Like nostalgia drag racing or old timey stock car racing, the world of boat racing is chock full of vintage equipment that thundered down waterways in years past. Again, like those other forms of vintage racing the boats ooze cool and character while packing more power into old–school wooden hulls than anyone could or would expect. Joe Grippo made a trip to the Race Boat Regatta in Clayton, New York. The Regatta was held on the St. Lawrence River and featured a stunning array of water borne hot rods. 

From hydroplanes packing big bore V8 motors mounted up front to V8 Cracker Jacks sporting flatheads and Studebaker power, this was an eye opening experience for Joe and may be a really enlightening look into an era of boats that most car guys don’t even know ever existed.

As looney as the early drag racers were with their crude chassis and minimal safety equipment, we think the men who strapped themselves into these boats to race on a course that’s constantly variable may be even slightly more crazy.

Hit the link to see a thread of great photos Joe posted from his adventure!

LINK:A look at vintage hot rod racing boats from days past