In 1979, construction of a new, larger hull was started in our driveway.  This new hull was 55 feet long and 12 feet wide.  It had a model bow to make shear, smooth lines through the water.  Upon completion, this new set-up:  new hull, new wheel, and fresh motor, proved to be pretty fast.  In her debut, the new E.L. Thumper was victorious at all three major Regattas: Pittsburgh, Charlestown, and Marietta.  But, at only 12 feet wide, boy could this boat lean.  With a hard turn, the guard was under water.  We traveled and raced at numerous regattas easily winning our share.  We encountered a bad storm with high winds on a trip up the Allegheny River and decided to widen the hull by 4 feet.