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I never knew Dick but many that did commented here https://www.performanceboats.com/v-drives/19547-dick-vales-passing.html

History

The 18'-6" long hull was built by Cole Boats in 1978 for the late drag boat racer, Sunny Jones, who intended to race it in the Blown Alcohol Hydro class. He later scrapped the idea and decided to pursue racing Cole flats instead. Sunny sold this boat (less engine) to the 2nd owner in 1981-82. The 3rd owner purchased the boat in 1983 and installed a freshly-built 429cid Ford engine. The boat was used in Nevada recreationally (at Lake Lahontan) for 2-3 seasons, raced once, and relocate to Indiana where it saw little use. I purchased the boat in June of 2017 and it has been relocated to Florida. The maroon gelcoat on this boat is original while the painted art work appears to have had some revisions. With the correct lighting on the center front of the deck it is easy to make out the outline of “Dick Vale’s” Logo. Since no vintage pictures of this boat are known to exist there is no way to know how much, if any, of the current paint is his or was inspired by him. Dick Vale of Vale’s Kustom Kolors operated his shop out of Stanton california. His paint work graced many famous hydros and flatbottom boats. He passed away in September of 2008. His name will forever be associated with some of the most beautiful boats ever created.

I never knew Dick but many that did commented here: https://www.performanceboats.com/v-drives/19547-dick-vales-passing.html

History

The 18'-6" long hull was built by Cole Boats in 1978 for the late drag boat racer, Sunny Jones (Sunny’s Marine Supply, 3034 Mill St, Reno, NV, who intended to race it in the Blown Alcohol Hydro class. He later scrapped the idea and decided to pursue racing Cole flats instead. Sunny sold this boat (less engine) to the 2nd owner in 1981-82. The 3rd owner purchased the boat in 1983 and installed a freshly-built 429cid Ford engine. The boat was used in Nevada recreationally (at Lake Lahontan) for 2-3 seasons, raced once, and relocate to Indiana where it saw little use. I purchased the boat in June of 2017 and it has been relocated to Florida. The maroon gelcoat on this boat is original while the painted art work appears to have had some revisions. With the correct lighting on the center front of the deck it is easy to make out the outline of “Dick Vale’s” Logo. Since no vintage pictures of this boat are known to exist there is no way to know how much, if any, of the current paint is his or was inspired by him. Dick Vale of Vale’s Kustom Kolors operated his shop out of Stanton california. His paint work graced many famous hydros and flatbottom boats. He passed away in September of 2008. His name will forever be associated with some of the most beautiful boats ever created.