ON THE RIVERAND ELSEWHERE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 291, 8 December 1928, Page 5

ON THE RIVER—AND ELSEWHERE

AMONG THE MOTOR-BOATS (By 11 Bollard.”) Races for motor boats and out-board motors, will be held on Saturday next, at the club site. # iR I W Racing - fur the Higginbottom Cup last Saturday resulted in a win for Ferro. Vice-Commodore Hawkins, deserved his victory, as his times for the three heats were very consistent, the difference amounting to only seven seconds. Minerva and I’atuna, who tilled second and third places respectively, were also very consistent. Not so Cyclone, however, who failed to give of her best, until the final heat. Despite only two boats facing the starter, the racing in the out-board section, was of a very exciting nature and resulted in a victory for Moth by two wins to Johnston’s one. Air Bignell s boat was racing without a fin, and an appreciable difference in speed was evident, but even so, it was the advantage of raring in smoother water that allowed for the win. If Air Campbell would make use of the quiet water, his boat Mould be difficult to defeat. # # * * What promises to be a handsome pleasure launch is at present on the stocks of Mr Colin Wild, at Stanley Bay. Auckland. With an overall length of 38 ft ami a beam of 10ft, this vessel has a 110 horse-power motor installed and ig expected to attain a speed of about 15 knots. The launch is specially designed for fast cruising, with an unusually flared topside and a round bilge to obtain the greatest possible speed, while comfortable sleeping accommodation is provided for eight to 10 persons. Right forward is the cabin, abaft of which is the galley. Next to this is the engine-room, in which the motor is carried under the floor. This craft will be launched shortly before Easter, and will form a worthy addition to Auckland’s already large fleet of pleasure craft. # * * *

The enthusiasm and keenness shown by the thousands of spectators who witnessed the racing on the Welsh as to the popularity of outboard motor racing in England. Over 50 entries were received and generally the event was staged on a well organised basis. British enthusiasts were naturally disappointed that a British power unit was not successful in capturing the trophy. The 486 c-c. Evinrudc motor of “Seahopper,” the winner, however, was fitted with a British propeller, and special.y tuned by a British firm, and with this Mr J. P. Bomford put up a credible speed of 31.2 m.p.h. Mr R. Gibbs handled “Flash II.,” the second boat, while “Sea Bee,” the third craft, was piloted by the owner. Mr J. S. Holryd. Only two British power units, “Watermota” and “Roness, ” are at present available to outboard enthusil asts, but no doubt next year, the important event will see the outstanding success of British productions which marked the races for “full blooded” motor-boats in tEngland during the season. Mr Collin Fair, however, was successful in winning the motor-boat trophy for outboard craft at 27.12 m.p.h. with “British Maid II.,” engined with a British “Watermota” B class motor, 27 boats being entered for the race which took place on the same day. * * * * Noisy Outboaxds According to the latest advices from America, the noise made by racing outboard engines appears to be an acute problem in the United States (writes “Spindrift” in the Auckland Herald), and widespread interest has een i roused by reason of an injunction now before the Courts in order to prohibit the use of outboard motors on an important lake near Detroit. It is felt that if this injunction is made permanent others will quickly follow.

In America the use of silencers is enforced by all clubs, and it would be by no means a bad idea if clubs hero were also to adopt the rule of the compulsory silencer. Very little power is lost, and the quiet running obtained would be much appreciated by residents along the shore.

It has been pointed out that the American outboard motor-boat manufacturers have been experiencing similar difficulties to those faced by motorcar builder's 25 years ago, and the inboard engine manufacturer about 22 years ago. interested parties agree the sooner more efficient silencers are designed the better, otherwise this branch of motor-boating, which is now very popular in all parts of the world, will quickly be hedged in with so many restrictions that both the industry and sport will suffer severely.