Predator Solutions
Member
Does anyone have any information on the very first people to build or run airboats in Florida? Who were they? Years they ran the boats, types of motors, props, materials any information like that would be appreciated.
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Origin of florida airboating
- Thread starter Predator Solutions
- Start date
John Fenner
Well-known member
A few years ago we had a meeting with a lady from the state historical archives at the AAOF and many stories were documented by many people, I have lost the contact to the lady, but I'm sure her reports are available somewhere.
The first airboat concept was a plywood hull, a model A Ford engine, and literally no rudders, you leaned your weight to steer, just think of a pole boat with a fan on the back.
The first airboat concept was a plywood hull, a model A Ford engine, and literally no rudders, you leaned your weight to steer, just think of a pole boat with a fan on the back.
JLP3314
Well-known member
Man alive I'd seen the wood prop wood hull ford boats but never realized they had no rudders! That's put a pucker factor in gator hunting big time back then LOL!
Predator Solutions
Member
Any info around this pic?
keebo
Well-known member
My wife’s Great Uncle Dewitt Upthegrove in 1952
A write up was done in the Saturday Evening Post back then with he and her other uncle Norman Padgett. Story was called Night Riders of the Everglades.
We have the magazine and I have posted these here before back about17-18 years ago but saw this post and put it up there. There are a few more in the archives