THUNDERBOLT III
Third in a series of “Thunderbolts” raced by the late Len Melly, owner of Outboard and Hydroplane Services at
Ormskirk and Commodore of the Lancashire Hydroplane Racing Club (LHRC).
In this boat Len won the 1957 X Class championship at the final round of that year on Lake Hollingworth near
Rochdale.
Sadly, of the twenty or so British circuit racing venues of the fifties and sixties, precious few remain and it is
difficult to find suitable water for these exciting little hydros. Len’s boats culminated in “Thunderbolt XI” around
1966, after an illustrious racing career.
Specification:
Length
10’ 1”
Beam
5’ 6”
Type
3 point kneeler hydroplane (B, C or X class depending on motor)
Construction
plywood hull & deck on spruce and ply frames
Original colour Red / white / varnish
Original number
288
Built
1956
Builder
unknown, possibly Duckworth of Burnley, Lancs.
Design
E.G.McCrea of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada
Race motor
Heavily modified war surplus Evinrude Storm 1000cc flat four, approx 45 – 50 hp
Present motor
stock 1960 Merc 300 35hp
(The 1000cc Storm qualified for ‘X’ class, probably pushing the boat well over 50mph)
Recent History
Found in a Darlington garden in 2002, Thunderbolt III was stored by CMBA members before passing to Chris Harris in
February 2004. In a sorry state she required complete re-decking and substantial hull repairs, and was launched
again on Fritton Lake in July 2004. She was freshened up again in 2009 and ran beautifully at the CMBA early season
meeting at Chertsey. With the engine seen here Thunderbolt III runs about 35 – 37mph, but more engine mods are
planned!
Owner: Chris Harris, Southampton
Classic Motor Boat Association
www.cmba-uk.com