Rum Runners

[Reel Poor]

Here is a couple kewl videos.....With sound<br /><br />Rum Runner Video #1<br /><br /> Rum Runner Video #2

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Rum Runners

Yer just lucky that there were no commercial ads with those videos Reel Poor. Da back o' yer hand would be red like mine. <br /><br />Those babies sure like like they could use some Smart Tabs.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Rum Runners

Ok Poor, now that you opened a can of worms......<br /><br />What year were they racing? <br /><br />At first I thought they were running I/O's cause I didn't see any outboard parts...... but in the last seconds of the 2nd video I thought I saw a prop shaft like a full inboard would have.<br /><br />So If full inboard, surely the old Graymarine (Chrysler) 60 hp wasn't the mil.....or was it.<br /><br />Give us some insight. Really enjoyed the view.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Rum Runners

Im not sure when those videos were taken. I would guess mid 60's, maybe earlier. They are old 8mm movies. <br /><br />I think they actually started sanctioned racing in 1946 and are still racing today. Their next race is March 23-25 2006 in Mt Dora Florida. <br /><br />The boats are actually called Speed Skiffs. They came about when rum runners used to haul moonshine by boat to evade the revenuers. The boats were origionally made of wood but now days are built of fibreglass instead. They have maintained their lapstaked sides and flat-bottom. Powered by 283 or 305 Chevrolet V-8 inboard engines, skiffs can reach a straight-a-way speed of close to 80 miles per hour. Competion boats must weigh in at more than 1600 pounds and consist of two passengers, driver and riding mechanic. <br /><br />If you want to know more Google speed skiffs and you'll find a lot of info.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Rum Runners

If they are built of fiberglass today, I think that dates the videos. In the first one, that boat sure disintigrated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Rum Runners

It sure seems if they could get them to lay down just a little bit they would be faster and a lot safer.It appears they are straight drive not V drive and the shaft angle is pretty steep.Seems if they moved the motor forward just right they would settle a little. Maybe they are smoother now.Maybe on smooth water they do settle down.<br />I wonder if an unlimited Hydro was safer to run than they were in those days and maybe today too.