The first recorded inboard skiff to race was in 1938, and was a Seaman built boat 16 ft.  (there were 16 and 17 footers) owned by Doctor champers of Gooseneck Point, NJ.  No number but named "Jinny"  with a 4cyl Gray Marine engine in it. The boat ran in the race from Albany New York to New York City and was entered in the OPEN RUNABOUT Class.  As the story goes a very good friend of DR. Champers by the name of Sammy Crooks who wore Glasses as thick as the bottom of an old Coke bottle would take the boat out now and then. Not telling the DR. what he was going to do took the "Jinny" all the way up the river to Albany and entered it in the race and was all the way back home before dark on 2 tanks of gas. No record of his speed or what place he came in.  (Doug Whichello).

 

Joe Julian Sr. built the first fiberglass Jersey Speed Skiff.

 

Joe Julian Sr. was the first to have an adjustable cavitation  plate.

 

Paul Nowack in 1980 was the first to use hydraulic cylinders for cavitation plate adjustment.

 

Tom Donley's "Punk" was the first skiff to win his region outside New Jersey. He won region 4 in 1972, but was denied because he was the only skiff in the region.