Peel Z-1 Glider Boat

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Peel Z-1 Glider Boat, College Point, Queens, 1929

Following the epic 1927 flight of Charles Lindbergh, a wave of flying fever swept America. As the price of aircraft was still far above what most people could afford, a number of manufacturers developed simple low-cost gliders to fill the void. One of these was the Peel Corporation of College Point, Queens. Priced at $595, this was the only American flying boat glider. Peels were intended to be towed aloft behind a speed boat. At 1000 feet altitude the tow rope would be released so the glider could soar on its own before landing on the water. A total of 30 Peel Glider Boats were built before the company folded due to the Depression. This is the sole surviving example.

Specifications:
Wingspan: 31'
Length: 22'
Top Speed: 30 mph
Weight: 270 lbs

Peel Glider Corporation (Z-1 Advertisement)