The engine was removed by Sierra and master engine builder Cooper Stubbs completely tore down the engine for an inspection and new gaskets. Refurbishing of the engine and installation was done by Sierra’s legendary mechanic, Dave Chanda.įast forward to present, the boat has once again had a light re-restoration of the wood and upholstery, entrusted to Tony Brown. We did have however, a complete running Liberty that had come out of a 33ft Gar Wood. At the time, we did not have the needed spare parts to rebuild it. The engine, as mentioned was there, but in sorry condition. That work was done by then employee, Tony Brown, now the owner of Western Runabouts. Restoration was started in the early 80’s and at the time it was one of Sierra’s most extensive restoration projects, requiring almost an entire replacement of every frame and plank. Much of the boat’s hardware was missing but the engine was still there. Sierra acquired this boat as a complete derelict, sometime in the 70’s. The Scripps V-12 engines would not be available for a few years later, so in 1932 if you wanted performance, the Liberty V-12 was the option of choice. Gar Wood purchased and marinized the World War I engines as a way to provide lightweight 400 hp engines, first in the Baby Gar 33ft boats and later in a small amount of 28 footers.
Only four of the 28-55 runabouts were built in that year, according to records compiled by Tony Mollica. To the best of our research, “Liberty” is the only remaining Gar Wood 28ft Triple Cockpit with an original Gar Wood conversion engine.
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