Vintage Hydroplanes

Vintage Hyrdoplanes

The theme of this year’s vintage hydroplane exhibition could be ‘Rolls-Royce’s Revenge”. The 2023 Columbia Cup hosts a trio of Rolls-Royce-powered vintage unlimited hydroplanes. These boats dominated the sport from 1973 to 1981. Overall, they have won 68 races, 7 Gold Cups, and 9 national titles. While they were on top, few could challenge them.

1979 Squire Shop

Designed by Dave Knowlen and built by Norm Berg, this was the boat that legendary driver Chip Hanauer used to score his very first Unlimited victory.

1973 Pay and Pak

Although there had been a couple of Unlimited Hydroplanes that had sported the pickle fork design since the 1960’s, this boat represented the first true breakthrough for the design that would soon become the norm in hydroplane racing.

1967 Miss Budweiser

The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum restored the boat to her Miss Budweiser colors in 1999 just in time to take part in filming the movie Madison.

1982 Atlas Van Lines | Blue Blaster

This boat made its return to the water at Seafair in 2014 in Seattle, WA. The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent, WA., spent four years and approximately $100,000 to restore the Blue Blaster to its original condition.