A Salmon Arm boat restoration business had a hand in restoring a one time world-record-holding racing boat.
Complete Marine Detailing, a company owned by North-Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold did finishing work on the boat’s hull and interior.
The boat, named Miss British Columbia, held the speed record in the quarter mile from the National Power Boat Racing Association, with a speed of 305 km/h.
The boat fell off the radar for years before being located, purchased and now restored.
“The fellow had found it in a bad state of repair so we brought it into the shop and refinished the exterior and the interior back to the original colours that were on the boat in 1965,” Arnold said.
Arnold said they had to custom mix the boat’s base colour, but the metal flake accent colours used on the original boat were still available for purchase.
The structure of the hull was useable but some plywood bulkheads inside needed to be replaced.
Arnold said his business specialized in restorations before he wound it down to focus on his parliamentary duties.
Complete Marine’s portion of the restoration took place last year.
After the refinishing was complete and a few more finishing touches from the owner, Miss British Columbia had her first day bacmk in the sunshine at the Sockeye Run Show and Shine in Steveston B.C. on June 12.
“I hope the owner gets lots of years of enjoyment out of it now,” Arnold said.
