Metal Hull

One of the greatest difficulties in the operation of seaplanes is the soaking up of water by the wooden hull of a flying-boat. This means rapid deterioration and the extra weight of the soaked-in water spells less carrying capacity and smaller flying range. The Aeromarine Plane & Motor Co. of Keyport, N. J., is doing pioneer work replacing wooden hulls with metal duralumin. To show the Navy what his metal hulls could do, Inglis M. Uppercu, A. P. & M. President--likewise President of the Uppercu Cadillac Corporation of Manhattan, and a keen yachtsman--had one of his ships, the Morro Castle, 2nd, fly from San Juan, Porto Rico, to the docks of the Columbia Yacht Club on the Hudson. When Pilot C. J. Zimmerman, Floyd Whalton (his mechanic) and Mrs. Whalton reached the Hudson, they had but a few drops of coffee and some crumbs of bread left, but were physically fit and highly elated at their enthusiastic welcome by representatives of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce. The 3,000 miles were covered in 40 hours--a record flight for any commercial airplane or seaplane. "And without any assistance, financial or otherwise," said proud Mr. Uppercu.