IMPORTANT MOTOR- BOAT AMD MARINE DEVELOPMENTS

IMPORTANT MOTOR BOAT AND MARINE DEVELOPMENTS

Ambitious Programme of The British Motor-Boat Manufacturing Co. Ltd. By “PROP SHAFT”

DURING the years of the depression the virility of the motor-boat and marine industry was

cause for much favourable comment. This was in no small measure due to the far sighted policy of The British Motor-Boat Manufacturing Co., under the able guidance of Mr. J. W. Shillan, whose ambitious programme for 1938 is revealed on the company’s stand in the marine section of the Motor Exhibition at Earl’s Court.

For many years this firm has offered a splendid series of small open craft built to a first-class specification at surprisingly low prices.

Motor cruisers have also been produced, but until the present time no really serious effort has been made to supply boats of this type in considerable numbers, apart possibly from small cruisers intended specifically for use with outboard motors.

Realising that there is considerable demand for a capable cruiser at a really attractive price, the 22 ft, Rytecraft ” Hawk ” model is being shown for the first time.

Some years of experimental work are behind this development in order that every detail could be thoroughly tested and the design of the hull and layout of the accommodation be so near to ideal as possible. Having a length of 22 ft. overall, a beam of 7 ft., and a draught of 2 ft. 6 in., this cruiser is fitted with four-cylinder four-cycle 10/18 h.p. ” Solo ” marine engine which is well known for its

refined performance and power producing characteristics, which give the best boat a really excellent turn of speed. There are two convertible settee berths in a roomy saloon which is provided with skylight and six opening port-lights. The toilet and cooking facilities are really adequate, whilst the hull, which is built to a

thoroughly sound specification and including all the usual equipment, is available for commissioning at the surprisingly low price of .6290. Rytecraft launches and dinghies are to be continued in the same range which has proved so successful during the past season and they seem to have escaped the threatened general rise in prices. For example, a 9 ft. mahogany outboard dinghy equipped with oars and rowlocks and finished

in first-class style costs only 5, whilst the larger 14 ft. engine, built more on the style of a runabout, is listed at E,24.

One of the most popular Rytecraft models is a 12 ft. mahogany motor launch equipped with a 2/4 h.p. ” Solo” marine engine and reverse gear, wheel steering and decks both forward and aft. This is listcd at £80.

Those whose interest lies in the direction of sailing, will doubtless be attracted by a 10 ft. centre-board dinghy which, with full equipment, can be purchased for £22 10s. Od. The” Solo” engine which is handled by The British Motor Boat Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has earned a reputation for smooth running, reliability and economy. At Earl’s Court, no fewer than eight m.odcls

will be seen. There are three single-cylinder twocycle motors, the smallest of which is 2i/4 h.p., and costs f,21. The largest of this particular series is rat( d at 4/6 h.p., and sells for f.35 10s. Od.

So far as the four-cycle models are concerned, space does not permit of a detailed description of the entire range, the variation in power being from 4iCi h.p. to 16/24 h.p. A particularly popular outfit is the four-cylinder model H 10 which is the power unit developing 10 18

h.p. and is standardised in the” Hawk” cabin cruiser. All moving parts are entirely enclosed, including the flywheel, whilst the reverse gear casing is compactly

combined with the crankcase. With an engine of this size hand starting is so simple that it is often preferred. The handle is raised to a convenient height, the connecting chain being enclosed, thus protecting it from water and any other cause for deterioration. A Bosch impulse started magneto is a standard item of equipment and included in the price of 003.

For the benefit of those owners who favour electric starting equipment, and this is often on account of the fact that the battery which is necessary in such cases provides a ready means for lighting the boat, a two-unit starter and generator are available as an optional extra for the price of 20. Intended for use with somewhat larger craft than the ” Hawk” cruiser, the 16/24 h.p. four-cylinder “

Solo” engine will doubtless offer a strong appeal at (123 10s. Od. Simplicity is the keynote of the design and a certain indication of the manufacturer’s knowledge of the exacting needs of marine service. For 1938 there are no fewer than nineteen models from which to choose. So far as the Britannia series is concerned these show considerable modification in regard to the power head, which has been streamlined

in order to conform with modern ideas ; but the changes are much more than a matter of mere appearance for complete protection is afforded to the ignition and other vital parts in the event of spray or even solid water galling upon the engine.

No change has been made in price of 1 h.p. Elto ” Pal, ” which is the most inexpensive of all outboard motors as it sells for so little as DI 11s. 0d.

There are seven alternative models of the Elto series the largest of which is rated at 23i h.p. and costs £60. This motor can also be supplied with an electric starter which adds 00 to the price.

The nine Evinrude models do not clash with any of the Elto motors, and one of the most interesting of this series is rated at 16.2 h.p. and is provided with four-cylinder power head.

The special Elto model intended for the use of fishermen, amateur and otherwise, is deserving of particular attention. When Mr. Ralph Evinrude was in this country a short time ago, he stated that this particular Elto model, which is priced at i50, has taken some years to develop, but it was truly weedless and could be driven through shallow weed choked waters without the slightest fear of marine growth wrapping itself round the propeller and thus causing trouble.