31ft "Miss Supertest" Inspired Wooden Racing Runabout | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

Miss Supertest I and II represent the early "golden age" of unlimited hydroplanes, featuring long, sleek mahogany hulls reinforced with aluminum alloy to withstand the violent forces of high-speed racing. Miss Supertest II, at 31 feet long, showcased an evolved "three-point" design that allowed the boat to ride on a pocket of air, touching the water at only three small contact points. This combination of traditional wood craftsmanship and aerospace-inspired aerodynamics made these vessels the most formidable machines on the water during the late 1950s.



Our workshop builds faithful recreations using premium marine Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, and Teak-reinforced with fiberglass cloth and sealed with high-grade marine epoxy. Each boat is handcrafted using traditional plank-on-frame methods, finished with multiple coats of marine spar varnish to achieve deep gloss and long-lasting protection. The interior is updated with modern marine-grade vinyls while retaining the period-correct aesthetic and polished hardware. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months depending on the specific model and structural requirements.



General Characteristics:

- High-strength African Mahogany and marine plywood hull construction

- Authentic "three-point" hydroplane lift geometry (on Version II)

- Minimalist single-seat cockpit with mechanical period-correct gauges

- Custom engine bay designed for Rolls-Royce Griffon or Merlin V-12 powerplants





Dimension:

- Original Designer: Jim Thompson

- Length Overall (LOA): 31ft

- Beam: Approx. 10.5 ft

- Draft: Very shallow (hydroplane design)

- Seating capacity: 1 pilot (pure racing configuration)



Performance & Use:

Designed for breaking records and high-stakes competition, the early Miss Supertest models are the ultimate choice for collectors of racing heritage. With the deafening roar of a V-12 engine and a massive "rooster-tail" spray, these recreations deliver a powerful, visceral experience, making them the centerpiece of any prestigious classic boat show or high-speed demonstration.



Disclaimer: This boat was designed by Jim Thompson. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by him or his company.
The Miss Supertest legacy began in 1950 when the Thompson family acquired the former Miss Canada IV and renamed it Miss Supertest I. While this initial version served as a vital testing bed for the massive Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, it was the successor, Miss Supertest II, that truly shocked the racing world. Launched in 1954 and designed by Les Staudacher, Miss Supertest II became a world-record breaker, famously setting a world water speed record of 184.494 mph in 1957. This first generation of "Supertests" proved that a Canadian team could compete with-and eventually surpass-the dominant American hydroplanes of the era.