TBPNews #66 - September 30, 2004
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>>>>>> Tunnel Boat Performance News >>>>>>>>>>>>>> (now over 5000 members!)
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In this issue: 
1) Donzi adopts growth strategy
2) Survey Results - Fuel Price influences boating activity
3) Luxury cats get own section at Lauderdale
4) The Grand Prix of Singapore 
5) OLYMPIANS OPEN SOUTHAMPTON, UK SHOW
6) NEW - Mercury Outboard Trailer Hitch Cover
7) Jimboat writes Feature articles in HOTBOAT magazine
8) 'Hot Boat' magazine - Save 51%! 
9) ** NEW ** 'Tunnel Boat Design' Software - Version 7.7
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1) Donzi adopts growth strategy

American Marine Holdings, Inc. has begun a "calculated growth strategy" in its Donzi Marine division with the introduction of several new boat models, additional manufacturing space and changes to its management team, according to a press release from the company yesterday. 

"In the coming weeks, we will begin to roll out the first in a stream of new models, including the most substantial investment in the High Performance segment - by any manufacturer - in at least a decade," said American Marine Holdings chairman and CEO Lee Kimmell. "We will also introduce several important additions to our line of performance fish boats and cruisers. At the same time, we are completing a significant expansion of our production capacity." 
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2) Survey Results - Fuel Price influences boating activity

This past quarter I participated in a Boat Fuel Survey conducted by the Recreation Marine Research Center at Michigan State University.  I can share these results with you...

The results show that fuel price increases influenced both the amount and type of boating activity during Summer 2004. More than 4,000 (4,337) members of RMRCs National Boater Panel participated in the survey; eighty percent (3,306) took a trip during the summer (MayAugust) for which they purchased fuel. Forty-four percent of these boaters did less boating because of higher fuel prices and seventy percent took fewer boating trips. The impacts of higher fuel prices were greatest on the owners of inboard and inboard-outboard cruisers. 

TBPNews members may use my contact to obtain your own copy of the report at: 
http://www.prr.msu.edu/rmrc/boatfuel.pdf 
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3) Luxury cats get own section at Lauderdale

Therell be a new feature at next months Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show  a luxury catamaran section.  An area at Los Olas Marina, one of six show sites, is being set aside for an elite group of international power catamarans designed for cruising, sailing, fishing and pure enjoyment, show organizers said in a statement. The boats range from 40 to 86 feet. 

The in-water multihull display will feature the 86-foot Pacific Harmony, built in New Zealand and displayed by Camper & Nicholsons. The 40-foot, South African-built Prowler Club 400 will be displayed by Charter Cats.  The Lagoon 440 from the Catamaran Co., the 63-foot Power Cat from Power Cat Group, the 43-foot Lagoon Power from Lagoon America and the Ted Hood-designed Portsmouth Marine Power Cat 52 will be among the other boats on display. The show opens Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 1.
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3) Grand Prix of Singapore 

Singapore, September 19, 2004.... The Grand Prix of Singapore was an action packed race right from the green light with spectacular racing, crowd pleasing incidents and incredible tension throughout.

Dramas started on lap one with Francesco Cantando and Ivan Brigada racing hard at the fourth corner for 2nd place when their boats touched resulting in Brigada literally flying through the air, barrel rolling and ending upside down with four metres of the right side of his sponson being taken off.  Brigada was sent to the Singapore General Hospital for observation and doctors are reporting he is fine.  Cantando who was lying 2nd in the Championship then requested that his team mate Moreschi give up his boat to allow him to race.  Cantando was racing well up until he was unfortunately forced to drop out on the third to last lap.

Gillman and Cappellini battled boat to boat throughout the race with Gillman snatching the lead.  Unfortunately Cappellini's steering started to give up after 15 laps and finally he had to retire after only 27 laps.   Gillman managed to retain the lead pushing all the way and securing his 19th career victory.

Disaster struck Bocca from the Rainbow Corona team when his piston went through the side of his engine - the engine then exploded and caught on fire.  Racing was fantastic for many of the new drivers today, with Ralf Sunde who raced his first ever race finishing in 9th place and picking up 2 points.  Philippe Chiappe also secured 3 points today for the first time in his two year history coming in 8th place.  New driver to the Corona team ended the day in 7th position with 4 points - only his 2nd race in Formula One.  Rookie of the year in 2003, Julius Leysen finished in 6th place taking home 5 points.

With so many boats dropping out of the race, the field quickly provided opportunities for two of the stronger drivers to snatch places on the podium.  A delighted Philippe Dessertenne who started out in ninth place finished 2nd and was clearly ecstatic.  Third on the podium today was a delighted Sami Selio who had been suffering some serious boat issues at the past two races.  Racing now moves to Malaysia at Putra Jaya September 25-26, 2004 for the 8th race in the calendar.
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4) OLYMPIANS OPEN SOUTHAMPTON, UK SHOW

The 2004 Southampton International Boat Show's Press and Preview day of 10th September  enjoyed a mixed bag of weather from bright sunshine to heavy showers. Only hours before the event was due to open its doors, the south coast was being pummeled by heavy rain.

The largest vessel on display at this years show was not for sale as HMS 'Newcastle', Britain's longest serving Type 42 Air Defence Destroyer is still on active service.  It appears speed is one of the features of this years event with Honda playing a major part. On one of their several stands, one of BAR's Honda powered 2003 F1 cars was on display while over the weekend two of  the Honda 150 and 225 FFS 'One Class' offshore navy teams will be crowned, as their final two races of the season were staged off the show site.

Raymarine, who sponsor the Yachting Journalist Award trophy hosted a party on press day to say farewell to the outgoing recipient, 5 times World Class 1 Champion Steve Curtis and invite nominees for this years award of which the Olympic Team GB sailing team will almost certainly start as favourites.
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5) NEW - Mercury Outboard Trailer Hitch Cover

We now have this completely unique addition to your rig! A stock Mercury Trailer Hitch Outboard Decoration for most any commonly owned trailer hitch. Make Waves with this Realistic Boat Motor Hitch Cover!  This unique item is not found in stores, so Order now! Watch the propeller spin you down the road! Only $26.95.  http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/mercury_hitch_cover.htm

Also new Chrome Propeller hitch cover!  Only $23.95.  We are shipping new versions now for immediate delivery.  http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/shopping.html
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6) Jimboat writes Feature article in HOTBOAT magazine

Check out the NEW high-tech, high performance powerboating feature articles just published:

"What a Drag" - Trim Angle & Engine Height Can Reduce Drag and Increase Speed", by Jim Russell, author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design book [editor-HB].  See September 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_August2004.html

"10 Safety Tips" - The author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" offers ten safety ideas for high performance go-fast boats [editor-HB].  See August 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_August2004.html
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7) 'Hot Boat' Magazine - Save 51%! 

We have obtained great deals on Powerboat magazine subscriptions. This month we have a great deal on the popular 'Hot Boat' magazine. 

'Hot Boat' Magazine - High-performance boaters bible featuring tests, technical reviews, adventure travel, racing coverage, product reviews and tips. 11 issues, Cover Rate, $54.89; Our Rate Only $28.95. That is 47% off!
 
http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/boating%20magazines%20discounts.html 
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8) NEW 'Tunnel Boat Design' Software - Version 7.7

We've just released the new Tunnel Boat Design Software - version 7.7. This is the best release yet - with the most dynamic and plentiful new features ever! Includes new "Auto BlowOver Check", Design-versus-Design comparison graphics, HeadWind & TailWind feature, Nine (9) new design Wizards!  Check out new features at http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/tbdp6.html, or download the summary of new features at http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/New%20in%20TBDP%20Version%207.zip
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See you next time!

/Jimboat

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Note: The articles presented in TBPNews are edited excerpts from the "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" book, by Jim Russell, published by AeroMarine Research.  The STBD book explains the theory in full, and outlines example design calculations, step-by-step.  The "Tunnel Boat Design Program", software, does all the force calculations, dynamic force balances at all speeds, and reports the analysis automatically, including complete graphical performance results for any tunnel or modified vee hull design.
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