After a 50-year hiatus, the Brady Comet made a return appearance at Bills Lake on Sunday, July 1. Constructed in 1929 by the legendary Roy Brady of Charlevoix, it was purchased by Chet Grant who lived on the west side of the lake. Chet and the boat won multiple races throughout the area in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Cottagers would flock to the shoreline whenever he took it out for a spin from his boathouse (still standing and pictured although the boat is no longer stored there) because it went so fast and was so loud.
After Chet's son Dave died several years ago, grandson Jack proceeded to restore the relic in 2010. He had to piece together the Mercury motor, only 22 horsepower but the aerodynamic boat could fly at a time when most boat motors on the lake were in the single digits.
It still can, as demonstrated on that memorable day.
