Classic Race-Boat

Jinx Design - B Class Runabout

A Little Bit of History

The ‘Jinx’ was designed by Hal Kelly primarily for Class ‘B’ stock utility racing in the United States to qualify under the 1955 A.P.B.A rules. It was designed to weigh, with all its hardware just under 140 lbs. The overall length is 11’, the beam is 50” and the bottom width is 34”.

In 1952 this particular boat finished 9th out of 74 in the Albany to New York marathon. The owner and driver at the time Harold ‘Hal’ Kelly got lost during the marathon, being the first one he had entered in. He was quoted as saying “if I hadn’t got lost she would have finished in the money”. The waves at Haverstraw Bay on that particular day were 4 feet high, even the winning boat a big class ‘D’ boat broke its keel in the rough water. The little ‘Jinx’ came through it all unscathed. That ought to speak for its rough-water ability and in short course races it came in first several times.

Our Jinx

In September 2005 we decided to build our own Jinx race-boat and set about sourcing plans to do so. In December 2005 construction was well underway on the first boat and we had our goal of getting two boats finished in time for the 2006 Seresin Estate Antique & Classic Boat show at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, New Zealand. We named the boats B1 & B2 after the order they were built in. B3 is currently under construction in Nelson.

At the show our boats B1 & B2 were jointly awarded ‘Best New Boat Built for the Show’

As you can see by the photos it is a simple boat to construct
so anyone can give it a go at home.

Why Not Build Your Own Jinx?

If you would like to build your own Jinx Race-boat we have a jig available for use in New Zealand, at a small charge. All you have to do is freight the jig from out base in Picton to your place and return it once completed.

Build your own classic jinx boat

We are happy to help you out with advice during the construction process. If you do not want to attempt to build your own, but would love to own one, we can quote to construct the boat to a certain stage or build the complete boat for you.

If you have any queries, or would like further info, please don’t hesitate to contact
Gavin Jamieson on (+64) 027 450 5566 or (+64) 03 573 7072

Email: enquiries@ezyaz.co.nz