Motor Testing Weekend in Arnold, MD

More than 30 people showed for the motor testing this past weekend, where over a dozen pre-1980 outboards were tested as part of an Engine Technical Committee initiviative.  Some of us were lucky enough to get a tour of the infamous “Glue Factory” where PropTalk’s #67 Molotov and #78 Toothache II were constructed!  The Engine Committee will submit their conclusions to the Executive Committee for review.  Photos from the weekend may be viewed in the Motor Testing photo album on our Photo Gallery page.

The testing ended with Don Johnson’s 1952 KG-4 Mercury tested on Sundowner by Jack Pettigrew and Kim Granbery, and raced against Todd Steffes’ 8-hp powered Hot Toddy – there was no straight-line contest at all!  The KG-4 passed Hot Toddy as if she was powered by a vintage 6 – watch the video here.  Of note, steering parts were borrowed from other boats and the Glue Factory made a transom wedge on the moment to get the KG-4 ready for the water.  Also, at the end of testing, it was fun to watch Todd act as TowBoatUS as he retrieved a 24′ deep-v using his 8-powered Hot Toddy.