Conny
UW Rowing team’s coach’s launch
Year Originally Launched: 1932
Year Launched after Restoration: 1998
Length: 28’
Beam: 6’
History and Design: Originally built by the Shertzer Boat & Machine Works on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, the launch was named for Hiram Conibear, known as the “Father of Rowing” at the University of Washington where he served as rowing coach from 1907 to 1917. It was the coach’s launch for almost 40 years, used by coach Al Ulbrickson with the UW rowing crew that won the 1936 Olympic gold medal, later known as the “Boys in the Boat.” It was severely damaged in an accident in 1971, and left abandoned until claimed by Kirk Knapp in 1978, Knapp stored it until 1996 when David Berg began its restoration. Designed for the coaching staff to watch the crew on the water from the forward cockpit, the narrow beamed design creates a minimal wake.
Engine: The original Scripps F-6 motor was replaced in the 1950s or 60s with a Chrysler Crown, but was serendipitously located and reinstalled in the launch during its restoration.
Articles:
https://washingtonrowing.com/history/conny-husky-ii-restoration/
https://mynorthwest.com/history/man-deserves-gold-medal-for-rescuing-uw-crew-boat-the-conny/3948751
