1971 Grand Prix

In 1970 and 1971 the Boatel Co. of Mora, Minnesota developed the Grand Prix and they were manufactured in Isle, MN. There two models; 1000 were made in 1970. The GP 440 had a 28hp 434cc Rockwell/JLO motor. In 1971, 1000 were made and these machines had a CCW motor. They also made houseboats and pontoons.

The biggest styling feature of the machines is their butterfly handlebars. Its creator wanted a handlebar with a vertical grip. Unfortunately, they made the machine priced way above the normal market in 1970 at $1895.00
Over the years the Boatel Company manufactured other snowmobiles after purchasing the rights for the Trailmaker from the Abe Matthews Co. in 1964. Next in their line-up came the Ski Bird and later the Grand Prix. 1972 was the end. They were just not good in the deep snow and pricey, so Boatel went back to making boats.

On Sept 20, 2019, The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum was awarded a grant of $12,500 for Operational Support from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA – ART WORKS). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding. The grant requires a 1:1 match and helped the museum leverage the $12,500 of support from its annual income and the many donations from supporters. In particular the museum has received grants from the Graymont Community Economic Development Fund and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It has also received significant donations from the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, The Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc., many snowmobile clubs, several recreational and snowmobile shows, the museum’s internal $1,000.00 Challenge, and many museum members. The grant funds will be applied to museum operating costs. Applicable costs include internal operations, marketing, travel to shows within the State of Michigan and cost of employees. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant applicant to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michigan.gov/arts

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
P.O. Box 2
W11660 US-2
Naubinway, MI 49762
Hours: 906 477-6298
Appointment: 906 477 6192

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