Wondering if any UK Fletchers boats have made it across the pond ?

[QBhoy]

Hi guys
Just wondering if anyone is familiar with the Fletcher boats in the US
These were made and designed by a power boat guy who wanted to bring performance boats to the average joe, but also make them capable in the harsh uk waters.
There is a model called an Arrowbeau 17 and although not made anymore, are widely considered to be one of the best all round hulls ever made (across here anyway)
They are capable of running well into the 70's and even 80's with 2 stroke V6's on the back. They keep up with the well known baker designed phantoms and rings (you may have heard of these) race boats, but are so stable on the limit and capable in almost any weather.
My friend has one with a 225 yam, which is famed to be the quickest boat on the lake round here. Mine may be a close second, but just can't live with this thing.
I have attached a video of it running late 70's and gaining on a supercharged yamaha jet ski...before we all gave up. My wee boat was really up against it with a full tank wee all round prop on and heavy wake tower...my excuse anyway. Haha.
https://www.facebook.com/tam.scott.37/posts/10207836770751924

 

[Scott Danforth]

about the same chance that a beck boat made it to the UK.

I doubt if hydrostream V'kings made it over there either.

small manufactures are usually regional.

 

[QBhoy]

Very true Scott.
Hydrostreams are known to boat enthusiasts like myself over here, but never seen one here.
Not sure if the video can be seen on the forum. It's from FB. Really impressive though, the way this thing picks up. Half the weight of my boat at around 700kgs. Total flying machine for next to no money.

 

[QBhoy]

Fletcher boats went out of business a few years ago, apparently quoting the reason is that their boats last too long and no one needed to replace them. Haha. The market is full of old ones here. Not as special as the arrowbeau, but none the less. A testament to the hull.
Years ago there was a famous arrowbeau here from the 70's. It originally has a Merc 200 on it with a jack plate. It later had cozworth machines heads and was ported with special carbs. Called "Fubb" that was running around 90mph and was untouchable around here. Amazing boats.

 

[Scott Danforth]

A buddy of mine had a hydrostream V'king. he had a 2.5 merc with a bit of engine work and a cleaver prop. we had to slow down to 80 to turn. i dont think any part of the boat was in the water at well over 102 mph (on GPS)

yes, i believe i did pooh myself

 

[QBhoy]

Incredible Scott. More associated with aerodynamics, rather than hydrodynamics. Haha. They look great at full chat...wouldn't like to think what might happen if they hit a wake...if I was in a Fletcher or hydrostream last week and encountered my wee frightening situation (as per other post)...hate to think what might have happened.
Makes me think about how lucky I have been.
I owned a ring 18 (well known uk racing hull) when I was around 21 years old. With a big 200 Merc and 25" laser.
Before GPS was a common thing, but she would be over 70 anyway. I frequently used to charge about care free at crazy speeds without a lanyard.
They used to and probably still do, race these things with helmets and intercoms. I had little more than a pair of Bermuda shorts and a 6 pack of bud ! Frightening.
I even remember towing my buddy on a ringo inflatable at full chat and when doing s bends...the ringo must have been almost doubling the speed of the boat at over 100mph. Very foolish on reflection.

 

[Scott Danforth]

fastest I have been was in a bud's polker-run wiener boat (Fountain with tripple custom build BBC's) I think he said 1300 hp each. that was 122mph......you cant sip a beer going that fast in a boat.

 

[garbageguy]

......you cant sip a beer going that fast in a boat.

I knew there was a reason I don't have a boat like that...

 

[QBhoy]

Oh jeez....I wish we had boats like that here.
That said...there was a boat turned up at the slip way this year, that was originally an 80's world record ski boat, tow boat. It was claimed to do around 110 mph back in the day....
Up close, she looked tiny, but had a stinking V8 with side pipes and a super charger. Un heard of across here and apparently required an engine rebuild after most outings.