Boat building at 250 clicks

by Bob Maxwell on 19 Apr 2007 No, we have not lost our marbles and we’re well aware that boats are definitely not built at speeds like 250km/hr. but it’s the kind of testing speed that builds better boats.

The high speed offshore racing scene delivers knowledge and solutions that industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, a man who regularly hit such speeds on the race circuit water uses to bring superior recreational boats to the market.

Generally recognised as one of Australia’s foremost big boat designer/builders, Barry-Cotter, who established Mariner Cruisers, Riviera Marine, The Riviera Group and, following his sale of that group in 2002, Maritimo, freely admits he was 'bitten' by the offshore powerboat racing bug.

He enjoys it and he’s good at it, with an unprecedented seven Class I Australian championships and a third outright in the ’04 World championships, to prove it.

Nevertheless, while he does indeed treat offshore racing as recreation, his fleet of offshore racers are virtual sea-going research and development facilities.

This weekend Bill and his 19 year old son Tom will be racing their thoroughbred racer Maritimo in the Newcastle round of the 2007 Offshore Powerboat Racing series.

Bill says every race us an important learning experience and despite astonishingly successful 40-years designing, building and marketing boats, is not afraid to say that he is still learning today.

'What we’re doing on the race courses is continually looking for an edge, something that will make our boats superior, whether it be in the shape of our hulls, the manner in which we mount engines or the production of fuel tanks,' he explains.

One area of thought remains foremost in the Bill Barry-Cotter thought process; 'Keep it simple,' he says.

'Human nature tends to make things far more complicated than they really are so I’m a true believer in the KISS (keep it simple, stupid) principle.'

One aspect of the race boats that a keen or experienced eye would detect as being applied to the Maritimo luxury cruisers is hull shape.

'A hull designed and built correctly means comfort at sea, predictability in varying sea conditions and enhanced performance,' he points out.

'We have put a lot of work into bottom shape, rudder angle and camber and related all aspects to horsepower.

'Propeller efficiency, related to both pitch and diameter, is another area under close scrutiny and I’d say we have improved that by at least 10 percent in recent years.'

The all-important propeller shafts also come in for Barry-Cotter scrutiny and meticulous effort goes into the choice of stainless steel, the production and the angle when installed.
Bill rates superior raw materials as the major improvement boat building has enjoyed in recent years.

'Lighter and stronger, that’s the advantage we have today compared to years past,' he said.

'We’ve learnt the best ways to use high-tech materials like balsa, foam and woven rovings and where to employ these for the best results.'

He also rates the massive improvements in marine electronics, particularly electronic engine controls, as other major advantages the industry can claim today.

Some aspects of Maritimo’s award-winning cruiser range bear technology adapted from the race course that even enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners would not even notice.

One instance is fuel tankage.

'We’ve learnt a lot from offshore racing, particularly in terms of fuel tank construction and with actual placement,' Bill says.

'It all comes down, really, to the overall effect on weight and weight distribution.'

The all-important need for efficient engine mounting systems has been learned the hard way.

When smashing through boisterous seas at better than 200km/hr, engines, like everything aboard a race boat, are subjected to tremendous punishment.

'Engine mounting systems are continually monitored and we’re regularly looking for ways and means to eliminate vibration and improve alignment techniques,' Bill explains.
'It may well be critical for a high speed offshore racer, but there’s no reason for not seeking similar improvements for recreational craft.'

More field testing this weekend when Bill and his nineteen year old son Tom return to the NSW Central coast to see if they can retain the Newcastle Challenge trophy the duo won last year.

Maritimo will be keen to stamp some authority on the 2007 series having yet to win a race this year, with rivals Acme Racing and reigning champions Simrad winning a race a piece in the Victorian rounds.

Up to twenty offshore powerboats will be in Newcastle for racing this weekend and spectators are encouraged to attend the pit area at Lee Wharf all day on Saturday 21 April to see the offshore machines. Saturday’s Practice session starts at 15:30 in Newcastle Harbour.

Maritimo and the other offshore racing teams will be racing on Sunday 22nd with speeds in excess of 250km/h. testing drivers and equipment.

The Geelong and Williamstown rounds of the will be aired as follows:
Geelong : SBS ' Speed Week' 22 nd April at 12.30pm
Fox Sports ' Inside Speed' 25 th April 8.00pm
Williamstown: SBS 'Speed Week' 6 th May at 12.30pm
Fox Sports 'Speed Week' 9 th May at 8.00pm

Unfortunately the first airing of the Geelong race clashes with the Newcastle race. This was outside the circuit’s control, but for boating enthusiast who can’t get to Newcastle will have offshore racing to watch, while the fleet circulates on Newcastle Harbour.

Round Four of the Offshore series continues on Botany Bay for the 'Botany Bay Classic' on 28-29 April.