Wars and Chainsaws

While the 1941 New York Motor Boat Show was going on, the rest of the world was at war. When the US joined the Allies, aluminum restrictions combined with political priorities and dealt the recreational boating industry a devastating blow. The Thunderbolt was put on the back burner, and the Kiekhaefer Corporation was nearly toppled by the economic pressures of the times. By developing an air-cooled 2-man chain saw for the Army that could cut a 24” green log in 17 seconds, beating the 52 seconds of it’s nearest competitor, the company stayed afloat during World War II. By the end of 1944, the company had produced 10,000 engines, including both outboard motors for the Navy and Chainsaws for the Army, and had received the coveted “E” award for outstanding assistance to the military.