Racing Newbie - Boat?

John.Richardson · 17-05-2009, 09:48 PM

Hi All,

I'm a complete newbie to racing based in Guernsey (been driving powerboats for the last 10 years but never competitively) and am very keen to get involved in the Guernsey season this year!

Unfortunately my current boat is definitely not up to the task - a Prosport 7.5m Rib with a 130 diesel inboard - she's a good boat but only does 27 kts - eventually!

On the positive side it does mean that if i am going to race I'll need to get myself a boat

I was wondering whether anyone could give me some tips on what would be a good starter boat, where to look and if they know of any - I'm looking for something which is competitive but not ridiculously squirrelly! Am also unfortunately not on a P1 budget - ideally around 6-7K

I've looked at the Phantom 18 on ebay that's pointed to on another thread but 85mph and 280 hp in an 18ft boat sounds a bit full on for me to start out with - am hoping to survive to race next year too!

I had a look at a 1997 B23 yesterday with a 2000 XR2 on the back. It looks awesome and what i've read on B23s seems like it could be the boat I'm looking for.

The boat's called "Liquid Illusion" but i think it was previously called "Wet Dream" - does anyone know of it or anything about it?

Up close the boat has a few cracks and ding repairs but I guess this kind of goes with the territory on race boats and the abuse they take.

Haven't heard the engine run yet - am guessing I'm taking a bit of a risk on a 2000 XR2 engine whatever happens.

It's up at £6750 - but I think the guy would go a little lower - does this seem a fair price?

Any tips or advice greatly appreciated!

Cheers All!

John

RHINO · 17-05-2009, 10:03 PM

are you sure it is a b23 and not a backdraft,they are not the same animal and it sounds too cheap

John.Richardson · 17-05-2009, 10:13 PM

I think you're right - according to the description it's a Backdraft B23 Bat Boat-Ocke Mannerfalt designed - I thought this was a "B23".

Will get researching again- are they any good?

John.Richardson · 17-05-2009, 10:21 PM

Just looked again at the advert - actually doesn't say B23 anywhere!

RHINO · 17-05-2009, 10:22 PM

not nearly as fast,but better in a following sea,a good allround boat to get you started in class 3.and good value at that price as you would double that for a genuine b23

Pearny · 17-05-2009, 10:27 PM

I am selling my Phantom 21 that raced in class 3 last year good starter boat!!

RHINO · 17-05-2009, 10:32 PM

now that is a good allround boat

andy21 · 17-05-2009, 11:17 PM

Hello John, and welcome to the forum!

Glad to hear you are looking to race in Guernsey, I am also looking to race. I have just got a Ring 21 in the water, but racing it isn't on the cards for a few reasons...

I've been looking for another boat that I could enter the races and spotted these 2 boats on a Jersey based site...

http://www.jerseyinsight.com/classif...7779&do=Search

I cannot give any comments for the condition of either of these boats, there are a few Jersey folk on the forum that may be able to help you there... But the prices don't seem too bad in my opinion... may be a starting point...

Hope this helps.

Andy

Ps, whilst you don't have the boat (yet), have you joined the GPA?

John.Richardson · 17-05-2009, 11:35 PM

Cheers Andy, will have a spy!

I haven't joined the GPA yet but I had a chat with Kevin Walsh on the weekend (it's his Backdraft) about racing. He seems like a really nice guy and was very helpful.

Who should I speak to about joining?

stumpy · 18-05-2009, 12:27 AM

Definately a B22 Bakdraft, currently orange with a number of C7!!!!! Would make a great class 3 boat either 2litre or 1.3.

andy21 · 18-05-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John.Richardson

Cheers Andy, will have a spy!

I haven't joined the GPA yet but I had a chat with Kevin Walsh on the weekend (it's his Backdraft) about racing. He seems like a really nice guy and was very helpful.

Who should I speak to about joining?

Send me a quick private message with your email and I will send a copy of the membership forms to you...

Kevin's backdraft is very nice, did he say what he would be racing instead?!?

John.Richardson · 18-05-2009, 09:29 AM

He said that he'd sold his rib so he had been planning to race this this year...

I got the impression he wanted to sell it but didn't want to sell it!

larby · 18-05-2009, 07:40 PM

Welcome to the Forum John

If you don't find something i may be looking for a navigator. I definately want to race, it's just down to whether the cat is finished on time. You'd be likely to win that way too!

James

andy21 · 18-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larby

Welcome to the Forum John

If you don't find something i may be looking for a navigator. I definately want to race, it's just down to whether the cat is finished on time. You'd be likely to win that way too!

James

Don't listen to him... He's not going to win... We put 2 hairpins in the course!

TobyC · 18-05-2009, 08:06 PM

Hi.

I know the 18 in Jersey, remember it from new. Not sure about the recent history but was a lovely ski race boat origianlly. The guy who first had it moved on to a P25. Looks pretty cheap but that motor is getting on a bit.

Hope this helps, can go and have a look at it for you if you like

Toby

John.Richardson · 18-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Thanks Toby!

I get the impression the guy bought it but hasn't really used it since - he said that the trim system has had the valve out and been empty of oil for the whole time he's owned it so hasn't been working - can't imagine getting saltwater in there could be great for the internals - i think the engine's pretty old too.

To be honest have had a think about it and I think I'd probably rather spend more and get a boat that's ready to go than a do-er upper - I don't really have any time to do a boat up before the racing in June - am trying to figure out how I could get to the UK to pick up a boat if needs be!

Thanks very much for the offer of going to see though!