Tetherboat Photo Gallery

1939

Mr. Adam's family owned a metal stamping business located in Detroit.

The company was used during WWII to secretly manufactured the metal casings for the two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

1946

Mr. Succarde was a pattern cutter for the Finks Overall company in Detroit, MI for 38 years. The company we know of today as Carhartt. Mike’s model tetherboats were considered some of the fastest flash steam boats in North America.

1938

Mr. Bacsanyi moved from New York to Detroit sometime in the mid 1920’s. 

He was hired by the Packard Motorcar Company. Mr. Bacsanyi presented a letter from his previous New York employer which read:

 “Anyone hiring Mr. Bacsanyi 

will benefit from his employ.” 

The statement on company's letterhead 

“Inventions Perfected and Built"

1937

Mr. Grahm was a letter carrier in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey for 42 years. He was also the official photographer covering Tetherboat racing for Model Craftsman Magazine from 1935 to 1955.

"Photo By Bob Graham"

1946

Mr Terry lived in Detroit Michigan. He raced Royal Enfield motorcycles and owned a company that reconditioned bowling pins circa 1946.

1924

To the best of my knowledge F.F Field created tetherboat racing in Detroit. Arriving in Windsor, Ontario around 1920 from the United Kingdom he brought his hobby with him. At some point he organized fellow workers from a Windsor, Ontario automobile plant to create the Detroit Model Power Boat Club at Detroit's Water Works Park.

1946

Mr. Scott, a machinist and charter member of the Chicago Model Power Boat Club was tapped by Uncle Sam during WWII to machine beryllium copper prop shaft bushings for Submarines.

1939

Mr. Verhaeghe and his brother Charles were charter members of the Detroit Model Power Boat club. Both raced from the early 1930’s into the 1950’s

1946

Mr. Sevey was a member of the Philadelphia Model Power Boat Club.

At an early age Mr. Sevey was struck with polio. He parents, thinking he may be confined  to a wheel chair made arrangements for Ray to attend Watch Repair School which later became

his career.  His home built motor was meticulously crafted and as they say  "Runs Like a Watch"

1939

Mr. Fraser was a member of the 

Detroit Model Power Boat Club in 1940. His two boats were discovered in an attic during a roof renovation around the year 2000. I have yet to see another steam turbine Tetherboat in 36 years of looking.

1961

Mr Kalfus was a charter member of the New York Model Knights Boat Club.

He was employed as an engineer for the Boroughs Machine Manufacturing Company in Poughkeepsie, New York.

A prolific engine builder and holder of the first model boat 100 MPH record.

He would fly to attend boat races around the country in his Piper J-3 Cub airplane.

1929

"The Aero Midget" This boat was found at an estate sale in Detroit Michigan.

It's the only manufactured tetherboat in my collection. Gil Manufactured this model boat from 1929 to 1933

and it sold for $93.50 which was a bit on the expensive side for the times.

The hood scoop on the boat is designed to gather air for engine cooling,  and is an added addition beautifully carved by the original owner of the boat.