TAKING A REST

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30892, 27 October 1965, Page 19

TAKING A REST

[By Our Speedboat Reporter]

Ray Prattley, holder of the New Zealand B class outboard hydroplane record, is hating a spell from speedboat racing this season.

Prattley. from Ashburton, boosted the record to 71.46 rn.p.h. in his hydro. Downbeat, powered with a Konig motor, the season before last.

I Last season, he exper-i ' ( mented in driving Downbeat I I while lying down, instead of > kneeling as New Zealand out- • board hydroplane drivers do. Prattley’s idea was to have ’ the boat so perfectly balanced • that it was riding on the pro- ■ pellor and cushions of air : under the tips of the spon- ■ sons—in brief, with the hull I completely clear of the water. He had a most successful run on the Waiho box early in the season. However, the difference between the boat i in balance and out of balance was so fractional in his new' position. with sponsons (lengthened slightly, that I

rough water or a breeze could mean an upset. Prattley had a spectacular and highly dangerous capsize while driving lying down on Lake Rotoiti. Later in the season, he tipped out while driving in the kneeling position.

Altogether, Prattley and Downbeat have parted company 14 times while at speeds between 65 and 75 miles an hour in recent seasons—and such mishaps can be fatal.

He was at the opening meeting of the New Brighton Power Boat Club last Saturday—but Downbeat was in Ashburton

On a perfect day, windless

and warm, on perfect water — the Estuary like glass with I :no debris and no cross-cur-i ! rents—Prattley, lying down. [ would undoubtedly raise his i record substantially. However, these conditions, only happen once or twice in| | a season and then they have I Ito coincide with official" J record-breaking attempts over ( (the measured kilometer. 1 Prattley’s record looks safe until next season. Bv that. l time, he will be raring to go. On Saturday, with good water. I he was chafing at being a j landlubber. >, (In the photograph. Pratt- I ley poses alongside his boat i Downbeat).