Reprinted from The Daily Chronicle, April 19, 1969
SPOKANE (Special) - Dave Heerensperger, owner of the Pacific Northwest's Pride of Pay 'n Pak unlimited hydroplane, said here today that his crew chief has completed the design of a revolutionary propeller which should add from 10 to 15 mph to the boat's assault on the world water speed record for one mile. The attempt will take place on Lake Guntersville, Alabama, May 19th.
“Jack Cochrane ordered three of these propellers, each with different degree of pitch. One will do the job, of that I'm sure," Heerensperger said. The propellers will be hand-forged in Italy to the specifications laid down by Cochrane and by Joe Mascari, internationally renowned propeller expert. Mascari expects to make a personal trip to Italy supervise completion of the wheels.
Heerensperger explained that the new propellers will be an improved version of the familiar "elephant ear" design now in use on several unlimiteds. "These elephant ears will look like they come from African elephants, they're so big," said Heerensperger. The particular design provides for much more blade surface than conventional propellers, with a corresponding increase in thrust potential and speed.
The Pay 'n Pak owner said propellers with 19.21 and 22 inches of pitch have been ordered. All will be 13 inches in diameter. "Slide rule calibrations indicate to us that the 22 inch propeller will be the one to use. After all, we're trying to break a record of 200.419 mph.
"I'd use the biggest wheel we can to get as much top speed as possible," the owner stated. He also revealed that Cochrane and Pay 'n Pak crew members have completed work on most of the 12 engines reserved for the record attempt.
