I saw the article about California Kid hydro in the latest issue of Propeller, and it's a dead ringer for a 135 hydro I just acquired. It's a post war 1940's boat the looks like Ly Bee. I'm searching for more information about Tommy Hill and his creations. Anybody know anything about Hill and his hydros.

KenM

Here's some right on the VHS.

http://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/.search?p=Ly+Bee&name=Search

Ken,
I believe this boat was built by Rich Hallett.
The only Tommy Hill boat I am familiar with
was one of Merlyn Culver's Yankee Doodles.
Jon Culver in Sarasota could answer the identity
question. Sid Street used to buy Hallet 135 hulls three or four at a time and bring them East. There is a boat hanging on the crane
in our new November Vintage calendar that looks like a Hill.
Rob

Ken,
I talked to Jon Culver yesterday by phone.
His dad's one Yankee Doodle was the Hill
built Ly-Bee. Merlyn bought it after it set
the straightaway record. He also had Hill build a 225 div II with a flathead 266 V-8. Jon flipped
it at Cincinnati when he was only 16 yrs old.
He was going to look in his mountain of old boat
pictures to see if he still had photos of each.
Rob

Dear Ken:

I am a long time racer and collector of old race boats. I have just finished 5 year restoration of 65-P crackerbox that was built in 1957 by Fred Wickens. I want to restore a hydro and put a 427 Ford SOHC blown Holman& Moody engine in it. If you know of any boats that would take this type of engine please let me know. My phone number is 408-253-7679.

richard i believe kevin klosterman has what you are looking for he is selling a 1960s era loyd hydro 7liter named the tennenesan boat in in good shape needing only deck and possible bottom re skin,also if you need someone to do the wood work try steve balcer in bay city michigan 989-894-5638( woodshop_518@msn.com ) he is doing some sponson and deck work and it's reasonable and excellent, kevins number is 614-336-3590 (work) 614-336-7916 (HOME) quantum@rrcol.com good luck BUTCH BAILEY MISS DESOTO 7 LITER.

Butch Bailey