OUTBOARD RACERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 229, 27 September 1929, Page 15

OUTBOARD RACERS.

MANY NEW BOATS BUILDING.

SPEEDS UP TO 60 MILES EXPECTED. FEATURES OF VARIOUS MAKES. Few readers of these columns require to be told that outboard motor boats are fast becoming the most popular motor racing craft and that the coming season will see keen competition in this class. Already a number of new boats liave been built and are in course of trying out their paces in readiness for the racing. One of the latest is Mr. W. F. Neal's Miss Marquette, shown 011 this page. She is 13 feet long and was built by Mr. L. Palmer, of Parnell. She is driven by an Evinrude motor. Mr. A. R. Townsend's new flier, Miss Arawa, has already done some fast runs with her big Elto. Two boats are now under construction which will be driven by Johnson Seahorse. All the new craft are expected to reach 40 miles. Mr. L. Stericker's new Humbug will also have the latest Elto and is expected to foot it with the best of them. Altogether the racing fleet will be increased by nine new boats before the season opens. Efforts are being made by one of the clubs to give more consideration to this type of racer, and it would appear as if they will be successful. The modern outboard engine is a highly developed machine and is streamlined wherever possible, with underwater parts made of rustless metal. Revolution speeds have increased from 3000 per minute to "over 6000 r.p.m. in the latest jobs. Efficient silencers are now insisted upon by racing committees and every effort has been made by the manufacturers to comply with this rule. As a guide to the various types of outboard motors available on the local market, the following will be found useful: — The Johnson. —This year's racing Seahorse models include four-cylinder jobs of 16 and 32 h.p. The cylinders are offset, which allows of straight connecting rods. Cooling is effected by a flow of water, the intake being back of the propeller blades. The vacuum here causes the water to flow and gives automatic circulation as soon as the engine starts. A powerful magneto is housed under the flywheel and is waterproof. Seven Johnson models are now made, the smallest weighing 261b and the largest scales just over 1001b.

Elto.—Five models of this popular make are listed. These motors were designed by Ole Evinrude, who is really the father of outboard engines. All have facing cylinders, one each side for the two smaller sizes, and two a side in the largest models. A special feature is a hinge which allows of folding the motor. This motor has battery ignition, which is claimed to give the easiest starting. A centrifugal pump on the shaft circulates cooling water Quiet running is ensured by a big silencer. The four-cylinder Eltos 'are known as the Quad and "rev" up to 5500, which gives them about 35 h.p. A special connection provides for an extra fuel supply. A j worm and sector are fitted to give wheel steering from any part of the boat. The Evinrude. —This make was the original one and has an extensive vogue. Five models are now made and all have the latest improvements, while the horsepower has been increased to over 30. The models include the Fasturn and Sportwin. Success has attained the makers' efforts to render the magneto thoroughly waterproof and one has been known to function after three hours' immersion. The latest racing models are fine jobs and are sure to uphold the reputation of this make for speed. The Watermota is a British make and is used by the Admiralty. The cylinders are of the three-port type. Ignition is by magneto driven by enclosed bevel gear. All underwater parts are of bronze. J The Lockwood. —This motor was fitted with bronze underwater parts, but the latest types have an aluminium alloy on which salt water has no effect. All,; have facing cylinders, are steered by tillers which swing the motor, starting is by pulley and cord, and waterproof magnetos provide the ignition. The Chief and Big Lockwood are the latest racing models and are fitted with effective silencers, which it is claimed allow the motor to run as fast with it on as off. Dual carburettors are fitted and other improvements made over last year's models. Viking.—Another British outboard motor is the Viking, which is a fourstroke job with twin carburettors and magneto ignition. It also has the big advantage of a free clutch, which allows the boat to be manoeuvred alongside a wharf or boat with ease. It also has the latest silencing device and other features found in the best of its class. ROYAL N.Z. YACHT SyUADHUJM. The fifty-eighth annual meeting of the "Royals" will be held this evening in the clubhouse, Endean's Buildings. The only nomination for commodore is Mr. W. P. Endean, for Vice-commodore Mr. N. L. Macky and for rear-commodore Mr. J. H. Frater. There will be contests for election to the general committee and for the office of hon. treasurer. Quite a lot of interest is shown in club matters and the attendance promises to be good.