Original Mark 30
Recruit
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2009
- Messages
- 5
This thread is the story of my fathers 1971 MFG Caprice. There are a lot of things to be said about the purchase, restoration, modification, and thought-process behind the building of this boat -- but that would take a novel to write.
In the interest of not boring everyone, I'd like to tell a bit about this boat to fellow MFG'ers -- atleast what I can remember, without getting into too many details (unless you desire).
My father could tell you everything down to the 1/64" of transom modification and materials used to reshape the rear 'pad' of the hull for top speed; however he is no longer here to share that information, so I will do my best. R.I.P., and Thanks, Dad. (1935-2008)
Here is the only digital picture I have of the boat; I will scan and post MANY more as long as there is interest in the story of this '71 Caprice.
This is from late July, 2006 near Little Traverse Bay, Michigan -- 25 miles from the Top'O'Michigan race. At left is me at 21, at right eldest brother at 23...and my father in the background at 71 (I wish I would've put him in the picture).
In this picture; [Note]
-Jacked up Mercury (badged a 175 V6 2-stroke) though realistically more in the 215-225 range thanks to a series of factory Kiekhaefer and aftermarket parts
-Center-Console moved 10" to the rear
-updated "MFG" badging and custom pinstriping
-custom rub-rail of stainless with robinson hardware
-custom bow-rail of stainless
-Unsure of what prop is on in this picture...(We have 4-5 props for the boat, ranging from a composite 4-blade "keep the wife quiet prop" to a John Janicky/Don Hendrich 3-blade Chopper. I believe this picture shows a 3-blade Raker, but I can't say for sure.)
-Some might note 13" 1978 BMW 320i wheels on the trailer. : )
If you guys want me to share all about this boat and its engine variations through the years, I'm more than happy to!
EDIT: In the end, Pete on a solo run ran it to 65.4 MPH via Garmin GPS.
Regards,
Stu
In the interest of not boring everyone, I'd like to tell a bit about this boat to fellow MFG'ers -- atleast what I can remember, without getting into too many details (unless you desire).
My father could tell you everything down to the 1/64" of transom modification and materials used to reshape the rear 'pad' of the hull for top speed; however he is no longer here to share that information, so I will do my best. R.I.P., and Thanks, Dad. (1935-2008)
Here is the only digital picture I have of the boat; I will scan and post MANY more as long as there is interest in the story of this '71 Caprice.
This is from late July, 2006 near Little Traverse Bay, Michigan -- 25 miles from the Top'O'Michigan race. At left is me at 21, at right eldest brother at 23...and my father in the background at 71 (I wish I would've put him in the picture).
In this picture; [Note]
-Jacked up Mercury (badged a 175 V6 2-stroke) though realistically more in the 215-225 range thanks to a series of factory Kiekhaefer and aftermarket parts
-Center-Console moved 10" to the rear
-updated "MFG" badging and custom pinstriping
-custom rub-rail of stainless with robinson hardware
-custom bow-rail of stainless
-Unsure of what prop is on in this picture...(We have 4-5 props for the boat, ranging from a composite 4-blade "keep the wife quiet prop" to a John Janicky/Don Hendrich 3-blade Chopper. I believe this picture shows a 3-blade Raker, but I can't say for sure.)
-Some might note 13" 1978 BMW 320i wheels on the trailer. : )
If you guys want me to share all about this boat and its engine variations through the years, I'm more than happy to!
EDIT: In the end, Pete on a solo run ran it to 65.4 MPH via Garmin GPS.
Regards,
Stu
