We made some bold changes to the hull which took a bit to get used to – a near perfect season mechanically until the last Kariparo where we had a fuse break & engine loom vibrate loose.  Both the most economical repairs to date.

Onwards & upwards for next season.  A new Tow Vehicle is on order to cope with a 10.5meter tri-axle in-closed transporter.  A new hull for trial & some prep work to bring the rig up to new again.

A special thanks to:

KS Builders

Efficient Bobcats

Outboard Marine

Promt Parts

Kozmik Marine Finishes

We arrived Sunday for the Gold Cup heats only & had to trust the prep done in the workshop with no test time I had to get used to the water fast.

Watching how fast Chris Palmer in “Outlaw” was running in practice it would be a real challenge.

We ran in the 2^nd qualifying heat – started on the outside & had to drive around 5 other boats in the first corner.  Not familiar with what lines the BAD boat would take in the corner I arrived momentarily after Chris – with a quick dot down and hard left we were heading down the back straight at just under 140MPH I was surprised we had the speed, heading into the next corner we edged out in front & was caught mid-way down the front straight.  A gust of wind & a hydro boat wake upset the boat & I got a call over the radio –“ Its Qualifying – Not the final – Back Off”.  Outlaw lost its blower belt & we won the first heat.

Poles drawled for the final & this time we were 5 & Chris in 6.  Chris arrived at the corner first but having to leave a lane we maintained better speed & lead the race until it was called off when Steve Hughes for a second driving out of his ability tipped it over in the bottom corner.

The decision was to cancel the race due to weather conditions worsening.

More images here from Shot360 Photography