Racing enthusiasts are no doubt are aware of the performance capabilities of our ancient little engines but for those unpersuaded I enclose herewith an un-photoshopped genuine photo of my 12 ton boat doing 8.2 knots with my wee Seagull on the back. This can be independently verified by Southampton VTS - they probably had us on radar and put out an all ships warning that there was a fast one coming up the side of the Isle of Wight.
Economy was excellent and noise levels very low. No problem with cooling despite the speed. Prop only lightly buffed. For the technically minded the only modfication required - an extra, extra long shaft - freeboard height about 45 inches.
So if you feel the need for speed, get a Gull!
Merely an optical illusion of course Tinker, as we know the flywheel is actually rotating so fast that it appears to be stationary - any faster and it looks to be going backwards I believe. Surely some boffin on the Forum can enlighten us with the scientific explanation behind the optical characteristics of light falling on a fast spinning object and being reflected back so as to suggest a stationary object.....
Bearing wear is of course a valid concern and far be it from me to cast aspertions on anyone fretting about such an important issue. I can't honestly say that it keeps me awake at night however
Robin
This can be independently verified by Southampton VTS - they probably had us on radar and put out an all ships warning that there was a fast one coming up the side of the Isle of Wight.
