In the 1950's or early 1960's a plan was released for a paddle hydroplane called Sonic Sippi - This was originally to be powered by a small diesel engine. Walter Snowdon actually built one!

Now one of our fellow clubmates, Doug White, has scaled it up a little and done an electric powered version - A photo of his model on the water last sunday is attached below..... He admits himself that it's not tremendously fast, but it does look impressive with it's huge rooster-tail

The model really needs a larger motor with more torque, but that's impossible as there just isn't room to fit one. So now he intends to build an even larger version so he can get everything inside. You have to give him credit for persevering with it!

If he's successful, the model may even make an appearance at our Paddler Day later this year....

Regards
Eddy

Hi Eddy,

"Sonic Sippy", by Peter Holland, actually appeared in Vic Smeed's Model Maker Manual of 1957 - I have my copy open in front of me now. It was designed for the Albion "Dart" 0.5cc diesel.

Rick