Return of the Urinator

[bootlegger]

Im pretty sure I know what this boat will be named.

[Reklaw]

Yep, thanks to Phil I now know where this makeover is headed. Looks like the boat had some form, so it's worthwhile taking it back to it's former glory. Within reason that is, doubt that I'll be putting a side valve in it.
Thanks again Phil. Can I ask, what was your involvement back then.
Bob W

[habits]

Hi Bob im not sure who built it but have an idea that Sparra built it and owned the mould was taken off a Lewis I was told years ago if he didn't build it then was built by Filam boats in Geelong Sparra now lives on the sunshine coast his son used to look on here a fair while ago so may be he will see this and you may be able to get more history . As for myself I started following the racing about 50 years ago my father had an old ski boat he raced only handicap boat but he had a lot fun we became friends with Jack Long of Scrubcat fame and I ended up helping Jack and went with him to the races when the old man wasn't going and Istarted racing at 16 in the old mans boat from then I have had numerous boats skiffs hydros vdrives I don't have any claim to fame but have had a great time and made lots of life long friends and currently my youngest son is running a new ozlite Hydro called Times R Tuff we built with the help of Steve Scott.I have just tracked down an old rear seater Hydro just waiting to see if the guy is going to part with it. Regards Phil

[habits]

Bob I forgot to mention when the deck was done by Keith Simpkin it was timber and highly polished must of been glassed later on.

[Reklaw]

Hi Phil,
Yep, it would be nice to find out a bit more about the boat, like what the trophies on the deck are for. Would be good to get in touch with Sparra and have a yarn with him. I don't know much about Keith Simpkin, but thought he was a chippy and a glass deck was not his style. It was obviously added some time later. Someone's gone to a fair bit of trouble with it, rounded engine compartment etc.
Thanks for the bit about your background. Guess you are interested in Scrubcat and the great job that Darren has done with it. My experience is mainly Sydney based with just the occasional foray
into Mexico and Qld., so don't know the who's who of the scene as it was back then in Vic.
Good luck with the hydro. Willing to disclose any details at this stage ??
Bob W

[habits]

Bob you could try finding Sparra on the internet re facebook or search the phone book his name is Raymond Harrison and his wifes name is June and live on the sunshine coast sorry but I don't have any more details for him its a bit sketchy but social media works wonders. As for the Hydro it came from Tasmania originally and I will reveal all shortly waiting on a phone call over the weekend Phil

[Reklaw]

Thanks Phil,
I've put a post up on the Ozboats site to see if anyone knows of him. Otherwise, I'll try the social media avenue.

[screwit]

Bob , just as a matter of interest, Do you know what size prop the boat is running ?
Ross

[habits]

Bob have you been able to get onto Sparra I saw Kavs sent you a pm on Ozboats also the guy with Hydro had a change of heart and is not going to part with it now but will let me know when he is. Phil

[Reklaw]

Hi Phil,

Sounds like a panel beaters friend doesn't it!

Yep, I had a word with Sparra yesterday. Seems the hull was flopped off a timber Lewis that he had. It won the '73 Australian Sidevalve title as well as the '72 and '74 State titles. (Hope i'm quoting him correctly on that). I've sent him some pics of the boat as it stand today and he's going to get back to me with pics of how it used to be.

Thanks again for helping me locate the original owner.

Ross, the prop is a Lundberg stamped as 10 & 1/2 X 14. The previous owner said that we had it reworked to 10 & 1/2 X 15.3 . I was aware that a prop could have more cup added but increasing the pitch is a newie on me.

Bob W