Colonial Skimmer, circa 1953

To aid us in accomplishing some airflow studies on the Seafire, Dave Thurston sent us two photographs of the Colonial Skimmer C-1 prototype. He sent these photographs to show the development he went through in finalizing the pylon shape for the Skimmer.

Photographs were taken at Bablyon, Long Island, New York Seaplane Base. (According to note on the back of the photograph).

Above comments were paraphrased from a note from Dave Woodcock, of Seafire fame, to Frank Odell, Web Master.

Colonial Skimmer, circa 1954 The final configuration

Photograph was taken at Bablyon, Long Island, New York Seaplane Base. (According to note on the back of the photograph).

Above comments were paraphrased from a note from Dave Woodcock to Frank Odell, Web Master.

May I introduce myself, owner of Colonial Skimmer s/n 1 N6595K. At present it is in my large garage in the process of restoration. I started flying in l963 and in l964 I bought s/n 12 C-1 flew it for over 500 hours and went on to own 15 more Lakes. Number 1 is my 16th. There was actually an earlier pylon than your photos show and it evidently caused quite an airflow over the tail (or lack of airflow). I am compiling a history of the Colonial Aircraft Corporation and then Lake Aircraft and so far have filled 5 3 ring binders - one just on #1, and the rest on everything I can find printed such as brochures, articles, etc. and am forever finding more. Thank God for E-bay. Keep in touch. John Staber

January 2008    

Hello again. I have been reading your web page and wish to make a correction. The Lake was not sired by the Teal as you state, but is a direct descendent of the C-1 Colonial Skimmer. Dave and Herb Lindblad formed the Colonial Aircraft Corp and built my #1 between '46 and '48. Build date on the plate is July l948, Huntington Station Long Island, NY. They tested and modified until 1955 when they moved to Sanford ME and went into production of the C-1. They built 23 150HP in 1956 and 57 and in the process got the C-2 approved and built 19 180HP of them in 1958 and 59. Jack Strayer bought the rights to build them in late 1959, called his company Lake Aircraft and lengthened the nose and wings and called them Lake Amphibians and they have been Lakes ever since through several owners and horsepower changes.

All were built in Sanford Maine, and still are by Aerofab, Inc.

The Teal did not come on the scene until the mid to late '60s. By this time at least 125 or so Lakes and Skimmers had been built.

Respectfully submitted, John Staber

 April 17, 2004

John Staber

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