Sande Ace Gathering of 2005
On July 30, there was a gathering of Sande Ace runabouts for the first time in perhaps 30-35 years. It occurred a few miles from where the three boats were built on Hood Canal in Washington state.
Ned Hamlin (left) brought his Ace which he restored to perfectly match the one he had as a youth in 1961. It is powered by a rebuilt 1961 45HP Merc 400.
Ed Waali (middle) had the Ace which his folks bought new in 1959. Although the motor has some trim of a 1959 Mark 58A, it has the powerhead from a 1962 Merc 450 and other parts from a 1962 Merc 400 and 1959 Mark 35A.
Tom Twiss (right) was there with the Ace that he and his wife bought in 1978 and later rebuilt. The steering in the front better balances the 65HP Suzuki motor.
A race between Ned and Ed with their white Mercury motors of the period finished the day. Tom with his newer 65 HP motor was "disqualified." Sorry, Tom! It was a lot of fun for the 50 people in attendance with Ned winning the race.
Ned, Ed and Tom with their Sande Aces.
Tom and his Ace.
Ed warming up. He never went this fast as a kid with the original Mark 35A!
Ned splashing at high speed while warming up.
And they're off and hunkered down!
Approaching the finish line at the spectator log boom with Ned winning the first Ace race in years!