Everybody Needs A Little Speedy In Their Life
In a way, these are the holy grail of Whirlwinds
Local WoodyBoater Don Stiles has done it again with a Whirlwind. A Little Whirlwind Racer, these little beasts were unbeatable and tore up the Mid Atlantic region. They are built like tanks, and yet light weight, nimble and certainly a joy ride.
Record breaking like a broken record
I bought two as you know for the boys, YipYap and Hammalama,
Yip Yap and Zip out dancing
I always did want a Racer, but have clearly chosen a path of total destruction in the Railway and way to many other distractions. Like family, oh and a job. BUT, if I was still on the racer fix, Bingo. this is the one. Don doesnt mess around. A master wood worker and takes everything to the extreme.
The boats can be tricky to redo. They are Molded wood, like Glider planes from WW2. That kinda strength.
OH! Maybe I will rob his cradle!
Don is about the details
Note the location of the wheel. I had always assumed it was in the center, but if you look at the race image. There it is, I also suppose its because of the throttle
Little Speedy can handle the waters of the bay, within reason. But they are strong, and Don strengthen it up even more. You can read everything done on the Facebook marketplace listing. Thats right, she is for sale. Happy racing!
Note the fuel tank is on the opposite side of the wheel to balance the boat – I cleaned up this shot, made the header from this shot. Kinda a fun process.
Header – Added the dock, and water on the right. Space for type.
And this is the image on the Facebook Marketplace ad.
Speaking..or writing, reading? Of the Facebook market place ad, HERE IT IS! HAPPY CLICKING
And if you are too lazy to click a button.. OH BOY.. Here is the copy with the ad.
1952 Whirlwind 12′ Mahogany Runabout – Restored, w/ Mercury 25 & Trailer
Price: $8,500 OBO
Category: Boats
Location: Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Description:
1952 WHIRLWIND 12′ RUNABOUT – “LITTLE SPEEDY” #52
Restored, turn-key, and ready for the water. Clear titles on boat and trailer.
This little classic spent 30 years stored in a barn before a complete, careful restoration. Whirlwind’s molded plywood hulls were known in the late ’40s and ’50s for being light, fast, and nimble – they were so competitive in stock outboard racing that they stirred up controversy. The factory even sold “cut-down” versions of its racers to the public. Surviving examples are sought after by collectors and vintage boat fans.
BOTTOM
– Stripped and covered below the chine with 3 layers of 10 oz fiberglass, hand-laid with West System epoxy (full layer to chine, 2nd layer 12″ below, 3rd layer 12″ below that)
– Faired smooth, 2-part primer barrier coat, then 3 coats of Micron black bottom paint, spray finish
– Watertight epoxy membrane
TOPSIDES & INTERIOR
– Chine re-attached with West System epoxy and bronze square-drive screws
– Entire boat stripped, cleaned, sanded with the grain, and stained
– 12 coats of premium spar varnish, sanded between coats – deep, durable finish
– Brushed stainless steel rub rail all around
– 2 new seats in 3/4″ marine-grade mahogany with new center supports
– Floor finished in 3 coats of durable gray paint
– Snap-in fender hooks inside the boat – fenders go on either side and store inside when not in use
STEERING & ELECTRICAL
– Original steering wheel and steering hardware reconditioned
– All new steering cables
– Original speedometer with pickup
– Electric start with control box mounted beside the driver’s seat
– New battery and cables
MOTOR – 1987 MERCURY 25 HP
– Freshwater use only
– Runs great
– New carb kit, plugs, water pump impeller, and fresh lower unit gear oil
– 2 stainless props: Vengeance 13″ and a new Solas 15″
– 6-gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge, filled with fresh non-ethanol fuel at the correct oil mix
PERFORMANCE
– Custom adjustable ballast weights behind the bow (0–60 lb, currently set at 30 lb) to control bow porpoising at higher speeds
TRAILER
– Galvanized Tee Nee trailer
– New bearings and new tires
-2 covers
ALSO INCLUDED
– 2 fenders, 2 life jackets, whistle
– All the history and paperwork I have on the boat
See photos for before, during, and after – plus video of it running.
$8,500 OBO. Pickup only in Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Serious inquiries only, please – happy to answer questions or arrange a time
A really good looking little boat. Don did a thorough and first class restoration. Thanks for sharing.
That’s a lot of fun for basically a new boat at a rediculas price compared to buying even the cheapest new boat of this size!
If my wife didn’t wake me up everyday saying “no more boats” I’d be all over this!
That is a neat little boat! It could be easily stored and towed. Don did a great job restoring it. Will make someone a great wooden toy.
Little hydro I built almost 60 years ago with friend Val Grimes.
These style of boats were raced in the APBA utility class, both A/B and C/D
Hal Kelly was a boat racer designer in the late 40s and 50s
He designed and sold plans for this style of boat
This style of boats is often referred to as “Airborne”
He was a commercial artist who worked for Popular Mechanix where he
Contributed artwork and boat designs. He also contributed to Boat Sport magazine
Where his artwork is found on some of the covers.
I have a B utility of this style with 35 HP merc, very fun and safe boat.
Dual cockpit, driver in rear fuel tank in nose, so you can take passengers.
Kids absolutely love going for rides