..and the pilot said "Tower ready for take off"

Manos · 05 November 2002, 11:15

This is a better photo of the flying machine. The pilot does not have a license to fly though!!!!!!

niels · 05 November 2002, 11:22

WOW!!

MarkWildey · 05 November 2002, 11:35

Interesting that you don't have a stepped hull !

Mark

Manos · 05 November 2002, 11:51

..a stepped hull is not always the answer to speed. However, all secrets will be revealed in the summer @ COWS 2003 race

Julian · 05 November 2002, 12:00

It looks like the hull of a Ring Powerboat but maybe with a deeper foorfoot. Seems to be going well though.

Manos · 05 November 2002, 12:39

Thanks for the interest guys!!

Julian · 05 November 2002, 12:42

Hi Manos

Is the boat in the picture the actual boat taking part in F1 next year. If it is he's keen getting practice in allready. Mind you saying that the first race is in February at Poole. Are you taking part in that event. I will be there for that one but not racing. If your there it would be good to put a face to a name.

Julian

Manos · 05 November 2002, 12:53

This boat is the same as mine.
Mine however is in blue colour with same designs, but different sponsors.
The red boat will be racing in the UK only in the summer (2-3 races only).
I will have mine (the blue boat) delivered by beg of Feb (if all's well) and possibly will take part in the 'BRASS MONKEY' race (just to test it). Otherwise will definately race it in May 2003.
When my boat is finished you will see the photoes in the forum.

At present we have a think about which category each boat will race. Nevertheless one will be in Formula 1 and the other in Formula 2. This will be decided at a later stage and before Feb 2003.

Cheers

Alan · 05 November 2002, 14:58

Talking to Jim Mackintosh, BIBOA Sec t'other day he was telling me that they have something like 10 boats registered next year in F1 and 14 in F2! Of course whether all those who are registered turn up is another thing! Another interesting titbit is that a lot of hardboat racers are thinking of moving to RIBs as they are cheaper and you can still race if the weather is rough!

Manos · 05 November 2002, 15:04

Tks fr the info. Spoke to Jim Mackintosh today my self. Very helpfull chap. Sounds like a VERY NICE guy. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!
From what you say the competition will be VERY STRONG in the years to come.
He also advised me that Formula 3 does not longer exists and that there is a roumor that RIB races will be upgraded and only RIBs of 10mtrs+ will be entitled to enter these races.
All remains to be seen.

Keith Hart · 05 November 2002, 15:11

Manos

I issue a challenge. 1st across the Pentland Firth next August. You in your flying RIB and me in Quicksilver!

Keith (I'm up for it) Hart

Alan · 05 November 2002, 15:25

Manos,

F3 being canned doesn't surprise me as I think there were only one or two entrants this year. A shame really as this could be the affordable entry level of racing. A couple of years ago Tohatsu tried to market a one design 6m RIB / 90hp package for cheap racing but it never took off.

Can't imagine a 10m+ class except for real extreme endurance racing or to give the Scorpion 10m Cabin cruisers something to race for! (Mike Deacon and Chris Strickland).

The other reason why hardboat racers are moving to ribs is that once you've finished racing you can drop a couple of removable seats into the RIB and then take the family cruising. Not really possible with a batboat!!

Cheers,
Alan

Manos · 05 November 2002, 15:28

That is a VVGOOD and equal challenge I recon
But Keith I've got a better idea

why we don't swap boats. Me in the dingy with just the oars and a pair of flippers and you on the RIB.

Manos · 05 November 2002, 15:36

It seems to me, however that the tendency is for large RIBs 7-8 mtrs and over. In Greece (Greece is a large VERY COMPETITIVE market), where we race sometimes, most of the RIBs except the Apache 18 (Bell Marine) are over 7 mtrs LOA.
May be there will be a change. Who knows!!

Julian · 05 November 2002, 15:39

I think most of the race Ribs are over 7 mtrs a lot of them are 8.5 mtrs and are reaching over 70 knots. Mr Maco the scorpion rib averaged 73.4 knots to Torquay in August.

Brian · 05 November 2002, 15:50

Julian
Who owns Mr. Maco, and what is the base spec. of this boat?

Julian · 05 November 2002, 16:15

Hi Brian

Its a scorpion 8.5 mtr stepped hull, with 2 x 150 hp Mercury Pro's on the back. Hard nose light weight construction. It used to belong to Steven King now Jan Falkalski helps navigate it i beleive. Goes like a rocket. Very scary boat.

Julian

Manos · 05 November 2002, 16:22

I've seen that boat.
Is realy a VERY NICE boat and VEEEERY FAAAAAAAAAST!!

MR H this is competition for you and the dingy

Manos · 05 November 2002, 16:30

Mr Maco is a very fast but not fast enough boat (can't say no more). As you may all know in a race top speed is not everything average times count and some may average better speeds or times than others.
Will leave you with that thought!!

Julian · 06 November 2002, 08:42

Morning Manos

I could'nt agree more. When I raced I actually won a few races and i was not the fastest boat on the course but I could average a much faster pace in the rough than the race boats etc. I know of a boat that is racing next year that does over 90mph , they say its good in the rough as well but i'm not too sure about that. Wait and see.

Julian