The Pak is Back!

Story and photo by Herman Marchetti

Kennewick, Wash. — Friday, June 2nd was the official testing for the H1 Unlimited hydroplanes in the Tri-Cities. This year the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington showed off their newest absolutely beautiful, restoration, the 1973 Pay 'n Pak unlimited hydroplane.

Dr. Ken Muscatel leaves the Neil F. Lampson Pits for the first
running of the newly restored Pride of Pay 'n Pak from 1973.

With oversight from Museum director David Williams, the restoration team, and drivers Dr. Ken Muscatel and Mike Hanson, the Pak made four runs on the Columbia River in their first public showing.

A large crowd was on hand to witness the event and they were not disappointed. On the final run of the day, Mike Hanson buzzed the shoreline to the total delight of the fans. When Mike stepped of the boat he said, "Sometimes you just gotta have some fun.

Also on hand was the U-1 HomeStreet Bank with champion Jimmy Shane, U-9 Jones Racing Les Schwab with Andrew Tate, u-21 PayneWest Insurance with Brian Perkins, U-440 with Dustin Echols, and Grand Prix West GP-15 with Greg Hopp.

All the boats made multiple runs and no major issues came up. it was a great day on the shores of the Columbia River.

The Pak is officially back

June 2, 2017 — Tri-Cities — It's official! The Pak is really back!

After a 40 year hiatus, the 1973 Pay ‘n Pak returned to the Columbia River. Participating in H1 Unlimited’s annual Spring Training test session, the “Winged Wonder” made its official public debut following an extensive four-year restoration.

The 1973 Pak 'n Pak, with crew chief Mike Hanson driving, roars down the Columbia River.
Photo by Steve Connor.

Dr, Ken Muscatel purchased the Pay 'n Pak from the Dave Bartush collection in Detroit in 2012. The legendary hull was restored at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, in Kent, Wash., under the supervision of crew chief Mike Hanson.

Mary Henley, wife of former Pay ‘n Pak and Hall of Fame driver George Henley, was on-hand for the champagne christening of the boat before both Muscatel and Hanson put it through its paces with several runs throughout the day.

“We're approaching it (testing) in steps because we're still figuring out the props and making sure we don't melt down the engine - fuel, air, water, etc.,” explained Muscatel. “Mike (Hanson) and I had a plan that we followed Friday, and we got to 130+ MPH. But the props were pitched enough and the engine would over-speed at a little more than 1/2 throttle.”

“This is why you test (to anyone who doesn't think we put the gas pedal down, this is why),” continued Muscatel. “Both Mike and I have qualified turbines over 158 MPH on that course so we know which way the gas pedal goes.”

A crowd of dedicated hydroplane fans were on hand to view the spectacle. “A great day of unlimited testing in the Tri-Cities,” exclaimed an excited fan holding camera with a large telephoto lens. “Beautiful weather, catching up with old friends, making new ones, and witnessing the rebirth of a legend!”

David Williams, the executive director of the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, was quick to share the same enthusiasm. “These guys ROCK! It was a great day testing the Pak on the Columbia river. We went out four times and tried three different propellers. Learned a lot and it is always a very special time when you see a new Museum crew learn to work together and become not just a team, but a real band of brothers.”

Designed and built by master hydroplane build Ron Jones, the Pay 'n Pak ranks among the all-time great thunderboats with 22 race victories. It stands as the first hydroplane of any shape or size to be built of aluminum honeycomb, rather than marine plywood. It was also first hull to sport a horizontal stabilizer wing.

The hull’s debut was a success and it is scheduled to return in July for the 2017 HAPO Columbia Cup as a part of the vintage exhibition.