20' Switzer Wing
Rich Luhrs of New Jersey
Dust-n-theWind II
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Link to Brian Luhr's website >>
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August 2008
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Oct 2008
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The boat is a
1968 20 foot Switzer "wing". It was never raced but
lived its early life as a dealership display for a Chrysler Outboard
dealer in Indiana. He bought it to race but discovered that the
factories were pulling out of dual engine racing and subsequently
used it as a parade float with a silly tiger striped paintjob on it.
Later it was purchased by a misguided individual who tried to make
it into a pleasure boat with a pair of 20" long shaft Merc's on it
and stock lower units. He kept copious records and receipts on it
(gas, oil, line, cleats, Mustang bucket seats...etc, etc) as if that
would somehow increase the value. Fortunately a collector,
Jeff Buckley, bought it and also found an 18 footer in California
(currently restored as the "Miss Diablo") and sold them to us and
Bob Valachovic respectively.
With a lot of help from a bunch of people, we completely stripped,
rebuilt, and restored the hull. (The original glass work was not the
best and the years weren't kind either. The transoms were split and
one sponson was actually leaning inward at the bottom.). As she sits
she is still an old boat that must be treated with great care and
"courtesy". All hardware has been replaced and racing seats were
installed.
Power is a pair of stock S 3000 Mercs with 10,000 RPM limiters........
12" mids with power trim and power 1 1/4" lift (yes.....4 trim pumps),
SSM 4's modified for left and right rotation by Craig Colabella, 21"
Dewald 4 blade props, and a right hand controlled manual hydraulic
system for the aeleron. We use a single throttle pedal, racing switches
on Mercury racing harnesses, and hydraulic steering with modified
Mayfair cylinders. Tie bar and steering plates were custom fabricated.
There are 5 gauges.... 2 tachs, 2 water pressure, and a GPS speedo
(which at present "cycles" but does not read.????).
I'm a bit busy in the cockpit so our data will become more precise as
we continue to test and I get more comfortable with added seat time.
Yesterday, we had a few problems so speed and RPM's are close estimates.
but I wouldn't swear to them in court. Suffice it to say that a bunch
of performance boats including a pair of fast cats....chased me down
the bay, and all can confirm that the speed was well into the 90's and
the engines were almost silent. ( I can only say that the I used VERY
little throttle and as soon as I touched the aeleron the boat
accelerated
dramatically and the RPM's actually went down simultaneously.......
I presume that is the "takeoff" that these boats are known for).
We were running downwind.....and that could have had an effect,
but I'll be d*mned if I can tell exactly what effect...or why.
On the way back I struggled with a balky port engine that was cutting
in and out due to fuel system cavitation....but we did get a run into
the wind across the channel and hit some minor snotty water.......
(wakes, bay chop mixed)....and she literally "flew" over the stuff
without so much as a bobble at about 75-80.
In reflecting on the run back at the ramp, there were many high fives
and good spirits..... all in all a very promising performance.....
and a number of "converts" to the cult of "wing" enthusiasts.
For me......I've been a "believer" since 1962.....
Rich Luhrs "T2x"
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Sept 2009 Buffalo Vintage Raceboat Show
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On a "Wing" and a prayer.....
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August 2010
Antique Raceboat Regatta Clayton, New York
[ You can click on these images to see larger versions ]
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The Thunderball on the left & Dust In The Wind on the right
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