Driver 560 Obsolete from Class 3

[Ruskin 82]

Hiya,

I was just wondering why nobody runs the Stapley designed Driver 560 in any offshore series?

I mean it was a proven design back in the day but I'm assuming the weight went through the roof once Doug Driver made them in grp with more of a focus on recreational use.

But is the weight the only reason or is there a more fundamental reason nobody uses them as a 3B boat for example?

Any thoughts?

[Captain Chaos]

I always assumed it was the early 500s that were raced

I thought the 560 was only ever GRP and much later. No?

[Paul E]

Times have changed considerably. 3A & B monohulls are running 70+ these days, and 3B cats well into the 80s in good conditions. I can’t see a Driver getting near that

[Ruskin 82]

The 560 is what was the Condor, the largest mono Ray made at just over 18'. 18'4" i think. My old man used to race 1 called Sundowner mid 70's.

I was just wondering why nobody runs them offshore in the smaller classes. Obviously probably a good reason I was just being curious and was hoping someone might be able to shed some light.

[Ruskin 82]

Fair enough.... kinda sums it up right there.
Cheers

[Captain Chaos]

Originally Posted by Ruskin 82

Fair enough.... kinda sums it up right there.
Cheers

I know that stapley had the 560 moulds until relatively recently, perhaps 5-10 years ago. Perhaps it'd have been interesting to build one to modern weights and see how it went.

However, like a a lot of boats of that era, they look great from a distance, but really do show their age the closer you get. Not to mention the fact that that no steps, vents or any other performance advancements.

[dada73]

I know that this thread is quite old. But guys owning Driver 500 or 560 boats are indeed running their's at speeds over 100kmh.

As I just bought a Driver 560 myself (my first boat) I might need some of you guys to help me getting the most out of it. Help is much appreciated.