Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

06/06/2026

Another Museum Saturday at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum... Find your way of supporting the amazing restoration and preservation efforts with Volunteering Opportunities and by Becoming a Member! www.ThunderBoats.org

06/04/2026

Congratulations Rick Rizzs!

The voice of the Seattle Mariners, legendary broadcaster Rick Rizzs, is officially your 2026 Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade Grand Marshal!

For decades, Rick has brought unforgettable Seattle sports moments to life, and on Saturday, July 25, he'll lead one of the city's most beloved summer traditions down the Seattle waterfront.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade will Light Up the Night with dazzling floats, marching bands, cultural performances, dragon dancers, precision drill teams, prancing horses, and more.

The parade is free and open to the public, but if you want the best views without the hassle, secure your reserved seating now. Skip the wait, save your spot, and enjoy the parade from premium viewing areas.

Reserve your seats today and join us on July 25 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. as we celebrate Seattle with Rick Rizzs leading the way! 🎟️ seafair.org/torchlight-parade/

06/04/2026

Look for Episode 2 of this great Roostertail Talk interview with David and Brad next Tuesday, June 9th. Follow Roostertail Talk or look for the link shared on this page. Thanks again for the amazing interview!!

This Tuesday, June 2nd, part 1 of my interview with David Williams and Brad Haskin will drop. David recently retired as Director of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum after 30 years. Brad Haskin has picked up the torch and is continuing David's work as the new Director of the Museum.

These 2 have countless stories to share...

Don't miss out. Part 1 begins streaming Tuesday June 2nd, while part 2 will begin streaming on Tuesday June 9th.

06/04/2026

Everyday is Throwback Thursday at the museum. But here is a fun video showing the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum through the years... 🤩What is your favorite Hydroplane Memory?! 🏁

Visit Seattle Explore Seattle Southside Seafair Festival

In 2004, the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum moves from it's cramped...

06/02/2026

Meet the Directors! Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum Retiring founding director David Williams and incoming David Haskins have a fantastic discussion on Roostertail Talk. This is only Part 1!



Click the LINK 👉 http://bit.ly/4ab8hLp

06/01/2026

A visit to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum is more than just a static display. Our full restoration shop is working towards bringing history to life and back to the water. Your never know what you will see and hear!

Visit us Tuedays through Saturdays: 10:00am - 4:00pm.. more special event information on the website www.ThunderBoats.org

Visit Seattle Explore Seattle Southside

05/30/2026

From the 1979 Squire Shop Hydroplane Restoration team... There is always something COOL happening at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum !

Look for this team at Moses Lake this year!

05/29/2026

Atlas Van Lines crew installing the Merlin engine into the 1977 "Blue Blaster" after winter maintenance. The Atlas will be running in the Vintage Exhibition at the Columbia Cup in TriCity WaterFollies July 24-26.

The Atlas is just one of the many vintage hydroplanes lovingly restored and maintained in running condition at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum . Many opportunities to see these marvels of craftsmanship and artist design this summer throughout Washington State. See our website for more information on upcoming events or the visit the museum. www.thunderboats.org

05/29/2026

Your Seattle Vacation isn't complete without a visit to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum located just 10 minutes from SeaTac Airport.

Visit Seattle during FIFA World Cup with a trip down memory lane to the World Class museum featuring the heart of the Original Motor Sport.

🏁Working Restoration Shop - See the boats in progress of restoration
🏁Fully Restored and Running Hydroplanes - You might get lucky & see one fired up!
🏁Bigger than Life and closer than you can believe!

05/28/2026

Thank you Federal Way Parks & Recreation for an amazing day at the Touch-A-Truck event!

Creating new hydroplane FANS and maybe a future RACER!

If you thought The Squire Shop hydroplane was awesome, come to the museum located in Kent, WA.

The museum, which serves as a working restoration shop and a major historical archive, stands out in several distinct ways:

🌟Restored, Running Legends: It is the only place in the world where you can view multiple historic, Gold Cup-winning unlimited hydroplanes—such as Slo-mo-shun IV, Miss Thriftway, and Atlas Van Lines—all at once, and see them actually take to the water for exhibitions.

🌟Ultimate Speed Heritage: The exhibits celebrate hydroplanes, which are the world's fastest racing boats (capable of speeds exceeding 200 mph).

🌟Vast Media Archive: The museum houses the nation’s primary historical resource for powerboat racing, featuring over 44,000 historic photographs and 200+ hours of rare vintage racing films dating back to the 1940s.

🌟Community Connection: Hydroplane racing is deep-rooted in the Pacific Northwest as the city's first professional sport, making the museum a localized hub for honoring regional legends like designers Ted Jones and drivers like Chip Hanauer.



https://youtu.be/bBIYYA348nw?si=dRi04OlEP8YYN1Y3