Name/Title
RaceboatEntry/Object ID
2001.009Description
The two largest fleets of race boats were built and owned by Gar Wood and Horace Dodge, Jr. Dodge was obsessed with overtaking Wood's press title as America's speedboat king. Baby Watercar was one of Dodge's early race boats that were based on the 25'-6" standard production runabout hull. It was Dodge's idea that he could create a strong image for his standardized runabouts by modifying a nearly stock hull into a Gold Cup contender. It was a beautiful craft with high expectations. The most significant alteration was the addition of its enormously powerful 24-cylinder Duesenberg engine, rated at 400 HP.
It would be one of the featured boats at the 1926 Gold Cup Regatta held in Manhasset Bay, Long Island, NY. For the Dodges it was a family affair as they presented what would be known as the "Dodge Navy". Horace would be driving Solar Plexus, his sister Delphine was driving Nuisance, her husband was assigned to Baby Watercar, and two of their staff would be driving Impshi and Detroit Watercar. All in all there would be five Dodge race boats among the 14 entries for the Gold Cup. The Dodge Brothers Auto Dealers Association was listed as the official sponsor of Baby Watercar.
Unfortunately, during the 6th lap of the first heat, J. H. Cromwell driving Baby Watercar caught the swells of another boat and turned completely over, throwing himself and his crew into the Bay. The following racing season, Dodge renamed the boat to Bottoms Up.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
2001.009Source or Donor
Coffin, DavidAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Manufacturer
Horace E. Dodge Boat WorksDate made
1926Notes
Early Date: 1926
Propulsion: inboard gasoline
Engine: Dusenberg
MPH: 70 0.
Cylinders: 24
HP: 860Location
Building
*William J. Morgan Building
