Two boat posts in three days? Are we becoming BoatShift? Of course not because that would make no sense. We’re just sticking to our philosophy that stuff we dig is probably stuff you’ll dig! This video that is about the famous old unlimited hydroplane known as Miss Daytona. The spectacular wooden boat is powered by a genuine supercharged Miller engine. The Miller is essentially the forefather of the Offy that was so awesome in sprint cars and Indy roadsters. In this case, it was used to power the Miss Daytona through her days as a racing boat all over the country. In the era when this boat was competitive, unlimited hydroplanes were the playthings of the ultra-wealthy. People with names like Vanderbilt were really into the sport.
Uber-collector Bruce Meyer has come to own the boat and he had it refreshed at a Michigan shop that is operated by a dude whose dad built unlimited hydroplanes and who has essentially been in the boat building and restoration since birth. Our understanding is that the boat was intact when the shop got it, but they went through the engine and the other major systems to insure that the vessel was going to be OK when Meyer showed up to take it for a spin…which he does in this video. The boat sounds amazing at Meyer takes it for a cruise on the Saginaw River on what seems to be a frigid Michigan day. After dealing with some gremlins and making a few last adjustments, we’re treated to the awesome sounds of that four banger Miller hard at work shoving the boat down the river.
Hey, this may not be a car but it sure is bitchin’. From the fact that it is an original boat that has history, race wins, and a timeless look, to the fact that there is a legit Miller engine making the power, this is a waterborne hot rod of the highest order.
PRESS PLAY BELOW TO SEE VIDEO OF THE MISS DAYTONA ROARING BACK TO LIFE AND CRUISING THE SAGINAW RIVER!
Talk about a time when comfort took a back seat to speed. Racing a boat like this with the open exhaust blowing in your face, the wind and engine noise beating your ear drums into submission. It took a different kind of racer to race a boat like that.