Cole CH1 Picklefork Drag Hydro

Description

Gorgeous, 1978 Cole model #CH-1 vintage drag hydro with trailer and engine

• Rare, Cole hydro with distinctive profile
• Solid hull, no known stress cracks or decomposition
• Larger fuel tanks require substantially less re-filling at the lake
• Well-maintained engine with minimal running hours
• Has full alternator / regulator charging system for battery
• Bilge pump
• Easy drain hose for engine oil
• Prop puller and anchor included
• Other extras listed below
• Tuned-up, READY to DRIVE.

UPDATE:For latest info on extras and other details, read the"FINAL POINTS"section near the bottom.

Background

The 18'-6" long hull was built by Cole Boats for the late drag boat racer Sunny Jones, in 1978. He later sold it (less engine) to an individual in 1981-82 from whom I bought it in '83 and who informed me that it once belonged to Sunny. I spoke with Sunny about it before my purchase and he said it was a very good boat and he had intended to race it in the Blown Alcohol Hydro class but (for reasons I can't recall) he scrapped the idea and decided to pursue racing Cole flats instead. So I bought it and installed the (freshly-built) Ford engine.

I enjoyed it as a recreational lake boat for about 2-3 seasons, raced it in one race and then had to (unexpectedly) relocate to Indiana. After moving it from Reno, Nevada, I only had it out to a lake 3-4 times. It has been in storage virtually from that point on and it is (sadly) now time for someone else to have the opportunity to enjoy it as I have.

I built the engine for this hydro. Being familiar with it, I am performing a "coming-out-of-storage" tune up and checkout. This will ensure that it is running normally for the buyer and ready to use.

Performance(with current engine)

In 1984 at Lake Lahontan, NV (4300'elevation), it ran 11.29 e.t. at 97.07 mph on an NDBA timed, quarter-mile drag course with 92 octane pump gas. It's now tuned for sea level (~700'). ET's and mph at this altitude are unknown but will surely be better due to the substantial (60-80) HP increase at lower elevation.

This hydro solidly constructed, and built to handle supercharged engines. As such, it makes for adurablelake or bracket racing boat. The hull is designed to handle lots of horsepower without cracking from stress.

About the PICTURES

The paint on this boat is gorgeous and highly reflective. This made it difficult to photograph. Environmental reflections may look like scratches. Also, unless the lightingangleis just right, the paint may look dull in some shots.If you're concerned about what appears to be a paint defect, try viewing the same area from some different photo angles if supplied. Please contact me directly about any specific concerns,to confirm whether something in the picture is actually damage or a reflection.

I have added captions to some pictures, to highlight where there is paint damage in the spirit of full disclosure. While this is an older boat, the paint is in excellent overall condition except for the SPECIFIC areas noted in the pictures. Please message me if you have ANY questions or concerns about something you see in one of the pictures.

Chrome

All external rudder and bracket mountings on rear of boat were recently re-chromed. They are a bit dirty in the picture but NOT pitted, except for cavitation plate bracket issue listed below. Also, the white flecks on the backs of the seats are dust from a towel, not pitting. The photos were taken in the winter, so thorough cleaning prior to shooting pictures was not possible.

Disclosure

As you can see from the detail included with this auction, our intent is to disclose anyknowndefects or issues. However it is possible that we may have missed some. So, if you have any particular concerns, study the pictures then ask for details in order to ensure your satisfaction. We will shoot pictures in areas of specific interest for serious bidders.

Hull Description

• Model: 1978 Cole CH-1 Drag Hydro with outboard steering

• Hull:Premium, sealed mahogany floor and stringers, built to withstand the stress of racing a supercharged alcohol motor (at the time of hull construction, in 1978)

• Steering: Deaver outboard with removable rudder, all fully chromed where possible

• Seating: Two seats, steering offset to left as shown

• Fuel System: left and right-side, spun aluminum tanks, approximately 10 gallons each; one Holley "blue" GPH110 electric fuel pump with external regulator; dual Fram HPG1 fuel filters (one on each tank), Russell high volume fuel log on carburetors

• Gauges: Jones mechanical tachometer driven from v-drive, Stewart-Warner "pro" oil pressure, voltmeter and water temperature gauges with electrical sending units where applicable

• V-Drive: Casale 10 degree, gear ratio probably 1:12 or 1:15 (unconfirmed but optimized for current engine and prop); Casale service documentation provided

• Propellers: Two (2) props supplied. Tom Black 3-blade cleaver (currently installed) and a 2-blade std. non-cleaver style (mfr. unknown)

• Mounting Hardware: Trimetric anodized in most areas

• Additional tools supplied: V-drive bearing puller, propeller puller, Casale v-drive documentation

• Accessories: Tether ignition kill switch, high volume electric bilge pump, short ~36" oar with retaining clip on stringer, water engine coolant intake and exhaust lines; battery mounting hardware,new12v battery, Lexan splash guard, leatherette bra for sponson towing protection, anchor, hold-down straps

Trailer Description

Custom Made tandem wheel trailer.

• Has vintageCrager "SS"look-alikewheels with good chrome

• Tires are rare, white-letter F70-14 and have good tread

• Chrome fenders and Black Imron-painted frame

• "BearingBuddies" on spindles for ease of lubrication; Protective spindle caps are included

Notrailer brakes but I have never needed them. This setup tows flawlessly with any truck or SUV that can legitimately handle a 2 receiver hitch and associated load. Trailer light connector wiring diagram included

Engine

Ford 429 V-8 engine; balanced and blueprinted 1968 short block, bored .030 over

• Crankshaft: Stock (base) 429 with chamfered oil holes (balanced)

• Connecting Rods: Rare,genuine Boss 429#C9AE-B (C9AZ-6200-B)

• Pistons: TRW L2366F +.030 forged pistons, with effective compression ratio of 10.8:1 or higher

• Oil System: Heavy duty billet distributor drive shaft; TRW hi-volume pump, clearanced and lapped; Milodon 9qt. front sump oil pan; Moroso vac-u-pan system.

• Heads: Original 1968 429 ported and fitted with 2.19" TRW intakes and 1.75" exhaust valves, screw-in studs,bronze valve guidesand Teflon seals. Crane 1.73:1 aluminumroller rockers. Crane pushrods custom-length fitted for proper rocker arm geometry.

• Camshaft: Schneider solid-lifter custom camshaft grind (spec card included).

• Timing Set: Cloyes True-Roller Timing Chain.

• Ignition: Mallory Unilite distributor withbronzedrive gear. MSD 6A ignition power amplifier. Mallory Voltmaster-II coil, Mallory 7mm stainless core, 7mm silicone spark plug wires

• Intake and Carburetors: Weiand Dual-Quad Tunnel Ram manifold with 2- Holley R-4778 700cfm double-pump carburetors with velocity stacks, screens and covers

• Cooling: Magnaflow marine water pump, Nicson front timing cover

• Headers: Bassett dry stack (black) with covers

• Electrical: Battery and charging system (alternator & regulator) included

• Other: Misc. documentation provided for Casale v-drive, ignition system and other parts, along with original Cole brochure

Known issues:

• Drivers seat has small crack in the vinyl upholstery of the removable seat cushion

• Shallow scratch on left-rear corner of hull (see photo)

• Small "ding" on the left sponson's outer point at the bottom

• Shallow scrape on right sponson edge

• Smooth paint abrasion on left and right side rear, no damage to fiberglass

• Light stains in paint from fuel tank overflow near filler neck

• Water-repellant coating under hull is showing some wear

• Cavitation plate bracket has some peeling chrome

• Misc. small nicks in paint in various places but are so small they don't show in pictures

• Some scratches in paint on rear trailer deck from the scag on the sponson

• Dent in trailer-boat chrome center-front hold-down bracket

• Small dimple in right, trailer fender, toward inside

• Sponson bra is showing signs of wear with "fuzz" coming off, along with some minor tears

NOTE: If there is any weird picture coloration, it is probably glare or reflection(check the images closely). If there is a point that you're concerned with, ask me for a specific picture.

Delivery:

Plan for weekend pickup but will negotiate this.Buyer will be responsible for the (additional) costs incurred to move or to arrange local pick-up in Indianapolis, IN. The boat and trailer combination weigh in at about 2860 lbs. If necessary, we will assist buyer in coordinating local shipping or "packing" arrangements to the extent possible.

FINAL POINTS: Because I want the buyer to betotally satisfied, I am installing a NEW battery, fresh Mobil 1 full synthetic racing oil, Motorcraft FL-299 (tall, extended flow) oil filter, new, hi-flow fuel filters, new 50cc carburetoracceleratorpumps and gaskets.

As mentioned earlier, I'll alsobe tuning it up and checking it thoroughly as if I was taking it out to run myself. Check my classifieds board ratings, consider these details and buy with confidence! Message me for additional business references if necessary.