THE MOTOR BOAT SHOWLET.

THE MOTOR BOAT SHOWLET.

THE marine exhibits at Olympia this year were very few, and contained little of interest. The new Britannia outboard motor however, deserves comment. This is a very neat little twin, incorporating a rotary valve and underwater exhaust. The twist grip control is extremely ingenious and does not require a bowden wire, while the whole motor can be pivoted through 180 degrees giving a most effective reverse.

The designer of this little unit is Charles Harrison, one time holder of the world’s outboard speed record, and one of the most experienced outboard men in this country.

Another interesting exhibit was the Brooke ” Dmgymota,” a small inboard unit which can be taken out by the simple expedient of removing about four nuts. This sells at £29.

Considerable interest was also created by the Watermota Economy 3, which is very good value at £39 complete with all installation fittings. An entirely novel and interesting engine is to be seen on the Birrnal stand. This is a 3 cylinder radial engine running at 3,000 r.p.m., and developing approximately 30 h.p. This engine is mounted flat in the boat and the gearing is underneath, and incorporates a reverse. Although a thorough test of this engine

has yet to be made, the bench performance is said to be more than satisfactory.

The standard of showmanship was as usual, poor, but salesmanship seemed to have improved considerably, and conversations with members of the various staffs, often proved very interesting.

It is to be hoped that considerably more firms will show next year, as nearly everyone present reported extremely good business.

Would it be too much to request, however, that firms refrain from plastering their exhibits with” sold” notices. They look bad.