In 1962 John Glenn orbits the earth, Johnny Carson first hosts the Tonight show and in September “Science & Mechanics” magazine publishes plans for an 8 foot hydroplane. Designed by the Naval Architect, William D. Jackson, who was the magazine’s boating editor. The “MiniMost “ design claimed, ”It was the most boat you could build out of two sheets of plywood”.
The next spring this article became the inspiration for Chet Ingraham and his son’s boat building project. After cutting out the plywood pieces and assembling the frames, this boat is assembled bending the plywood around the frames using two part Weldwood plastic glue and ring nails.
However, in spite of the magazine’s claim the boat could be built in 15 hours for $ 15.00 It took father & son most of the spring before the boat was launched that summer. Because Chet thought it was small enough to serve tea, it was christened “Tea Tray”.
Originally powered by a 1956 Mercury 2 cycle Silent Six outboard producing 5.9 horse power. Today the grandchildren enjoy racing around with1964 Evinrude 9.9 horsepower low profile outboard.
