NNRT Offshore Classics

[Ratickle]

Better not hijack this thread anymore.

No problem. We need all the help we can possibly get to make sure we have accurate information. And a perusal of a picture out there that is missing information, or has possible bad information, is exactly what we want to correct. Bring it!!!!!

 

[Ratickle]

Photo of #558 - Eberhard & Co., was taken in Auckland New Zealand - UIM Gold Gorp World Championships - December 1986

Phil

Thanks Phil.

Next!!!!!

 

[Ratickle]

41' Team Apache "Red Banner Boat". Raced by Ben Kramer & Bob Saccenti.

Currently owned by Paul Lasassa and is now "Warpaint"?

Paul, I believe the boat is actually still owned by Bob Vesper. Marc Jacob has the boat listed for sale.

It is currently Warpaint though?

 

[jetcruzr]

Yes, Paul. The boat is now called "Warpaint"

 

[Shoot 2 Thrill Pix]

 

[Ratickle]

I wonder if Phil recalls that one? It would be interesting to know where and when. One of the most famous offshore drivers and boats there has ever been.

 

[NNRT]

If its the Wooden Cougar of Benihana, yes- I recall it - it caught fire off of Fire Island - think back in 1979, (not sure) - we stayed with the boat as Rocky went for a swim, until other boats arrived.

 

[Ratickle]

If that is the wooden boat, I think it was rebuilt after the fire and sold, becoming Satisfaction?

 

[Serious News]

 

[c12]

Come on Pete post a picture of Satisfaction , I know you have one ...

 

[Ratickle]

He's slacking!!!:toetap05:

 

[Shoot 2 Thrill Pix]

 

[Ratickle]

That boat had to be a blast to drive!

 

[Serious News]

The Original Black Duck!

At times, fishing boats were successfully used as rum-running craft, a layer of fish covering the contraband in the hold, and one Bay rum-runner is reported to have designed a submersible vehicle to hold his cargo. It was towed behind his fishing boat, which then gave the appearance of a dragger pulling a net through the water. One local shellfish dealer reportedly did very well in disguising his stocks of liquor bottles by hiding them in barrels under thick layers of quahaugs.

One of the most successful rum-running boats in Narragansett Bay was the Black Duck. On December 28, 1929, Boatswain Alexander C. Cornell left the Coast Guard base at New London, and tied up at dusk to The Dumplings bell buoy. He turned off his lights and waited. Offshore, the Black Duck, loaded with 383 sacks of liquor from a British vessel, approached the entrance to the Bay.

As the rum-runner neared the patrol boat, Cornell turned on his searchlight and ordered it to stop with his Klaxon horn. No one was visible on the Black Duck, but it increased its speed. Cornell ordered a crewman to fire his machine gun across the stern of the rum-runner just as the Black Duck swerved sharply to port. Bullets raked the pilot house of the rum-runner as it disappeared into the night. Minutes later, the Coast Guardsmen heard the craft returning, and it suddenly loomed up alongside piloted by a man with a bullet hole through one hand. The other three crew members had been killed instantly.

The Black Duck became a familiar sight to many Rhode Islanders from that time on. It was repainted and joined the Coast Guard as patrol boat CG 808.

http://www.providenceri.com/narragansettbay/rum_runners.html

In 1927 Charlie bought the 'Black Duck' out of Gloucester, MA. Outfitted with two V-12 Liberty aircraft engines producing 300 horsepower each, and capable of 500 under a skilled hand, the Duck was able to reach 32 knots. Faster than anything the Coast Guard had in their inventory of, surf rescue boats, tug boats and old destroyers at the time. Nespaper accounts would later prove that Jacob Weissman, using the alias 'Jack Williams' bought the engines for Charlie from a Fall River emgine dealer.

The Black Duck was successful as a rum boat for two years. During that time the Coast Guard had suspicions that she was running liquor, or operating as a 'black ship' as they were known for the tendency to paint them in colors that would blend into the night. Although she was documented as being boarded 5 times, alcohol was never to be found on her.

Charlie was tutored in the business of rum running well. The Black Duck, although owned and operated by Charlie Travers, was registered under the name of Jacob Weissman of Providence, RI. This act of subterfuge was used in the event of that a boat might be pursued, but have to be abandoned somewhere, at a with or without it's cargo. The owner would usually happen to be no where's near the boat when it was found, establishing a solid alibi for theft and misuse of his vessel.

http://home.comcast.net/~nokatay/rumrunners/CHARLIE_TRAVERS.htm



Black Duck, 1930

(CG-808)

Length: 45'

Beam: 10' 9"

Draft: 2'

Acquired : Seized

Commissioned: 27 March1930

Cutter History: One of the faster and more notorious rumrunners, Black Duck was captured by CG-290 after machine-gun fire had killed three of her crew. She was taken into the Coast Guard 27 March1930 and stationed at New London, CT.

Sources: Donald Canney. U.S. Coast Guard and Revenue Cutters, 1790-1935. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1995.

 

[Black Tornado]

Who else would the mystery driver be but of course..........the infamous CIAO

The boat never ran that well .....and that is the basis for his charming personality, eh?

Who were you referring Charlie?

 

[Pete B]

 

[Ratickle]

That is becoming a tough boat to find out about. I'm surprised.....

 

[FLYING FISH]

That is becoming a tough boat to find out about. I'm surprised.....

Just received a reply from Bobby Saccenti who kindly asked Billy Martin re Bounty Hunter with the `pink` bottom.

BM`s reply was as follows -

He never owned that boat or seen it before.He said there was a marina in France that ordered several pleasure boats from Don with similar graphics and names of raceboats that were originals owned by the offshore stars of the time.If you notice in the picture,you will see that the cabin hatch is open,which will tell you it`s a pleasure deck,not a raceboat.

Oh,hum!

 

[Ratickle]

Sweet Phil. Thanks a ton!!:hurray:

What do you know about the Budweiser boat above? I know Bernie Little tried to buy winning offshore teams as soon as they got to the top, but I'm not figuring out which boat, and what team, that one is.

And what are you doing up at 3:25AM? Is that when Bobby called you back?

 

[FLYING FISH]

Sweet Phil. Thanks a ton!!:hurray:

What do you know about the Budweiser boat above? I know Bernie Little tried to buy winning offshore teams as soon as they got to the top, but I'm not figuring out which boat, and what team, that one is.

And what are you doing up at 3:25AM? Is that when Bobby called you back?

So,has NNRT changed nationality and become a Brit.I don`t think so.