Boat, Outboard
Name/Title
Boat, OutboardEntry/Object ID
2008.023Description
1959 Whirlwind Molded Plywood Boat 2008.23 Boat Type: Builder: Molded Products Inc Model: Original Power: 60 hp Oliver outboard Current Power: 75 hp Johnson outboard Length: Date Built: 1959 Whirlwind Molded Plywood Boats Cockeysville, MD The company that would create the Whirlwind Molded Plywood Boats began in 1947 when Molded Products, Inc. purchased the assets of the Allied Aviation Company. Right away the company attempted to build a boat without seams, that was light in weight and seaworthy, by using materials such as marine glue and mahogany-faced plywood veneers. The company only offered three models in its first year, two small outboard hulls and one sailboat, but by 1950 they were producing up to seven different models. During the Korean War production slowed down, but picked right up again by late 1951 when products became more readily available. Whirlwind began to start to see the beginning of its demise in the late 1950s, when fiberglass and metal boats were becoming more popular. Whirlwind attempted to keep up with the times by applying epoxy and fiberglass sprays to the hulls of their boats instead of the time consuming veneer finishes that they were previously building. However, by the recession of 1960-1961 Molded Products, Inc. were in their final decline. See photos in curatorial photo files.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
2008.023Source or Donor
Gene SetzerAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Manufacturer
WhirlwindDate made
1959Notes
Propulsion: OutboardLocation
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building