9'6" UFO Hydro ID needed

[Canoeboy1]

Hi,

I'm not completely new to this forum, but it's been awhile.

I hope to attach some pics of a late 40's early 50's hydro that I believe was professionally built. One of the pics shows what's left of the decal above the steering wheel.

The hydro is 9'6" long and 60" wide.

I appreciate your assistance.

Thanks,

Paul

[Jack Stotts]

It might be a Marchetti. I carried one a couple years ago up to Lck Haven from Louisanna for Frank Novotny who is in MD., I think. I just got hold of Frank but he is on the road to be home this evening. He'll give it a look and see. Jack

[Mark 32]

Neal and Fillinger hydros were out of KC, Missouri.
That boat shares a lot of similar characteristics. A number of workers from each factory made boats that closely resembled those of "the big factories".

Is the bottom plywood or planked?

[Hydroglobe17J]

John Runne may know, looks like something they ran JSH on back in late 60's.

[sam]

My guess would be Michelini ... Looks like the decal used to say Airmarine and 6945 Stony Island Ave ... that was his address. I bet the bottom line was his phone number with the first 2 digits the letters of the exchange name.

I have never seen sponsons like that and Joe was an innovator who was not afraid to try something different.

3 point outboard hydros were almost unknown in the 1940's, but this does look like an early design, I'd guess early 50's over any date in the 40's.

[Canoeboy1]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all of the responses.

I have a 1947 Neal and it has a serial number on the steering wheel plate and the construction seems very different even if my Neal has a planked bottom and this one is plywood.

I have attached a picture of the bottom and yes the sponsons are different. Also attached is a picture of the bow handle and the forward pulleys for steering.

I did find this in Indiana, I will assume the Stony Island Ave. address was Chicago. The story goes it belonged to some guy in his 80's who gave it to a guy who gave it the guy I got it from. I think this all happened in the last 3 to 5 years but not positive.

Thanks,

Paul

[sam]

Is the 1947 Neal a 3 point or "conventional" single step?

[Canoeboy1]

The Neal is just short of 12' and 4'6" wide with a "conventional step" bottom. The middle of the boat actually drops down lower than the outside, the reverse of a tunnel hull.

As mentioned before the bottom is planked.

Thanks again,

Paul