Merlin`s Infinity

[FLYING FISH]

Here`s a boat that promised so much,yet in 1989 seem to fade from the scene with only 4th place finishes.
Designed by Harry Schoell,the man who also designed Don Aronow`s boats,it was fitted with Ford Merlin diesels,which were once considered for Roger Fletcher`s `Debenhams` before Sabres were selected.
`Down Undies`an Aussy boat driven by Robert Voges at the Atlantic City Worlds had the Merlins fitted to a Lear hull (Apache copy),but he too couldn`t keep pace with Roger Fletcher in `Diesel Dancer`(ex-Abo).

[pete60]

I recall "Down Undies" after Robert Voges brought it back to the Gold Coast in 1990. It was a lovely looking boat (37 ft I recall) but the Merlins were absolute hand grenades. The boat rarely finished a race here and after a couple of years I think the engines were junked, with the boat converted to a pleasure cruiser.

[jonp]

Wow, that boat looks sweet. Are there any other pics of it?

[FLYING FISH]

Originally Posted by pete60

I recall "Down Undies" after Robert Voges brought it back to the Gold Coast in 1990. It was a lovely looking boat (37 ft I recall) but the Merlins were absolute hand grenades. The boat rarely finished a race here and after a couple of years I think the engines were junked, with the boat converted to a pleasure cruiser.

Thanks for that.I wondered what happened to it after the 1989 Worlds.

BTW has the AOPC website packed up.Seems there isn`t a website now for keeping abreast of Aussy Offshore racing.

[FLYING FISH]

Originally Posted by jonp

Wow, that boat looks sweet. Are there any other pics of it?

Haven`t managed to locate any others.Nothing seemed to be reported on it when it raced in 1989.

[pete60]

Originally Posted by FLYING FISH

Thanks for that.I wondered what happened to it after the 1989 Worlds.

BTW has the AOPC website packed up.Seems there isn`t a website now for keeping abreast of Aussy Offshore racing.

The Championships here have been renamed "Offshore Superboat Championships". For those who are interested I'll start a new thread with a link to the web site.

[littlenige]

That rounded stern is pig ugly. Shame because the basic hull design looks nice.

[olli]

Originally Posted by littlenige

That rounded stern is pig ugly. Shame because the basic hull design looks nice.

I like the shape of the stern but those wings...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHxX9n4zdh8

at 2.11

[littlenige]

Totally agree Olli - what function did they perform?!!

[Rpm]

I recently purchased this hole in the last year looking for some more input from you guys I appreciate the help!