Description:
Miss Supertest I and II represent the early "golden age" of unlimited hydroplanes, featuring long, sleek mahogany hulls reinforced with aluminum alloy to withstand the violent forces of high-speed racing. Miss Supertest II, at 31 feet long, showcased an evolved "three-point" design that allowed the boat to ride on a pocket of air, touching the water at only three small contact points. This combination of traditional wood craftsmanship and aerospace-inspired aerodynamics made these vessels the most formidable machines on the water during the late 1950s.
Our workshop builds faithful recreations using premium marine Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, and Teak-reinforced with fiberglass cloth and sealed with high-grade marine epoxy. Each boat is handcrafted using traditional plank-on-frame methods, finished with multiple coats of marine spar varnish to achieve deep gloss and long-lasting protection. The interior is updated with modern marine-grade vinyls while retaining the period-correct aesthetic and polished hardware. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months depending on the specific model and structural requirements.
General Characteristics:
- High-strength African Mahogany and marine plywood hull construction
- Authentic "three-point" hydroplane lift geometry (on Version II)
- Minimalist single-seat cockpit with mechanical period-correct gauges
- Custom engine bay designed for Rolls-Royce Griffon or Merlin V-12 powerplants
Dimension:
- Original Designer: Jim Thompson
- Length Overall (LOA): 31ft
- Beam: Approx. 10.5 ft
- Draft: Very shallow (hydroplane design)
- Seating capacity: 1 pilot (pure racing configuration)
Performance & Use:
Designed for breaking records and high-stakes competition, the early Miss Supertest models are the ultimate choice for collectors of racing heritage. With the deafening roar of a V-12 engine and a massive "rooster-tail" spray, these recreations deliver a powerful, visceral experience, making them the centerpiece of any prestigious classic boat show or high-speed demonstration.
Disclaimer: This boat was designed by Jim Thompson. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by him or his company.
History:
The Miss Supertest legacy began in 1950 when the Thompson family acquired the former Miss Canada IV and renamed it Miss Supertest I. While this initial version served as a vital testing bed for the massive Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, it was the successor, Miss Supertest II, that truly shocked the racing world. Launched in 1954 and designed by Les Staudacher, Miss Supertest II became a world-record breaker, famously setting a world water speed record of 184.494 mph in 1957. This first generation of "Supertests" proved that a Canadian team could compete with-and eventually surpass-the dominant American hydroplanes of the era.