here you go Wright...
Apparently destined for the scrap heap, the 307 was rescued by Fort Lauderdale Realtor® and pilot Kenneth W. London in 1969. Unable to make the plane airworthy again, he cut the wings and tail off, trucked the remaining fuselage to a nearby marina and spent the next four years converting the four-engined airliner into a sleek and uniquely sensational motor yacht. Launched in July 1974, the Londonaire was seen throughout south Florida to the delight of spectators and the media. The “plane-boat” featured twin V-8 inboards incorporating the original aircraft cockpit controls that were used to fly the plane, propelling the vessel over 20 mph. Electrical, plumbing, sanitation and air conditioning systems were installed along with a new interior that included restored chairs and bar. See the conversion.
The boat was bought by Dave Drimmer in 1981 as a liveaboard and extensively remodeled and rebuilt after he discovered the original hull was barely keeping the plane fuselage afloat. He later named it the Cosmic Muffin after publication of Jimmy Buffett’s novel Where is Joe Merchant? See the rebuilding/remodeling.
The plane–boat became a unique and novel home that has continued to enjoy public and media attention. In December 1995, the Cosmic Muffin participated in a crash test drill for Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale International Airport. See pictures of the crash drill.
The vessel has been featured in many local, national and international publications and television shows that include Oprah, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, Associated Press, HGTV’s Extreme Homes, Motor Boating & Sailing and Wings, among many others. The media page includes a complete list of the craft’s exposure.
Boeing has restored the only other remaining 307 Stratoliner to flying condition for the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
...Cosmic Muffin??? only in Florida
