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Spotlighter
River Rod Royalty
Blown vintage hydros and heirloom hot boats dominate the GNRS show floor
Inside the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, the thunder didn’t stop at the hot rods. Tucked among the country’s finest customs and street machines was a killer lineup of vintage ski hydros, circle boats, and heirloom river runners that brought serious waterborne attitude to the show floor. Blown big-blocks, hand-laid gelcoat, and family-built history were on full display, proving that the hot rod mindset runs just as deep on the river as it does on the street.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
Hot Rods of the Water
Chrome attitude, blown horsepower, and zero apologies—this lineup proved the hot rod spirit hits just as hard on water as it does on asphalt. Parked inside the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, these river bruisers stood toe-to-toe with the baddest customs, street rods, and hot rods in the country—and didn’t blink. From garage-built survivors to fully dialed river assassins, the formula was loud and clear: big engines, killer paint, and history you can feel in your chest.
Horsepower with Heritage
This wasn’t about pretty boats sitting quietly under the lights. This was blown big-block thunder, high-winding small-block scream, and vintage hardware with real miles behind it. Some owners kept things brutally honest with original gelcoat and period rigging, while others cranked the attitude with fresh power and razor-sharp finishes. Different paths, same mission—show up loud and leave an impression.
Built by Hands, Not by Accident
What separates these machines from the pack is the sweat equity baked into every hull. Family heirlooms, hard-earned restorations, and river-proven runners filled the floor with the kind of authenticity you can’t fake. Goldleaf striping, diamond-stitch interiors, precision rigging—every detail reflects builders who don’t cut corners and don’t follow trends. These boats weren’t ordered… they were earned.
The River Legacy Runs Wide Open
This display wasn’t just eye candy—it was a full-volume reunion of the river faithful planted right in the middle of hot rodding’s biggest indoor stage. Veterans swapped stories, the next generation took notes, and the machines sat there like loaded weapons waiting for water. One thing was obvious: the culture, the craftsmanship, and the obsession aren’t slowing down anytime soon. The hot rods of the water are alive, loud, and still running wide open.
1966 Hallett “A Survivor”
Some boats aren’t just built—they race, endure, and make history. The 1966 Hallett Ski Boat, famously called A Survivor, lives every chapter of water-ski racing’s golden era. It hit the spotlight at the 1966 LA Boat Show as a display model, but this wasn’t a wallflower—it was born to burn through the water.
Bob Denz took it from showpiece to full-throttle racer, kicking off a year of high-speed action before George Stewart of the Pasadena Speedboat Club pushed it even further. Circle racing, ski competitions, Southern California waters—A Survivor left its mark everywhere it went. By 1972, Susie and Richard Mansfield of the San Gabriel Valley Boat and Ski Club kept it alive and racing, preserving every ounce of its edge.
Fast-forward to 2016, and Mike King and Lynn Youngs resurrected this icon as more than a restoration—it’s a rolling tribute to legends and adrenaline-fueled history. Every line, every hull curve, every detail tells the story of the racers who made A Survivor one of the most storied boats on the water.
1967 Stevens “CONTAGIOUS”
CONTAGIOUS isn’t just a 1967 Stevens—it’s a family legacy brought to life on the water. This heirloom hull carries a 1963 Corvette 327ci small-block Chevy, originally salvaged when Dad parted out his Corvette and built the entire boat in his garage. Every line and bolt tells the story of a hands-on, homegrown creation, a true labor of love passed down through generations.
The recent restoration, handled by Jim Mobley, Tim Goodwin, and Outta Place Racing, honored that history with precision, keeping all original gelcoat and marine hardware intact. CONTAGIOUS rides today not just as a restored classic, but as a living testament to family, craftsmanship, and the passion that keeps river-running heritage alive.
1970 Sanger Shovelnose Hydro “Cheap Thrills”
Cheap Thrills, Bryan Shadinger’s 1970 Sanger Shovelnose Hydro, is a full-throttle classic with style and muscle to match. Power comes from a blown 540” built by Joey Grose, paired with High Power Marine rigging for precise, reliable control on the water.
The paint pops in Hell Fire Red with Goldleaf accents by Dan Urquhart, while the cockpit impresses with a custom camel-tan interior featuring diamond stitching by Ricardo Robles in Woodland, CA. Special thanks to Don Dunster, Joe Alcorn, and Ryan Smith for keeping this hydro running, looking, and performing at its absolute best—Cheap Thrills delivers pure river excitement with every run.
1972 Hondo “Summer Wine”
Nothing announces classic boat performance like a wide-open big-block, and John Shadinger’s Summer Wine makes a statement from bow to stern. This ’72 Hondo hits the traditional hot-boat formula with precision, featuring a bold, exposed 427ci engine crafted by Dennis Ochoa in Woodland, California. The candy-colored hull from Bertolucci’s in Sacramento shines under the sun, accentuating the sleek, aggressive lines that made these vintage river racers iconic.
Underneath, the setup is just as sharp. Dennis and Susie Ochoa handled the rigging with meticulous care, delivering a responsive, reliable package. Inside, Ricardo Robles’ cockpit work keeps it period-correct, crisp, and functional. Major props to Susie Ochoa for helping preserve this slice of river-running history, passing the legacy forward while honoring the ongoing tradition at Knights Landing.
1976 Sanger Ski Hydro “DOMINATION IV”
The 1976 Sanger Ski Hydro, DOMINATION IV, owned and driven by Dominick Napoleon, is pure river fury. Power comes from a 468ci full roller ski engine, blown and injected for maximum punch.
In 2023, the boat and trailer were completely overhauled—from paint to motor—thanks to the hands-on expertise of Big Tom, Carl Ollis, and Rick Moore. Every detail reflects a dedication to performance and craftsmanship, proving that DOMINATION IV doesn’t just run the river—it owns it.
1976 Sanger Ski Hydro “DOUBLE VISION”
The 1977 Sanger Ski Hydro, DOUBLE VISION, owned by Maggie and John Shadinger, packs serious firepower with a 427ci engine by High Power Marine, paired with rigging by Billy B. for smooth, responsive control on the water.
The Krazy Kolors paint by Billy B shines under the sun, making a statement on the Sacramento River at Knights Landing, the boat’s favorite playground. Special thanks to Mike Able, Don Dunster, and Maggie Shadinger for keeping this river-running legend in top form—DOUBLE VISION isn’t just a ride; it’s a story in motion.
1976 Brendella 2in Runnerbottom “NIGHT STALKER”
The 1976 Brendella 2in Runnerbottom, NIGHT STALKER, owned by Darren and Angie Hicks, is a perfect blend of classic lines and brute force. Power comes from a Dick Landy-built 426 Hemi, stroked .74 over, giving this river runner a presence that demands attention. Every curve and detail reflects its heritage while staying ready for action on the water.
The paint carries history with a fresh twist. Original 1976 design by Paul Van Metre, refreshed in October 2024, keeps the classic feel alive. The finish was handled by Jeff Quigley, whose work has earned him accolades, including a 1st place win at the Grand National Truck Show in Pomona, 2025—proof of his precision and talent. Special thanks to Fresno Marine, Jim Shewbert, and Westerfield Racing for helping maintain NIGHT STALKER’s legacy of style and performance.
1980 Sanger Ski Hydro “Like FATHER Like Son II”
The 1980 Sanger Ski Hydro, Like FATHER Like Son II, owned by Mike and Jennifer Abel, is a full-throttle nod to classic river performance. Power comes from a blown 427 c.i. Ford FE Top Oiler, stroked to 452 c.i. with 4-bolt mains, delivering an aggressive, hard-charging presence on the water. Every line and detail remains true to the original Sanger design, with both paint and interior preserved in period-correct style.
When it comes to cruising, the Sacramento River and Knights Landing remain this boat’s favorite playground. Built with care by the Abel family and supported by Cal Vista Erosion Control, the Shadinger family, and “an understanding wife,” this hydro isn’t just a ride—it’s a living tribute to river-running heritage, where classic performance meets modern dedication in one sleek package.
1983 Sanger Bubble Deck
This 1983 Sanger Bubble Deck with a 5/8 runner bottom, owned by Coby White of Visalia, California, delivers a true old-school hot rod presence on the water. At its heart is a Chevy Bowtie blown 454 topped with an 8/71 Littlefield blower, serving up the kind of hard-hitting power that defined the golden era of river performance.
The build was handled by Tim Morgan of Morgan’s Speed & Marine in Walnut Creek, CA, keeping the mechanicals tight and ready to run. Visually, the boat wears the unmistakable touch of the legendary Art Himsl of Art Himsl Customs in Concord, CA, whose paintwork seals the deal with a bold, traditional hot rod attitude that fits this Bubble Deck perfectly.
2021 4 Strake Canopy Sprint Circle Boat “DirtyBird #777”
DirtyBird #777 is a 2021 4 Strake Canopy Sprint Circle Boat built to hit hard and hold nothing back. Powered by a 409 SBC by VanDyne Engineering that cranks out 790 HP on 112 octane, featuring Bryant crank, Carrillo rods, CP pistons, Trick Flow heads, Jessel shaft rockers, and titanium valves & retainers—a precision-built package designed for pure dominance.
The crew—Scott, Dennis, Rick, Denver, and Rick D.—keeps everything tight, while driver Nash Thorp guides it through the water with surgical control. Special thanks to Outta Place Racing, Jim Mobley, Cory Ferguson, Rick, Mike Tweet, Paul Fitzgerald, Meatball, and Airtight for helping keep DirtyBird #777 dialed, fast, and absolutely unstoppable.
