Miss Catalina 5 1938 Bombard

One of the last of the surviving Miss Catalina Speed Boats, Miss Catalina 5 is the only one restored to her original configuration and retains her original Liberty V-12 Aircraft Engine.

One of the last two Miss Catalina’s, number five comes from a line of 29’11” speedboats which were built as fast ride boats operating at Catalina Island. The Catalina Speed Boat Co. was incorporated in 1922 by Alfred Bombard and Wilbur White. The business plan called for these boats to be powered by World War 1 surplus Liberty engines. Twenty of these engines were purchased and served as the only power and spare parts during the 28 years of operation. Alfred Bombard had the hulls built in his company shop and they were built of high-grade Philippine mahogany with substantial framing to withstand the pounding of heavy seas during trips out of Avalon Bay. The look and configuration of the boats changed over the years, and Catalina 5 and 6, are the only survivors. With the business climate changing in the mid 60’s the company was disbanded, and the boats were sold to the Miss Balboa Speed Boat Co. in Newport Beach.

By the late 60’s, Miss Catalina 5 had made her way to Lake Tahoe, and for years, sat forlorn under tarps awaiting a chance at new life. Her savior came in 1979, with the current owner purchasing her from Sierra Boat Company with an extensive restoration beginning in 1982. Spread out over multiple years, the work was completed in 1990. Two areas of the boat needed major work. First, the decks were wrecked and had to be completely replaced. Then there was the engine. Her cylinders were frozen in her bores and a major overhaul was needed. The structure of the hull sides and bottom were in surprising good condition and at one point the entire boat had been overlaid with fiberglass, this actually preserved the structure. We removed the old glass from the bottom, did wood repairs and laid up an extra thick layup of fiberglass using alternating layers of mat and roving cloth. The side glass was still adhering well to the sides and was retained. New leather upholstery completed the restoration.

This is a great opportunity to own a piece of unique California history and re-live the glory days of speedboat rides. Miss Catalina 5 comes on a custom-built tandem axle trailer and has a full custom cover for protection.

• ID: MISS CATALINA 5
• Year: 1938
• Builder: Bombard
• Model: Speedboat
• Length: 29’11’’
• Engine: Liberty V-12
• Trailer: Custom Tandem Axle Trailer
• Price: $225,000.00