Mercury KG-9 Hydroplane

[@paulr.3220]

What a great grandpa to work so hard to share the joy of small hydro's. 3 points rule. Nice boat and motor with high speed lower unit.

[@miketee2444]

Introduce pops to some starter in a can. It will thin that smoke out. Definitely a lucky fella. Glad I grew up much the same.

[@531671967]

Really cool video, the kid will remember that "moment" for the rest of his life. I dont think he realizes how special that rig really is.Very lucky to be given the chance to drive that.Enjoy the old boats/motors...........Stay safe!

[@arrowinquire]

This matches my mid-60's childhood experience (right down to the paddle stowed in the bow) on Warren Pond (NH) with a hydroplane my brother and father built from Glen-L plans. We used an Evinrude. We so badly wanted a Merc, but dad wouldn't spring for it! I miss those days!

[@DavidWilson-eu1mv]

Brings back a lot of memories. My grandfather built race boats in Wisconsin and my uncles and cousins raced them. I was going to race one in 1967 but the military got in the way.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks for the memories

[@agmc4me]

Fantastic video and build. Great driving Joe!

[@Shornandkenny]

What a wild ride!. The kid can drive! And grampa can pull!

[@flaplaya]

The beginning of this video was awesome, I knew what was "in store". To the driver- heck yeah! Keep that up.

[@mikemisch7968]

I lived most all my spare time in a hydro when I was a kid. (built my first and second one in the basement for a winter project) We started out with the Merc KG-7 ( 2 cylinder) and went about 55-60 with a Quicksilver lower unit. Then on to the 44 cubic inch 4 cylinder Merc's (95 MPH) and then my buddy added a turbcharger and it was so fast that we decided it was too much. ( Oh yes, to those of you that think a turbo won't work on a 2-stroke...think again. )

[@deepsea5107]

Turbos work pretty well on 2 stroke snowmobiles. :) Those hydros are pretty snappy with a 3-cylinder Evinrude (60-70 HP), that have been lightened up. A 140 HP Johnson brings things to a whole new level. Sadly we never learned the full potential of that setup, due to one of our co-owners being killed in it while testing that particular setup.

[@jimmyhudzgarage]

That looks like so much fun. Cool little boats. I just ordered the plans for the Hal Kelly Ben Hur hydroplane. I hope I'm smart enough to build it.

[@aj2674]

From 0:00-1:30 is a salute to dads everywhere, lol

[@grilledmortal4096]

Lucky kid!

[@michaelloss6288]

Hell yes that looks like so much fun.

[@thud9797]

Agree on the helmet, just takes one crazy thing to happen.

[@jimmytiler5522]

Back in the early 70's me dad and brother and I built these straight out of popular mechcanics and in a day or two.The longest we waited was for the glue and paint to dry.Neighbor kid liked is so much me dad and I and brother built him one. In those days a working order 10hp merc which was red then made that speed huydro quick as lightning. They are fantastic building lesson for kids and DAD use to get on it all the while me mom screaming ,"slow down Bob you aint no kid,"i would nug her and say mom are you sure,lololol

[@cpgixxer]

That KG flies, awesome sound.

[@lemesnil1]

Rockin.... sweet plane !

[@voxnut]

Super cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickz7657]

awesome vintage hydro.... thanks

[@prorider608]

Looks fun

[@chrisjask8814]

Had a boat just like this when I was a kid good times . Trick was to start with prop off and warm up engine then bolt prop back on. Pull and go , the farther back you could get your body the faster it went . I use to run in a lake that had a 10 hp limit, game wardens and local fisherman hated me but nothing they could do I was within the rules of the lake (fountain head in va) they probably now have a speed limit there.

[@davidross53]

Dam he was flyin

[@sm0ky40]

awesome run !

[@mrprism88]

Cool video! Don't let other folks bring you down. You can't educate everybody! Yes in PWC racing we wear helmets...not because we come off and hit the water but because there is a high possibility of hitting another racers craft. Take away the high traffic of racing and the helmet isn't as necessary. In fact, neck injury is increased because of the fluidity of water and the increase in head size from the helmet. It also makes the head less buoyant if consciousness is lost. When we practice we don't wear helmets because of these reasons. I've come off at over 70 mph with no head injuries while practicing. Come off at 50 in a race and your neck and shoulders are sore for a week. The vest is satisfactory as well. Good job!

[@hangemhigh2000]

+mrprism88 That's like the dumbest thing I ever heard. In court that's what's called MOOT. You have no proof cept hearsay. Then even more nuts, you go on about how you feel the vest is satisfactory. Nope, its not coast guard approved and has no collar to turn your head face up and hold your head above water. You better check yourself before you tell others what's OK or not. That's another problem with America today, no matter how wrong they are they are always right, right?.

[@mrprism88]

Its the US Coast Guard that come up with the impact, buoyancy and other safety ratings. While I dont have that vest right in front of me, I'm willing to bet its rated as a Coast Guard approved #3 rating. From what your comment implies, you want him to wear a #5 off shore vest...these offer little chest impact protection but better head bouyancy for unconsciousness. In racing, we want a vest that gives great impact protection, great bouyancy and still affords good mobility. Almost all personal watercraft racers are wearing #3 vests for just those reasons. Please know what you're talking about before bashing others. If a Coast Guard cutter stopped him and inspected his vest, he is adequately outfitted in their eyes...then again they would have left him alone after a look through the binoculars. This is coming from a Coast Guard family in case you require validation.

[@mrprism88]

Its the US Coast Guard that come up with the impact, buoyancy and other safety ratings. While I dont have that vest right in front of me, I'm willing to bet its rated as a Coast Guard approved #3 rating. From what your comment implies, you want him to wear a #5 off shore vest...these offer little chest impact protection but better head bouyancy for unconsciousness. In racing, we want a vest that gives great impact protection, great bouyancy and still affords good mobility. Almost all personal watercraft racers are wearing #3 vests for just those reasons. Please know what you're talking about before bashing others. If a Coast Guard cutter stopped him and inspected his vest, he is adequately outfitted in their eyes...then again they would have left him alone after a look through the binoculars. This is coming from a Coast Guard family in case you require validation.

[@mrprism88]

Its the US Coast Guard that come up with the impact, buoyancy and other safety ratings. While I dont have that vest right in front of me, I'm willing to bet its rated as a Coast Guard approved #3 rating. From what your comment implies, you want him to wear a #5 off shore vest...these offer little chest impact protection but better head bouyancy for unconsciousness. In racing, we want a vest that gives great impact protection, great bouyancy and still affords good mobility. Almost all personal watercraft racers are wearing #3 vests for just those reasons. Please know what you're talking about before bashing others. If a Coast Guard cutter stopped him and inspected his vest, he is adequately outfitted in their eyes...then again they would have left him alone after a look through the binoculars. This is coming from a Coast Guard family in case you require validation.

[@hangemhigh2000]

mrprism88 your a walking contradiction to yourself. A class 3 vest is not coast guard approved. Does it say, like you said, when another boat bumps you without your helmet on, does it turn your face up with a collar so you don't drown? If its not stamped on the PFD by the way,US Coast guard approved, its not. Sheez. Just cause everybody jumps off a bridge don't mean I am. The best vest to wear is the inflatable ones with the pill. Like the USAF wears. Oh you can call the US Coast guard and ask them.I talked to them in Annapolis MD HDQTs. They inflatable ones have the most movement. I'm not bashing you, your just so stupid your funny. Yes I had a hydroplane and i raced with a Ma west, what's it to you? Trying to look cute all the time. I didn't know I was dancing with the stars on a boat now I need so much movement. A coast guard cutter stopped him? LOL. Your so full of yourself. I get boarded not stopped, I get boarded by the coast guard in a small patrol boat, like the NY Police use. Go head, keep lying, your so funny. You have no clue what your talkin about.

[@danielyoung31]

Helmet?

[@thomasthuman2800]

Love it, lifes short have fun!😊

[@mololpop2972]

I'm 11 YOU FLOODED THE FUCK OUT OF THE MOTOR LOL

[@msg63bretired82]

Fun. Would definitely recommend a helmet

[@MrGtownjake]

That kid's going places...not very far in a lake mind you but he's going places. All kidding aside, awesome fun times! Looks like a total blast.

[@taimiraperez5440]

i just hope it does not turn off because with all that pulling he will not come out but great job loved it

[@theeasybeats5913]

Wish my old merc had a rope starter, simplicity is the best

[@michaelpryor2981]

BACK IN THE 60'S 70'S THAT WAS B STOCK HYDRO....... RAN THEM ALL OVER THE USE...ALL ABOUT RACING AND FUN...NOW THAT WAS RACING11

[@jbremerman4690]

My dad and his siblings raced those all over southern states in the 70s

[@LightSnowOvernight]

Gun it !!!!! Reminds me of my youth on Blue Sea Lake

[@kevinshaw3638]

looks ready for the big leagues hyroplain U1 class

[@treywood4332]

this is awsome

[@davedodge7761]

52 is moving on water.

[@dphotos007]

Fun boat, I built the same kind of boat in high school in 1975. Nice motor too. I just live the old outboards. On word of advise please have him wear a helmet. Always good to have extra safety.

[@frogsoda]

I read your comment at 1:20. It gave me hope.

[@davidwhite2029]

Have you replaced the coil with the new model--makes a word of difference on starting -- my MK55 now starts with 1 pull

[@wayneuk]

to think most kids are stuck in now days glued to the laptops

[@bobberger918]

High balling

[@miguelboisvert7375]

thats so fast, awesome boat

[@roadruner69]

This is what kids that know what there doing. End computers and kids will be what they should be. AMEN TO ALL THAT ARE LIKE THIS GREAT GENTLEMAN. NICE BOAT GUYS.

[@independentthinker8930]

Back when I had access to parts, I would put a 20H block and pistons on a KG4 crank and rods. Ran like a screaming demon till the crank breaks at the top. Common with the light crank

[@ThatMarinerGuy]

that kid is HAULIN SMALLS. Now... here are two things I noticed. 1 no killswitch. 2 no helmet. Safety first. Aside from that. That merc was a great engine. on alcohol even better. Jr. looks like he could be the next F-1 champ. props all the way.

[@RiverFlow58]

Yeah!

[@SingleSpeed427]

Very cool! Not only the boat and the "vintage" motor, but kid driving it and the look on his face! Total determination and concentration (and balls btw!) YEAH!!! Thank god there are still people out there that aren't a bunch of pansies, and don't "wimpify" their kids. No helmet for the win (many jet skis are faster and no helmet there.. geezus !@# people). And as for the "kill switch" comments, get a clue on how things work before you post. -=Mike G.

[@stevepowell5500]

Michael Gloomis thats funny, send a kid out on a 60 mph hydro that can " blow over"? A helmet isn't "wussifid", it's a damned good idea! Perhaps YOU need to get a clue?

[@SingleSpeed427]

steve powell To each their own I guess. I assume you would never let a kid ride a bicycle without a helmet either... Oh well. Anyway.. I wouldn't give someone a hard time if they wanted their kid to wear a helmet in this case, but in my opinion it isn't necessary either. I don't think he's doin' 60mph in that boat... but I could be wrong. Also.. it's upsetting how everyone thinks that they have the right to judge everyone else... self-righteous a55holes in this country these days. Oh.. I guess I should throw a personal attack in now, even though I don't know you huh? "sigh"

[@bradley2427]

There is no real danger for him to wear a helmet, no other boats around for him to get hit by if he falls out, plus he's wearing a killswitch.

[@darrenkastl8160]

@@stevepowell5500 Oh yea! I'll up that one and raise you this! 99.96mph on snow skis, blow it out your ass, please your getting all backed up! Even if it's four years latter, you didn't and won't lost that mindset!

[@octoma]

Fuck Yeah!!! Said the look on his face.

[@corycox6083]

Very kool

[@ravager349]

Ricky Bobby reborn, way to go kid!!!!

[@Mr00destruct0]

Skip ahead to 1:30, gees!

[@TheTomahawk2001]

lmao

[@terrywatson8912]

Not your kid! Not your boat! Not your bussiness!! Enjoy the video and keep your opinion to your self.

[@markking5457]

totally digging the honda shirt

[@Rlip]

Should really have a helmet and the right vest on!

[@TheeAthis]

Bad ass!!!

[@999ploop]

HELMET, Dad!!!

[@mercurymark10]

are those KG-9 s really that stubborn when starting, or was it just this one time?

[@pierremorin5397]

One hand on the steering wheel ?

[@dirtmudsnowandwater]

Dead man throttle if the kid lets go of the throttle the motor dies. Old school safety device.

[@independentthinker8930]

That's how it's done, I race modified outboards, one hand on wheel, other on the trottle and expansionchamber slide in some cases.

[@СергейТоропылин]

Молодцы!Парень и папа круты!Привет из России!

[@bryanhays7753]

Poor starting engine almost kept me from seeing the good stuff. I grew up on the water and had flat bottom hydros. This hydro really hauls, way faster than mine. I had a 50's era 18 hp engine and it was fun. Your 25 hp engine really moved that boat. A buddy down the beach had a nice 3 point like yours. Used a newer 20 hp and it was wicked fast. Almost lost it sponson walking. You boat was very stable. Thanks for sharing. BTW - does your engine have a choke?

[@1racemate]

merc dont need one

[@stephaneduquette9526]

is it 52 klm ???

[@rbppublicidade]

Lindo. Lindo. Parabéns!!!

[@505197]

I see a lot of helmet comments. I've wondered about how safe a helmet would be. I've wondered if you hit wrong if the rush of water into the helmet might pull your head off or break your neck. The one thing that caught my attention is taking his hand off the wheel to get a different grab on it. Boats want to turn right, I guess that set up must have a lot of friction to lessen the chances of that happening.

[@donalddarbonne779]

505197 boats want to turn if the engine is not placed correctly on the transom.

[@kamalito7650]

How old is he and did you register it

[@kylekuhn4892]

You can get a license when ur 10 in most states

[@SoFloCamejo]

That's gotta be fun as shit!!!

[@jonnybravo96]

is the engine seriously from 1952 or am i mistaking ?

[@1racemate]

yes it is

[@thewolfiegaming1415]

How old is he

[@jesse7055]

wow :) brave kid . I wonder if my minimax will go that quick with a 25hp. when you say 52 speed do you mean miles or kilometers?

[@notsure8041]

Drive it like you stole it !

[@1racemate]

you bet

[@christianalford582]

You have a cool grandfather kid

[@joshuabutler7282]

cool

[@ravinkhelawan735]

i want a boat like that

[@1racemate]

you have to build it

[@mistersnapon]

COOL!

[@208miuwu]

Maybe wat to get a drill with a socket to spin that motor. That is a piece of AMERICAN HISTORY

[@420sebastien]

Gotta love ur grampa

[@loganyeager5128]

imma built one but i need a 20 hp......got a 3.5 hp :(

[@cynzhero62]

I agree with rod ney

[@bigtn3685]

it's called starting fluid

[@1racemate]

dont need it

[@originalgangsta5462]

That is awesome. I think I would start it with battery power impact wrench or drill.but awesome just the same

[@baseline6786]

Must be nice.. not the boat. But the 2M dollar cottage on the lake.

[@elbowout]

This would be like me 1956 on lake George NY .ca. 60 mph!

[@B3nny11CoolPoint]

what's the first thing you do when a cold engine is started? yes you go full throtle!

[@independentthinker8930]

Obviously you have zero experience in this field

[@mckessa17]

Good workout, forget that gym membership.

[@karljcraig]

fucking great stuff go kid

[@ramblerman6832]

So all you people shouting about helmets wear them on your jet ski or while water skiing?? Relax! Somehow I survived my childhood riding around in helicopters and bicycling without a helmet and somehow, I survived.

[@PainterD54]

I guess you have to make that face when you ride one of those.

[@sultonidasapamungkas9064]

You need to service your machine

[@ajkalwaysneedsmoreinfo.576]

The Goldbergs got a boat

[@kennymegazuk]

no helmet .. not good .. still kid was having fun

[@ccwalker1982]

Shut up!

[@devilxdude]

DJ special K Helmet... Water... I'm not connecting the two here. No one I know wears helmets in boats.

[@mathiasdemeter8322]

i want to go fast

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

He wears the helmet of God

[@guitardude99999]

takes like 20 pulls

[@stephenwarren55]

Goggles, helmet, and especially, a neck brace. Grrrrr......

[@134NICKANDNICK22]

go go speed racer

[@diamondbear3289]

Guys it has a kill switch chill out and it water

[@georgejones-nz1qg]

Need to work on that engine. They're not supposed to be that difficult to get going.

[@thehificlub]

Ok vid, but a bit of editing at the "no" start might help. Started to become very boring.otherwise a hoot of a ride.

[@redneck4937]

Should let the old motor warm up

[@1racemate]

dont need to

[@haresplitter]

The motor is 60 yrs old dummies ..the kid has some 'nads :-)