G-W Invader

Promotional phamphlet (1969) for G-W Invader
Back of promotional phamphlet

G-W Invader is a line of small recreational power boats that were manufactured by Arne Gray and George Wooldridge of Sharpsville, Indiana, United States.

History

G-W Invader, (sometimes listed as GW Invader), began production in 1967 with its 10-foot and 16-foot boats. The "G-W" indicated the last names of the founders. The initial designs of 10 and 16 footers were that of sport racing boats with a very low profile, low weight, and shallow draft. The Invader hulls and decks were constructed of fiberglass over a wood structure or frame. Models were available in a variety of colors as well as unique color combinations at an added cost to the customer. G-W went on to increase the models and styles of boats. Arnie Gray sold his portion of G-W Invader boat factory to George Wooldridge before he moved to Tampa, Florida where he lived until he died in 1997. Transfer of ownership after sale to Mr. Wooldridge has been mentioned but not substantiated. Roger Harmon bought the company in 1985, and later sold it in 1995 to a Muncie, Indiana-based investment firm.[1] G-W Invader expanded and moved into a new factory in Tipton, Indiana in 1993, a building formerly occupied by Pioneer Hi-Bred.[2] Shortly after the expansion, they filed bankruptcy. G-W Invader ceased production of boats after 1997.

Roger Harmon later started Harmon Boats Fiberglas Specialists LLC in Sharpsville and Cicero, Indiana.

Models

10 foot

The design of the 10-foot model gave the appearance of a racing boat with extremely shallow V-hull. Power was exclusively outboard engine. Seating was either a bench seat or 2 bucket seats.

13 foot Banchie

Manufactured beginning in the 1970s, it has a more conventional V-hull and seated 5 people with a rear bench seat and 2 bucket seats up front.

14 foot

This model attained a top speed of 74 miles per hour (119 km/h) with a 100 horsepower (75 kW) engine according to the companies sales pamphlet.

14 foot V hull

Designed with the more conventional V-hull.

G-W Invader 16-foot

15 foot V hull

15 foot tunnel hull

This model had a tunnel hull unusual for recreational boats of the time.

16 foot

The design of the 16-foot model had seating for four individuals. It was available as a sterndrive or could be mounted with an outboard motor. This model had a squared nose

18 foot Bravo

iBoat Listing

180 ESS

Rivera 220 Sport

This was an inboard model and came in the color gold or silver.

References

  1. ↑ http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=114580
  2. ↑ http://www.boating.com/new-boats/gw-invader.html
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