New Boat, Same Name ~ Vulture 1972 to 1976
Vulture – 20′ Gilflite Hydroplane – This remarkable Speedboat was built by the talented Dave Gill (he also built the first Vulture), who expertly designed it along the lines of the Picklefork style. In the above photo, you will notice that the Vulture had its nose skillfully filled in to enhance its aerodynamic efficiency. The boat was meticulously fitted out by the experienced craftsman Dave Tenny, ensuring every detail was attended to. John Lewis’ first test drive took place on Sunday, 24th September 1972, at Lake Eppalock. During this initial testing phase, the Vulture was powered by a robust 327 c.i. Chev engine, which was later replaced by a more powerful 350 c.i. Chev engine, previously used in the former Vulture model.
'This Vulture will Scream over the Water'
ONE OF Victoria’s fastest skiff speedboat men, John Lewis, will race a hydroplane in the coming season. The new boat is scheduled to make its debut at the interstate Hydroplane meeting at Wagga on 15th October 1972. Called Vulture II after his 90 mph plus skiff, the new boat is a Dave Gill pickle fork design and should be ready for testing in two to three weeks. It will have the typical cutaway nose which is done to move the boat’s aero-dynamic lift centre farther aft.
The boat will be 20 ft. long and Lewis plans to use the 327 Chevrolet motor from Vulture his skiff. This should give the hydroplane a top speed of between 115 mph, and 120 mph.
Unlike a tunnel-hulled boat, the hydroplane must keep its cornering speed high to keep it floating on the three contact points with the water. A tunnel hull can turn far more sharply but its top speed is generally lower than that of the hydroplane.
The October Wagga meeting will see the Sydney Hydroplane Club throw out a challenge to any Victorian hydroplanes. Entries will be broken into three classes with three boats in each racing off against each other in elimination series. The classes will be 100 cu in., 155 Cu. in. and unlimited size of engine. Four boats will race in each heat.
De Fraga, C., 1972, ‘This Vulture will Scream over the Water’, THE AGE BOATING, Friday, Sept., 8th.
Vulture II Performs Well
I was fortunate to discover a brief 8mm recording that captures John Lewis in the process of preparing for a race in 1975. The year is evident from the footage, as Vulture is seen sporting a Tri-fin, he utilized during his victorious campaign for the E. C. Griffith Cup. Additionally, the Tri-fin was only employed for a brief period. At the beginning of the video, we observe John speaking to the tractor driver. Afterwards, John talks with Malcolm Sharp, who assists in the securing the bulky Record Lifejacket.
It is lesser known, but John’s intense focus and desire to excel led to significant anxiety before each race. However, the moment he assumed command of Vulture, this anxiety dissipated. The build-up to a race would provide him with the necessary edge to perform at his peak: to reach the buoy first, to race with fearlessness and precision, and show off his skills at the end of the race.
