TOPIC: Only one made! Heli-bout goes to Gilligan.

Everytime I think I have all the boats I want, another one shows up. This boat is awesome! Made in 1960 for Evenrude Motors, designed by world famous designer Brook Stevens. They had designed a 75 hp motor that shifted from foward to reverse without having to turn off the engine. They wanted a boat to put it on that would attract attention to their new motor. I think they did a good job. The blades on top of it turn but do not lift the boat off of the water. Many people think it looks like the Jetsons car. However the Jetsons had not been created untill after this boat was made. Two more on my list, South Seas Samoan and Herters Rocket.

Wow, one of the holy grails of fiberglassics.
Gilligan, please tell us the story of how you found her and secured the purchase as there has to be a story there.
Last I heard it was at a museum of design or something. Is the plexiglass in nice shape? That's the epitome of unobtanium as far as windshields go.....
Bill

I am looking forward to seeing it,,It looks like it would be an easy one to duplicate since that is the only way I can have one hahaha congradulations GEORGE,,Bill

Outstanding acquisition! Good luck on the next two!

billr wrote:

Wow, one of the holy grails of fiberglassics.
Gilligan, please tell us the story of how you found her and secured the purchase as there has to be a story there.
Last I heard it was at a museum of design or something. Is the plexiglass in nice shape? That's the epitome of unobtanium as far as windshields go.....
Bill

I second that, I'd love to hear the story, and more pictures please.

Unfortunately previous sellers have misstated the history of the Heli-Bout and this has been perpetuated: the Heli-Bout was produced for the 1961 New York National Motor Boat Show, not 1960. 1960's introduction by OMC was the "Jet Stream" runabout (see bottom ad from the Feb 5, 1960 Chicago Tribune)

1956 - Evinrude Lark
1957 - Evinrude Fisherman (Fishin' Saucer)
1958 - Evinrude Station Wagon
1959 - Evinrude Housefloat
1960 - Evinrude Jetstream
1961 - Evinrude Heli-Bout


The following photo and article on the Heli-Bout is from the Jan. 6, 1961 New York Times and lists the concept boats of the preceding years.

Good job Andy!

Andreas

. WOW, GILL, Your OMC boat was just on TV with Sunday night episode on the TRAVEL channel , doing Tricked out TRAINS.. About 35 minutes into the hour show. They had this Famous industrial Designer, B.S.
He did the rear glass RR car of Hiwassia two tone color for the Milwaulakee (?) Road line... They also mentioned the Oscar Myer , Weiner-Mobile. some Harley Davidson motorcycles in his designs.. !!

CONGRATS.

Thanks for the update! I will have to watch that one.
Tom

"M-I-L-W-A-U-K-E-E"