Sleepyhead Racer – NZ Offshore Powerboat Champion 2006,2007,2008
The concept for these boats was to produce an economic option for offshore racing using off-the-shelf racing engines that were not too stressed or expensive to maintain. The idea was to encourage more people to take up racing in New Zealand’s premier offshore class – essentially UIM Class 2.
Our first design (#44) was a taster to try to show that through reliability a ‘budget’ racer could still compete with the big budget campaigns. Four time NZ champion Peter Turner returned from retirement to build the prototype NZ V8 Superboat and narrowly missed taking the title in 2005, but showing clearly that although about 400bhp down on his competitors the boat could still be a contender.
In 2006 the tables were turned and “Sleepyhead” won Peter his 5th title and the decision was made to use this boat as the architype for a new Offshore Powerboat rule. At the same time Peter decided to push the class by building a new boat and we are very proud that he came back to us to design the new 2007 “Sleepyhead”.
This boat is a refinement of the first boat with a completely redesigned tunnel and running surfaces as well as a revised aerodynamic package for canopy, screen and engine air. Build from carbon and PVC/balsa core by the expert team at CT-Marine in Auckland, the boat is tough and built to the minimum weight.
Specifications
Loa: 10.71 m
Bmax: 2.90 m
Displacement: 3200 kg
Power: 2 x 525 Mercruiser Magnum V8s with IV legs