Formerly Mary Ann; this 22’ “Special Hydroplane” began life sometime before WWII on the drawing board of John L. Hacker. Decades later, the unfinished plans were discovered and completed by Frederick Ford of Harbor Springs, Michigan. In 1988 Ford and two other businessmen came to Van Dam to build them each a copy. Flicker, Mary Ann, and Adieu were created, all mildly powered with a 200 hp small block. Mary Ann was sold to a gentleman with extensive racing experience who brought her back to massage her into something more potent.

A hopped-up Mercury HP 377 Scorpion was lowered in and a re-engineered driveline and steering system to handle this power was fit, along with a revamped dash to include a full complement of gauges. Today, Pretty Pattie is best described as a “surfboard being shot out of a cannon.” She personifies thrilling and now prowls the waters of Lake Leelenau in Michigan’s beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. On a calm morning, and with the Merc growling, she’ll light the water on fire.