1974 Starbuck Tunnel

[74starbuck]

1974 17 ft starbuck tunnel..
got it one year ago and all the wood was rotten it it.. i rebuilt it during the spring.. replaced the transom(raised transom 4" like the later liberators) added knees and did away with the splashwell...
its a really fun boat

[bajarick]

Reminds me of a Contender TIme Tunnel that I saw in an old Hot Boat Magazine article. Ill try and post a pic of it later on. :cool:

[74starbuck]

contender was a splash of a starbuck.. just like liberator later splashed it

[bajarick]

The Contender Tunnel II - Hot Boat Magazine (Sept '95) - Outboard Thrill Rides.

Jack Soper's '85 Contender Tunnel II runs solid mounts, a nosecone with low water pick up, and exhaust goodies from Bob's Machine. He spins a 28 inch Hoss three blade. Soper' toy was set up by Contender's Terry Brown. :D

[74starbuck]

couple weekends ago

[Mark Poole]

Powerboat Magazine had that boat in the performance trials in 1974 or1975 with a V-4 OMC. That is back when Bob Nordskog drove every boat in the trials. I still have the magazine and I think the boat was given a good report. How well does this hull set down into a high speed turn?

Mark

[74starbuck]

i love the way it handles.. corners like it is on rails... do u have a way to scan the article from 74-75 ?.. would love to see it

[Mark Poole]

At present I do not have a way to scan it. Ron seems to have an extensive collection of older Powerboats, he might be able to do it.

[Ron Hill]

I'm a great employee...I punch in and then go read old Powerboats...(Trouble is I work for myself)...

Anyway, where are you running this tunnel boat??? Looks like Capnzee's river in Iowa (Mississippi).... What's the river look like this time of the year???

[74starbuck]

the last pictures were made on lake concordia at ferriday, louisiana.. the others were made on the Ouachita river in south arkansas.. all except the last 2 in the 1st post with it sitting at the sandbar.. they were on the red river near shreveport louisiana.. that was its 1st outing after putting it back together

[bfindley]

I have old powerboat magazines, and the contender was tested , and was given a very good report! I have always liked that particular design. Enjoy and thanks for posting. Bob.:D Just now caught the date of post! Oh well it is a great boat!!

[phillnjack]

that boat dont need to go fast...it looks FAST.

very cool looking boat that has good classic shape that will never look out of place.

good to restore a dying boat and then get it running good again.

well done


phill