Prop Riders: 60 Years of Racing Hydroplanes

by Bill Holder, Phillip Kunz

"The hot rod muscle cars of boat racing—hydroplanes powered by V-8 engines from Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, BMW, and Alfa-Romeo—are explained in detail in this book. Providing information on hull development, powertrain technology, drivers, safety measures, racecourse design, and the growing hobby of restoring vintage hydroplanes, this fully illustrated volume explores these specialized boats that skim atop the water balanced delicately on the propeller and three small parts of the hull. Included in the appendix is a list of postwar racing record holders, along with the names of their boats and the types of engine used. This examination of sleek, brightly painted hydroplanes appeals to the casual and dedicated enthusiast, boat racing fans, hot-rodders, and vintage boat hobbyists."

156 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Bill Holder has written 55 books in the transportation field, from automotive to aviation, in addition to thousands of articles to his credit. His non-bookwriting work is impressive too, with an Aerospace Engineering degree from Purdue University working on Boeing and NASA projects, as well as the US Army. Now retired, he continues to be Director of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, an organization he formed honoring dirt stock car drivers.