1958 Miss Bardahl

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Comment by Robert Frank on March 11, 2015 at 9:30am

I was in my teens, and going to high school in Seattle, when she was running.  My buddy and I used to love watching that green thing move out on Lake Washington.  Got to meet both Slovak and Regas.  Remember taking a wood model of Miss Thriftway, and converting it over to a Miss Bardahl. (doing the cowling and tail was the real challenge)  Looked pretty darn good too.  Have lived up here in Alaska for many, many years now.  So you can imagine it's a little tough to just hop in the car and drive on over.  But if I was down there, I'd sure be over there constantly to help out on this restoration your doing.  It would give me great joy.  Who knows though, if I could shake loose for a month or two, maybe I could come down.  Sure would love to.

Keep up the good work, wish I was there, Rob

Comment by Glenn D. Raymond on April 29, 2012 at 10:09pm

Thought I'd post an update on the first "Green Dragon". The restoration has turnred into a bigger job than first expected. Greg Hedman is in charge of "all things boat" and has found lots  wood /aluminum frames that have seperated from each other over time. The glues used back in 1958 are not what they are today. New frames have been made  and installation should begin in the near future. There was also lots of wood contamination with oil hidden inside the hull.. Cleaning continues, then the exposed wood is being resealed as necessary. Aluminum pieces were added (glue & through bolts) to some deck frames that were found to have  cracks from age. The work is slow, but Miss Bardahl will be a good solid boat when finished.

The engine overhaul continues. It was decided to take the engine all the way down and completely overhaul it.  The main & rod bearings were replated, the valves and seats have all been ground, clyinders honed and straightened as necessary, and finally  the cylinder banks were reassembled. The block and accessory housing have been reassembled and painted.  We are awaiting the arrival of new rings projected for early May, then final assembly can begin.

Pictures in my 2 photo albums: " 1958 Miss Bardahl boat repair" and "1958 Miss Bardahl  engine repair" were both recently updated.

If you ever wanted to help restore a hydroplane come on down Tuesday and Thursday evenings and lend a hand. And remember if you put in 200 hours, you'll earn a ride!

Glenn

Comment by Warren Bronoske on March 25, 2012 at 10:08pm

Can't wait to see the Green Dragon snort fire and roar with the thunder of her super charged Allison

Comment by wayne rousseau on June 13, 2011 at 1:33pm

She was another great Lady !!

Comment by Glenn D. Raymond on February 13, 2011 at 8:44pm

Hi Hans,

We'd love to have you come visit. Evening work crews on Tuesday and Thursday nights start around 6 pm. Be sure to bring your camera!

Glenn

Comment by Hans Larson on February 9, 2011 at 8:07am

I am going on trip to the US in april and plan to visit the museum and Jensen Boat Works. If you are working on Miss Bardahl on tuesday & tursday evenings, do you open the doors for swedish guys too? I´d love to come and take a look and maybe work too.

Comment by Bill Collins on January 9, 2011 at 9:23pm

Thank you for the response, Glenn.  I look forward to seeing her run again, as I do all of the restored and replica hydroplanes.  As a child I was a huge Miss Wahoo fan and was at the pits when the replica Miss Wahoo made her first run. Even had a chance to meet Mira.  I just wish Seafair would allow for vintage racing (exhibition) like we saw in 2000.  The Tri-Cities race association has the right idea.  I guess I will have to make the trip to the Columbia and Lake Chelan if I want to see the old girls run side by side.

Comment by Glenn D. Raymond on January 9, 2011 at 9:08pm

Hi Bill,

 The Miss Bardahl got a quickie restoration when she came out of the Goodwill. 99% of the wood and aluminum sheeting was original at that point. Time has since taken its toll on some of the 50+ year old parts and so they need to be replaced (rot). We are also adding a few new systems as mandated by our insurance (fire suppression and emergency kill switches). Hoses are being replaced as necessary especially fuel lines (leaks and hose decomposition are not good things).The engine was a used engine when installed so, is being disassembled partly to check it over and repair if necessary. The plan is to run the boat again this Summer. We're always looking for more volunteers. Feel free to come down if you like. Tuesday and Thursday evenings--we'll even feed you dinner. 200 hrs. of work earns you a ride too!

Comment by Bill Collins on January 9, 2011 at 8:40pm

I thought the 1958 Miss Bardahl was restored to running condition after it left the Goodwill store and ran in 2000?

Comment by Glenn D. Raymond on January 9, 2011 at 7:19pm

I added a new photo album today titled"1958 Miss Bardahl repairs". I'll update it as time permits.

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