Undocumented Australian Outboards

[notav8]

I recently enquired about a Rawco outboard at a clearing sale in QLD. When I got the pictures, I realised it had an incorrect engine, so I didnt pursue it. There must still be a few around.
Cheers

[croweater]

What a find its a Regcraft inboard/outboard Victa powered usually sold with a 11 foot dinghy sold for 112 pounds in 1962.
The motor is a Victa Tiger which develops 4hp @ 2,800rpm, have an add and dinghy test somewhere.

John

[croweater]

Here's one of the dinghy tests.



John

[Collector Inspector]

Well done John.

On my collecting bucket list........



B

[AusAnzani]

Hi John,

Thanks very much for that. I was aware of the Regxraft connection but could not find any pics myself. This is a great help. Owner (not me unfotunately) will be delighted.

Next part of the puzzle, were these exclusive to Regcraft or commercially available to others also?

Regards

[Collector Inspector]

Next part of the puzzle, were these exclusive to Regcraft or commercially available to others also?

Keep looking.

Hint in that what were the foundry Biz around then?

B

[AusAnzani]

Hello John,

Just wanted to pass on a word of thanks from the owner of this I/O unit.

I'd like to thank croweater for providing that information, just about everything I need to know on that article.

This is a great example of members of different forums working together and sharing what they know.

Thanks again & regards,

[croweater]

Found this hope you can read it they were only made for 3 or 4 years have an advert somewhere, design changed a little over that period.





John

[AusAnzani]

Hi John, you are the man!

Can I send these to Peter also? He doesn't have membership here yet.

Thanks & Regards,

[croweater]

Here's that advert for the Regcraft from 1963 there is a boat somewhere in NSW don't think there would be many survivors.
Bruce might be able tell us about the company history.



The Blaxland and Simplex outboards were they made by another company just curious?

John

[AusAnzani]

You have turned up some excellent information on the Reg Craft. I'd go so far as to say, most questions are answered through those articles and adverts. Thanks again!

As for the Chapman/Blaxland outboards, from what I know most were fitted with Hurricane air-cooled or water-cooled engines. I have 2 of the water-cooled in my collection, 1 complete, the other missing a few parts that have proven near impossible to find. More info on the incomplete on here: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=4930&p=40630&hilit ... ane#p40630

Who made them I do not know for certain, however I'm leaning towards the possibility that Hurricane manufactured outboards for distribution under brand label agreements with various suppliers.

Although commentary in The Old Outboard book re Hurricane is very limited, adverts for Hurricane outboards can be found on Trove without too much difficultly. In addition, the most recent Waterboy, Dependable, Kingfisher and two others who's names escape me at the moment, all shared identical componentry and paint schemes. This strongly implies one common manufacturer (quite possibly the engine manufacturer) producing outboards for brand suppliers.

Still some holes that need to be plugged, but I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it all soon.

Regards,