Comet runabout with a front seat. A bunch of guys would get together and have impromptu races on Sat. morning and I would pull a skier in the afternoon. On Sun. would cruise from town to town on the Illinois river. Had 45 hp merc with elec start. went about 45 and any body could drive it. I am getting ready to build a replica of it to just have fun.

[Ron Hill]

Why is it, that I have to tell "THE REST OF THE STORY"????

In 1970, I had just won DU....Capnzee was quite mad at me for not loaning him my spare mag, for DU, so, I try and make "PEACE"...as he had introduced me to my bride....of less than a year... I went to "PIT" for him in 36...

Capnzee drove OK the first heat, but it appeared to me, he'd gotten second the the Mercury (We had no way of knowing the Mercury would pull off the course the second heat...)... I told Capnzee just get a good start, you can beat him....No, no, I want to raise it a 1/4".....I said,"The last time I saw someone raise it more than an 1/8 between heats, they lost "BIG TIME"...

It cost Jeff Fritz a spot in the DSH Nationals, 1962...Don't do it... How about an 1/8?"

So, Capnzee jacks her up a quater and she "Calvocakes" ("CALVOCAKES is what Danny Schwarzenbach never want his 36 to do....cavitate, I think he meant...).... the whole heat and loses the Nationals. 35 years later, he blames ME!!!!!

Here's pa picture for BOAT 990...Willis Comets....in Texas...1953.

[Ron Hill]

The Colorado River Marathon was always the second weekend after Labor Day in September..And, for Needles, she wasn't really too hot...

I was "Motoring" along winning DU, like I did, maybe 9 times....(We ran 20 mile laps...plus or minus a few miles)...so we'd lap the 36 guys, as I pass Danny Schwarzenbach, I see an empty Coors can go flying out of the boat and it lans on the beach...At first, I thought he'd hit it, and the prop threw it up...Then, I said, "No, the prop would have thrown it at me."....

I catch Danny one more time...This time, I can see the finish and I'm up river about two miles, I figure I can float and still win...Jimmy Hauenstein's steering had come undone about there one year, and he'd spilled...he floated home third....So, I just slow down and watch Danny for awhile, sure enough, I see another beer can fly out of Danny's 36 Runabout...This time, I actually, saw it leave his hand...

I pull in to inspection and I tell my Old Man, who was inspecting, that the CRAZY Schwarzenbach is drinking beer DURING the race.... My Old Man looks at me like I'm CRAZY, but he goes and gets the Referee and when Danny comes in, they confront him and SMALL his breath....

Hell, Danny admits it...He even shows them his COOLER.... He said, "If you read the rulebook, it says no drinking BEFORE or One hour AFTER the race...It doesn't say you can't DRINK DURING the race"....He'd won 36....seems, all the guys had had a few beers by the end of the race....

That year, at the APBA Nationals Meeting....Drinking DURING a race was discussed....

[champhotrod]

There were 13 DSR's in 2004

There were 33 DSH's in 2004
I believe there was 36 BSRs in 2004.

[Mark75H]

Thanks for pointing that out, Cooper, I forgot to look it up.

In 2004 there were 30 BSH's


DSR is the weak class

[Steven Curry]

Ron,
I appreciate you remembering some of the old guys from the 36 days, including my Dad - Lane. I haven't run acroos any 36 pictures yet, so I thought I would throw in a few (1969/70 era). The first is of Ken Scoville Sr., dad, and Dan Schwarzenbach (L to R) at the river. Second is of Dad sluggin' it out with Rod Zapf at Lake Los Angeles. Third is dad in his 36 at the river. Last one (my favorite) is the with the 44 C.I. Chrysler when he and Dan ran SE, also at the river. I also have some older pictures including Dan in the bandit. I'll post those in the stock outboard section. Also glad to see Jimbo out and about. I remember you guys always racing for the win in C and D. Somewhere we still have a picture of you, Dad and Jimbo running C's at the river. I'll have to find that one.

[Ron Hill]

I forgot how young, Ken, Lane and Dan were.....

How's you dad and mom's health??? Is your dad still working with the San Diego Thunder boats???

Hell, how I miss them OLD 36 RUNABOUTS...a nosecone, a little exhaust reliefs and they's have sounded and looked like D MOD RUNABOUTS....at half the speed...

Sport C, in Region 11, is looking like 2005's 36 class...a good group of good "SOLID" older gentlemen.

Here is one TEAM in Sport C from Region 11...they had never heard of BRF...but they are a good example of guys (gals) having fun...(Salt Springs, June 18, 2005)..

[bill boyes]

Ron,
I appreciate you remembering some of the old guys from the 36 days, including my Dad - Lane. I haven't run acroos any 36 pictures yet, so I thought I would throw in a few (1969/70 era). The first is of Ken Scoville Sr., dad, and Dan Schwarzenbach (L to R) at the river. Second is of Dad sluggin' it out with Rod Zapf at Lake Los Angeles. Third is dad in his 36 at the river. Last one (my favorite) is the with the 44 C.I. Chrysler when he and Dan ran SE, also at the river. I also have some older pictures including Dan in the bandit. I'll post those in the stock outboard section. Also glad to see Jimbo out and about. I remember you guys always racing for the win in C and D. Somewhere we still have a picture of you, Dad and Jimbo running C's at the river. I'll have to find that one. 104 C is a boat that i built and ran CSR with it. Danny wanted it real bad but would not give the money i wanted for it and Lane did. Danny was TICKED that Lane got it. Zapfs boat i built also about 1968.

[Fred Curtis]

The Colorado River Marathon was always the second weekend after Labor Day in September..And, for Needles, she wasn't really too hot...

I was "Motoring" along winning DU, like I did, maybe 9 times....(We ran 20 mile laps...plus or minus a few miles)...so we'd lap the 36 guys, as I pass Danny Schwarzenbach, I see an empty Coors can go flying out of the boat and it lans on the beach...At first, I thought he'd hit it, and the prop threw it up...Then, I said, "No, the prop would have thrown it at me."....

I catch Danny one more time...This time, I can see the finish and I'm up river about two miles, I figure I can float and still win...Jimmy Hauenstein's steering had come undone about there one year, and he'd spilled...he floated home third....So, I just slow down and watch Danny for awhile, sure enough, I see another beer can fly out of Danny's 36 Runabout...This time, I actually, saw it leave his hand...

I pull in to inspection and I tell my Old Man, who was inspecting, that the CRAZY Schwarzenbach is drinking beer DURING the race.... My Old Man looks at me like I'm CRAZY, but he goes and gets the Referee and when Danny comes in, they confront him and SMALL his breath....

Hell, Danny admits it...He even shows them his COOLER.... He said, "If you read the rulebook, it says no drinking BEFORE or One hour AFTER the race...It doesn't say you can't DRINK DURING the race"....He'd won 36....seems, all the guys had had a few beers by the end of the race....

That year, at the APBA Nationals Meeting....Drinking DURING a race was discussed....

St. Timothy, Quebec back in 1977 a CBF referee was yelling at us for bitching about a weather delay.

"Are you here to race boats or drink beer?" he asks.

Well he didn't like my answer that in a perfect world we could do both at the same time!

[Steven Curry]

Ron/Bill,
Mom and Dad are still doing fine, still living in the same house I grew up in. Dad still works Thunderboats. Should be working down by where the F1 boats pit.

Bill,
Dad said to tell you that the old 36 boat could hang with Rod's D boat pretty well, as long as the course was short enough! ;)

Steve

[calvin]

Which motor came out on top in that class? A friend of mine used a chrysler in that class and seemed pretty fast.

[Mark75H]

Pete DeLactner was pretty consistant with the Chyrsler, but the OMC's weren't far behind. The only dog was the Merc ... so ... Mercury hated the class

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Sam, Glad you mentioned Pete's name. Reminded me that you sent me his phone No. several Mo's ago, but the area code was wrong. Could you check again? Pete has a lot of history that needs to be told.

[Ron Hill]

Hey, Steven...Some how, I missed those 36 pictured you posted... Classic, Danny (Schwartzenbach), your dad (Lane Curry) and Old Man Scoville (Ken Scoville Sr.). Bill Curtis and I went over to see Chet Herbert today...

Chet's sister, Doris, owned Drag News (Her claim to fame) but she also owned Boat News...Ken Scoville, Sr. must have written over a million words for Boat News about kneel down racing...All of his articles came off a typewriter...

Talk about people who were loyal and true to their SPORT...Danny, Lane and Ken we true Boat Racers...True to 36!!!!

Hope we see you and the family at San Diego, next weekend (September 17-18...)...

Did old Ken have a name on his boat? Can't seem to recall!!! Danny was always"The Bandit"...Your dad was "SNOOPY", then "Chicken Ship"....

See you in San Diego..We'll be boat #9, red 45 Tunnel!!!!

ADD: Pete DeLackner...Hell yes, I'd like him here...He was always a great story teller...I'd be interested in his phone number... Can we get him on line??Or is he too old???

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Ron, I just got off the phone with Pistol Pete. He's had a computer for three years and found out how to turn it on 6 months ago. But that's all so far...on...and off. I told him the best way to learn how to use a computer is to become a member of BRF so he says he's going to.

[Steven Curry]

Hey, Steven...Some how, I missed those 36 pictured you posted... Classic, Danny (Schwartzenbach), your dad (Lane Curry) and Old Man Scoville (Ken Scoville Sr.). Bill Curtis and I went over to see Chet Herbert today...

Chet's sister, Doris, owned Drag News (Her claim to fame) but she also owned Boat News...Ken Scoville, Sr. must have written over a million words for Boat News about kneel down racing...All of his articles came off a typewriter...

Talk about people who were loyal and true to their SPORT...Danny, Lane and Ken we true Boat Racers...True to 36!!!!

Hope we see you and the family at San Diego, next weekend (September 17-18...)...

Did old Ken have a name on his boat? Can't seem to recall!!! Danny was always"The Bandit"...Your dad was "SNOOPY", then "Chicken Ship"....

See you in San Diego..We'll be boat #9, red 45 Tunnel!!!!

ADD: Pete DeLackner...Hell yes, I'd like him here...He was always a great story teller...I'd be interested in his phone number... Can we get him on line??Or is he too old???

Hey Ron,
Pops will be there next weekend. He'll be looking for you. We're planning on being in Parker to check you guys out as well. Watched Chad a few weeks ago in Long Beach. Had a great time. May take a treck up to Ming as well. Hope to see you there.

[Chinewalker]

Here's a shot of my Dad's boat. The hull is a '59 Sid-Craft set up with a Johnrude 30hp c. 1956. He switched to West-Bend/Chrysler in 1965 when they were legalized for the class. Set a kilo record around 47 mph in 1966 with this boat running a West Bend 35. This boat is currently part of the Antique Boat Museum collection and we also own a brand reproduction of that boat.

It was along about this time period (late 1960s) that he started building his own runabouts. If anyone finds a hull with "Smith Built" painted on the deck - let me know!

Thanks!
- Scott

[Ron Hill]

13 foot boat, 47 miles an hour...Racing... No one getting killed, just racing. No one blowing over, just racing. Guys having fun!!!!

I know I live in the past, but that Sid-Craft with a 36 on it is super cool to me....We should have required the cowling to stay on, then painted them like aHArley, and open the exhasut just a little...maybe, anose cone on the gearcase!!!

Thanks for posting. Got anymore pictures????

[Ron Hill]

Lane and Steven Curry have been both our right and left hand men the last two years, and I'll admit, I don't know how we'd manage if they did come and BE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS...

Anyway, Lane was quite the 36 racer in his day and he, like me, wish maybe things would have been different in the class...

Lane handed me a list of drivers he raced with in 36 CUbic Inch Runabout:

1. Bob Whitcomb (Pat Whitcomb is currently an APBA official)
2. Larry Smith (Not the larry Smith of Scaarb Boats)
3. Bob hardesty (A Bellflower milkman when I lived in Bellflower, had a good looking daughter and a nice son about my age...Great BOAT CLUB people).
4. Willie Griffith (Close friend of Danny Schwarzenbach's had two lovely daughters, one died in her early 20's from cancer...).
5. Moe Singer: Don't recall anything about him
6. Lee Simper: One of Rod Zapf's roommate as he frequently had many..
7. Carl Meyers: Carl was from Iowa, owned the Rope Starter KG-9 that was on the cover of a Speed and Spray Magazine and raced mostly BU, but ran CU, DU and also owned my Kilo record Quincy Looper, ARR rig.
8. Chuck Kerr: No recall here...
9. Brooks Hazelwood: From Needles, his some has a GYM in Needles today.
10. Gary Boal: Only the name rings a bell..
11. Don Boster: Boat's name was Haundawg, was known as "BOASTING BOSTER", owned a Chrysler dealership....I Blythe, I think!!!
12. AND OF COURSE, DAN SCHWARZENBACH...("The Bandit") Danny LOVED telling people, when I was 6'5", 240, that he used to carry me out to my AU, so I wouldn't get my feet wet...when I was a little kid...It was true... He carried me out to my boat in rain at Worchester, Massachusetts, (We raced in the rain)...16 boats...) 1957....Mickey fixed our Nostalgia gearcase this week....I've known Mickey since before he was born...

I added a few more names to some of the Great Boat Club People and Boat Racers of SCOA (Southern California Outboard Association) and California racing...

13. Horace "Horse" Chambers: Needles Railroader....Name fit his personality...Both sons raced Glen and Gene Chambers...
14. Nick Finnisey: Still works at Apple Valley Marine, part time..
15. Ken Scoville, Sr.: Beside racing, he wrote hundreds of articles for Boat News, the Propeller Magazine. local papers and he worked out a deal with the LA Times where he called them collect after each race, with the race results...SCOA's members names would be there Monday under names like USAC drivers Parnelli Jones and AJ Foyt...
16. Mickey Schwarzenbach: raced 36, CU and DU for years...Currently has a Fat C he's rigging SLOWLY!!!(Still has his Hill Runabout, fully rigged, hanging in his mother's garage...)
17. Rod Zapf: Raced 36 in Florida, upon moving to California Rod continued to race 36, CU, DU, CSH, DSH, FRR, FRH, 280 Hydro, 5 Liter (National Champion...APBA Hall of Champion), 6 Liter, GN, Nostalgia, Mod VP...Unlimited. Current Rules Director for The Blue Water Resort and Casino 300 Enduro.
18. Pete DeLackner: Mentioned as the announcer for the Lone Star Boat Racing Association, 1964 36 Class National Champion.
19. Al Stoker: Pasted 36 Class National Champion...Mod VP Champion, currently a writer for Hot Boat Magazine, son of John Stoker of John's Custom Marine fame...Builder of Stoker Custom boats...Many time Havasu and Parker winner in MOD VP.
20. Tito Smith: Life long racer, Chief of his Native American Tribe...Son races C Runabout and C Hydro, currently. (Boat's name: Honest Injun)
21. Tito's Dad...
22. Ron Hill: Drove Carl Meyers's "Turtle Express" to a win at Victorville...
23. Kenny Meyers: Carl's brother, took over driving the Morehouse boat, called "Turtle Express"..
24. Doug Wetmore: Roofing contractor
25. Mike Wetmore: Boat's name was Rinso Blue, boat's color was blue...(Rinso Blue was a dish soap...Brother of Doug Wetmore...also known as the Sqawman. Inventor the the drink called the Sqawman Special...Currently served at fine taverns like the Red Dog in Needles and my daughter's River house...It is the "OFFICIAL" drink of the Boada's River house...What's good about a Sqawman's Special, is you only need to make one and that will do you for the EVENING...Mike once stole my "DATE" at the North-South race in Kingsburg......we didn't see Mike for two days. He missed the race....When he did show up at the race.....Well, I was glad I had been racing my boats for two days...Took him about a month to recover...
26. Keith Mason: Downey, California guy had a great looking daughter, I dated....well, we went out a few times...
27. Lane Curry: Besides helping Hill Racing, has worked the Unlimited race in San Diego, as security for 30 years or more...

27. 36 Cubic Inch drivers that come to mind...Not to mention Allen Sutfin, Sr. who raced 36 for years in Region 11...His son Allen Jr, and two granddaughters are all three still racing, today..Not to mention they put on a race in their home town of Marysville...

It was a great class and never should have been dropped from APBA... 25, 36 Runabouts today would be a good group of race boats...

Thanks, Lane for the memories... (36 Cubic Class will be legal as a Division A boat in the Mini Enduro...November 18, 2007)...

[David Mason]

That Ron Hill's memory is based on how goo dlooking the daughters were ? :D :D :D

I know I seem to recall more memories that have good looking ladies in them.

[Ron Hill]

I held the CU kilo record for years, never won a Closed Course Nationals in C Runabout....Boat looked like a winner....Seems there were some should of's, would of's and could of's...same with my memory of YOUNG ladies...Raced hard with a lot of them.....Never won NO Nationals with most!!!!

[Allen J. Lang]

How about a couple of east coast 36 drivers. Two who won nationals were Bill Kennedy (once held the record) and the late George Scudder, a cigar smoker. George was the only person who could dump a boat, come up and sit on the bottom still still puffing away. His prop work was either on a rock or trailer hitch. Could come up with some good running props. Anker Petersen was with the class until the end of the Chrysler domination. These were just some of the Long Island crowd.

Ye Olde Desert Geezer :cool:

[Bob Rusnak]

How about a couple of east coast 36 drivers. Two who won nationals were Bill Kennedy (once held the record) and the late George Scudder, a cigar smoker. George was the only person who could dump a boat, come up and sit on the bottom still still puffing away. His prop work was either on a rock or trailer hitch. Could come up with some good running props. Anker Petersen was with the class until the end of the Chrysler domination. These were just some of the Long Island crowd.

Ye Olde Desert Geezer :cool:

How about this one of John Knable at Little Joe's!!!! Bob N-96

[Allen J. Lang]

Hello Bob- Forgot about John and his 36. Sorry !!!!
Anybody else I forgot. The old brain and memory retention not what it used to be.
Ye Olde Desert Geezer :cool:

[Skoontz]

With all the 36's still floating around, that seems to me as it would be a good class to resurrect rather than what we were talking about the other day, Ron. I'm working on the Katiedoodle...Ok, Bill gave us the boat, and I got a small amount in the motor...So, add a $1,000 gearcase, a $300 prop, a $150.00 O Ring kit, paint for the boat, man by the time it's all done, we will have $2K in a competitive A motor....


You could get a 36 for $200.00-$500.00 all day long and run...

[capnzee]

Those pictures bring back so many memories. Those were the days when a run-a-bout was truly a boat. A Utility racing run-a-bout was truly a boat. Too bad there isn't a way of bringing back the "good old days" when boats were boats and not powered surf boards. I can remember hanging over the back of a "36" down in Florida, changing the spark plugs during a marathon. I got the job done without sinking. I was running an old Hal Kelly (home-built) but can't remember what it was called. Kelly sold plans for an A/B and a C/D. Seems we built about 6 of them down in Key West between 1963 and 1967. Anybody care to try reaching out over the back of a run-a-bout today, or for that matter, starting the engine from inside the cockpit? :( Rod --PS I still have a powerhead and lower unit for the old 2 banger Johnson.

[Ted March]

A - B Airborne. C - D Madcap. Bought the Madcap plans in about '62. Hal Kelley scaled them up to 15' so I could run a 1960 800 DR with a Speedmaster. So one bright sunny Saturday morning I went to the Reading (PA) Boat Works and ordered the material. Stopped by George Dewald's house (Craig's dad) place on the way home for a cold one and Craig was home. Had a cold one and told everybody what I was doing and Craig said "you're nutz" He picked up the phone and called Kelley and asked hime something like "what are you trying to do, kill this guy, etc? (boat far too small for a tall heavy inline 6) Hal sent me reivsed plans, but that was as far as it got. Cancelled the mataerial order and that was that.

[capnzee]

Great call Ted, the madcap was a great "36" boat. If I recall, I was able to get about 41 or so out of it with the ol' Johnrude, but Layne "Cut-off" Curry claims he held the speed record at 52 mph with a Chrysler. I wasn't able to get 52 out of mine with a "44" (stock foot) on it--but being in Key West Fla., was like being at the end of the boat racing world--not much to work with. :)

[Ron Hill]

Now Capnzee, we have a NO SLAM policy here...But, considering, you admitted, Sunday morning, that Lane "Cut Off" Curry wasn't that funny...I guess I won't consider that term "Cut Off" a slam...Now 52 MPH with a Chrysler???? Where was the GPS when we needed it???... My old Turtle Express would go 39 sometimes....

I think Lane may have SEEN 52, (Probably on the back of Danny's '57 Ford wagon)...with a Chrysler but it was NOT a legal 36 engine...


Get that Yellow 36 out of the hanger and bring it over, let's put one of EVEN RUDES on her....????

[36run69n]

Of course we all know 36 was eliminated due to the 50 min. reg. rule. Possibly the first to be legislated out of existence. It came at a time when parts for Mercs were readily available as were the 25ss and the 35ss new engines. The class was scorned and ridiculed by a few other racers ranging from it does not belong in stock, rather should be OPC, adult J class, its a joke, not REAL racing etc. These issues made it difficult to recruit new racers. Sad that now 30+ years later its viewed in a positive lite. (at least by some). Yes, toward the end I consistantly saw 54-56 on a Keller no GPS avail then. That was running a Cary 10 X 161/2 cupped and tweeked on a 20''+/- transom 13' Castacraft with a 36" bottom. If there are any old 36 drivers that could comment on the Chrysler 35 model 360ha. which had squared exhaust ports,larger carb, and enlarged exhaust manifold. I heard only 50 were made for 36 racing??, my local dealer called Chrysler in 1974 was informed there were 3 left in a warehouse. I got one. An earlier 35 I had, did not have any of the above mods. Other east coast 36ers were Rich Brungies (sp?) Bernie Whitney '70 nat.champ from Conn. Bill Jefferies, Richard Stratton LI,NY, Stan Fitts Mass., and others ---Jones was another New Englander and Maine had 36ers can't remember all the names.

[Steven Curry]

In defense of dad, there is no proof that Dad ever deserved the name "cut-off". But, he did own the kilo record as the boat owner, as he couldn't go that year. Dan Scwarzenback drove the boat. Oh yeah, proof below!!:D

[capnzee]

There seems to be a "mistake" here, When I was talking about "cut off" I meant the beer he was drinking. It was time to cut him off! When he was racing "36" I don't think he ever cut anyone off--he was always too far out front! Now, am I vindicated? Hell, I thought 53.99 was fast til I heard from the East Coast guys.

[Ted March]

54 - 56 on a Keller is certainly impressive.

BUT 53.99 two way kilo average against the clocks is outstanding. Anything can happen during a kilo. Wind, current, not running a straight line thru the course. Running a diagnal line thru the course, an engine miss etc.

A Two way kilo average of 53.999 is Outstanding,

[Ron Hill]

I guess, from re-reading my post.....I need to eat some CROW.....But I don't think I will...

I think, I change the subject. I twice broke two Stock records in one day. The second time, I ran 79.999 in my D Stock hydro. I had to go 80.000 to get the kilo....I see where Danny went 53.999... I guess we could call that 54.....

Someone mentioned how 36 Runabout is looked back upon with NOSTALGIA.....Well, I guess, I remember how the 36 class WAS looked down upon by other racers...And I guess, part of my reason to have a web page, was to set the RECORD STRAIGHT, plus have a Boat Racing encyclopedia...

There were some great people and families that raced 36 runabout and I for one, don't want their efforts ever forgotten....even if I thought the DAMN THINGS wouldn't go 50!!!!

I challenge any OLD 36 DRIVERS to come to Parker for the 4 HOUR MINI Enduro...36 Runabouts will be Division A....

Damn, that "Cut-Off Curry" sounded so good, when Rod said it 50 times, last Saturday night!!!! We had a great time at Bakersfield, didn't we??? http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3798&page=3

See Diana's picture of us all?? Rod Zapf, Lane, Steven, Me, Broc, Chad....Bunker, Lee Baker...Rob Hitchcock...Pat Bowman... What a crew we were!!!

[bill boyes]

In defense of dad, there is no proof that Dad ever deserved the name "cut-off". But, he did own the kilo record as the boat owner, as he couldn't go that year. Dan Scwarzenback drove the boat. Oh yeah, proof below!!:D
Who built the boat?

[capnzee]

I remember it as a strange looking boat, the back part kind of looked like a regular boat, but the front had a funny point on it. I know who built it and I will give you all a hint! BEEBEE:)

[bill boyes]

Thought so. That was a darn good boat. Was my 2nd attempt at building a boat. Those frames patterns that i got from you in January are the patterns from the boat. Used the same patterns on your 13 foot CU and DU. Just added another foot to the boat as you wanted to run DU with it also. That was another good boat. It would be a good boat even today. Just widen the bottom a coupe of inches. Add a cowl. Buy a To-hat-sue and I will build the boat. Run the Nationals in DSR and then run Top O. You and I are both too old.

[capnzee]

Bill, the boat yu built for me ran CU, DU, and FRR! Did pretty well in all of them too! The boat was advertized for sale at the Brawley Race. After beating Ron Hill, the boat sold immediately! Afterwards some body accused Ron of letting me beat him so that we could sell the boat--all he said was "it worked, didn't it?" One day running FRR at Bakersfield, I had a fellow from Texas, Jim somebody, riding piggyback. we came out of the first turn and I opened the throttle--the bow came up and he (a hydro driver) climbed over the top of me and threw himself on the deck, thinking it was going over. He laid on my head and his leg jammed the throttle wide open. We ran all the way down the back stretch that way. You should have seen the look on George May's face as we went by! We didn't go back out the second heat cause Jim somebody would not get back in the boat. Who was that guy?

[Ron Hill]

1. You "Forgot" to mention that it was I who bought your D Runabout after you beat me.....at Brawley.....

2. FYI to ALL: George May was the Referee at many Havasu, Parker and Local Races...

3. Don't recall who rode with you by the name "JIM"...I know it wasn't Jim Hauenstein...I will go on record as saying I WON'T ride with you if you buy a Cracker Box...

4....If you can't FIND the 36 THREAD...and you are in Atlanta...Think 9 A.M. Atalata, Hmmmmm 6 A.M. California......(Ron might be SLEEPING" when I call with my QUESTIONS that.....its OK, I don't need that extra hour or two of sleep.

Add:

Bill and Kay Boyes were here in Isleton today, and we didn't EVEN talk about YOU!!!! Bill was and is one GREAT boat bulider...

Last ADD:
F Runabout, the ONE time my sister's husband rode deck for George Peak, my brother-in-law got on the deck and George couldn't get him off....George pulled so hard on his pants, his pants came down to his angles, but he never let go of the handles on the deck!!!

Last, last, ADD:


You all heard that Terry Clem and Tony Lombardo broke the F Runabout, now called 1,100 CC, record and pushed it to 112....with a 600 CC Rossi... Whatever happened to having to run an 1,100 in 1,100??? Oh, well!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Capnzee, I'm curious about this Texan named Jim. I'm thinking it probably wasn't our Jim that wrestled bears because he only ran runabouts.

There was another one in the Dallas area, but he wouldn't have enough weight to get that bow down and he knew it. He would be looking for a clear lane to bail.

The one from the Corpus area would have grinned and looked to the pits.

I have a strong possible contender, but I need some time frame. Like 70's? Early to middle?

[Roy Hodges]

Kast Craft "Marathoners ". I think boats like that would be a good substitute for the ole 36 class . i would suggest for motors a 50 horsepower limit , totally stock , any cubic inch , MAYBE only long shaft. don't get me wrong , i don't like long shaft motors , but that's what is what's COMMON . (easy to get ) . the boats should have to be sit down, no kneelers . And, i get to inspect the seats. If they're not comfy for my big butt, they're not legal ! the cavitation plate must be no higher than 1" above bottom of boat . No notched transoms . if a class for two people in boat were run, then i suggest a 70 horse motor in place of 50 horse. and TRY to make it no weight minimums , but no exotic materials in the boat . (try to keep costs down . )

[Ron Hill]

14 year old, Randy Taylor, of Newark, California will change he old pros at the Divisionals, in Orangevale, July 13th...His class is 36....Runabout.

Old Ken wrote a lot of article and sent a lot of pictures to newspapers...

This had to be after 1964, as it was a Chrysler or a West Bender motor....I'm guess in 1970!

Old Morehouse Meitor runabout, looks like it might have been my 1961-62 CU...

[seacow]

Just had a chance to read all of the 36 comments. Perhaps I missed it but I believe no one mentioned the performance inflatable as a good modern day substitute for the 36 class runabout. They were running in competition in Northern California and Florida a few years ago. I understand that they compete elsewhere in US now.

Down under they compete in the Ocean and I believe in US as well.

Racing craft set up in such the way the DUX was rigged have many similar characteristics in common with the old 36 - a cheap used stock engine (they were running the same engines as on the CA sport C), gear shift with neutral,, non-hydro, moderate speeds.

In addition, there is electric start, competition was with two persons on-board, they were very exciting for spectators and are easily deflated transported and stored.

If they were around back then I could picture Les Robinson riding and liking one of the DUX rigs. Come to think or it now I might be the same age as Les was then, so I would like it.

So I feel that a equivalent or perhaps superior replacement for 36 runabout might have come and went before we realized it.

[Ron Hill]

Any chance this was JIM McKEAN???? Jim lived out here for awhile...and I know this much, IF I EVER RODE with Capnzee one heat, I'm pretty sure, I wouldn't get back in for the second heat!

[Boatwrx]

I find it curious that there is still interest in the old 36 cu in calss. My dad had 3 hulls as I remember. 1st was an old Morehouse D boat, 2nd was a Willard "D" boat, and 3rd was the Bill Boyes boat built for 36. He was 2-US, I think, for 3 years (to many races between then and now to be sure). I ran 36 many times in his equipment finding very tight competition at every event. The drivers shared a special comradeship not found other classes of the time. The only problem with the class was when the 5 minute gun would fire everyone would have something else to do. It was a gut wrenching experience to lift one into the water. When my Dad talked Charlie Harter into coming back to racing in 36. Because of his age we set up his Morehouse with electric start. Charlie, soaking wet, weighed 100 lbs so the boat ready to race with eelctric start, full size battery, etc, must have been at least 500 lbs and felt like 1000. I used all 3 of the hulls to run in "D" racing and ran the early drags with my "D" engine on the Morehouse. That was a fun era.

[RogerH]

This shot certainly dates me (when I had some hair) and the class. Bill Evans was another person, like myself, who was introduced to APBA racing by Riggs Smith. Think this predates you Scott. We ran quite a few races at Hickories Park (near Owego NY on the Susquehanna River), but the classes were almost exclusively stock hydro and runabout. One year we hosted the Alky divisionals there. First time I had ever seen / heard / smelled speed and noise like that!!! These were definitely good times.
Roger

[Ron Hill]

I was reading this old paper and got to thinking how much fun the 36 class used to have and be... Rinso Blue was a dish soap at the teim I think or a clother soap. Mike boat was dark blue with the name "RINSO BLUE"...This was long before Mike got the name "SQUAWMAN"....We still drink Squawman's Specials at my daughter's river house...in fact it is the OFFICIAL DRINK of the river house.....

Judy Hill was my brother's late wife...Marelee Hill's grandmother...Bunker's mother...and the ONE who got Jimbo McConnell signed up for his first race....Love to get Jimbo back in a race boat...stay tuned...