A new racing dinghy designed to bring Avon Descent power boat dreams closer to reality has been unveiled at a special media event at the Burswood Water Sport Centre.
On show was the FPR 320, a standardised production boat that can remove much of the time and effort traditionally needed to get a custom made power racer to the start line at Northam.
The boat has been a long term project for business partners Jay Branson and Jon Faull, who between them have 10 Avon Descent power boat titles.
The FPR 320 features a locally- built modular plastic-foam hull and as a result, a badly damaged section can be replaced at minimal cost without the need to fund a new boat.
Jay and Jon have been very happy with the response so far and a number of the new craft will be lining up for this year’s Avon in the 10hp Standard class.
“We felt we had to do something to make it easier for people who always wanted to do the event in a power boat, but did not necessarily have the time or expertise to put together a custom race boat,” Jay Branson said.
“People spend an awful lot of time in the shed building high-tech racers and we figured if we could ease things a bit there, it might be encouraging, particularly for novice powerboat racers,” he said.
The media day attracted a host of news teams, and reporters took on the opportunity of a spin in the new boat with reigning 10hp Sport champion Michael Prosser at the helm.
It was Michael’s first time in the new boat as well, and he was suitably impressed. “The handling was really very good and I think these craft deserve every success,” he said.
The FPR 320 comes as a complete, competitive race package, with the hull, motor and mandatory equipment for less than $10,000.
The Power Dinghy Racing Club will also help streamline the process for novice power boaters to get into the Avon so the experience of owning an FPR 320 can be as simple and safe as possible.
Here’s hoping the plastic fantastic opens up a new era for potential poweries.
If you would like more detail email: info@fpr320.com or call Jay Branson: 0400 076144
