Surfury's rudder exhaust and trim tabs.

The Argument for Preservation.
The National Motor Boat Museum has both valued and cared for “Surfury” but the combination of limited funds & the progressing years have inevitably resulted in a gradual degradation. “Surfury” is totally complete, as she was at her last race except for her racing propeller. It is 35 years since she last received any significant maintenance, she urgently needs restorative work; her paintwork is peeling and her engines corroding.

Surfury's Daytona engines and V drive clearly showing the turbo chargers - 1200 bhp of raw power! As seen today but exactly the same as the day she last raced. Sureley we must save these unique groundbreaking pieces of engineering history.

To some it is a controversial subject as to whether restoration ruins the authenticity of a historic craft but if nothing is done to save this unique craft “Surfury” will continue to degrade. This country has a fine reputation of preserving its nautical, motor sporting and aeronautic heritage, many examples of which are in the highest level of preservation and in working condition. One only has to witness the recent huge success of the Goodwood Festival in Motor Racing to understand the attraction and commercial opportunities for automotive nostalgia of 40+ years ago. Classic boats & craft are an increasingly popular area of nostalgia but to date no effort has been made to actively demonstrate the classic offshore boats of the same period. Class C1 & the supporting lower classes of the era are not represented & there is a danger of them being forgotten forever. It may be that the fraternity of those involved with the sport both past and present have the opinion that technology should move on and that “the past is the past”, this is not a universal view. Custodians of this heritage is now the responsibility of a few enthusiasts and spokesmen, this website is an attempt to contribute to the maintenance of the past and appeal for a greater appreciation from those that have benefited.

Surfury's cockpit as photographed in 1967.

Surfury's cockpit showing the dual driving positions and replicated controls now slowly decaying.

The minimum that should be considered is to at least, returning “Surfury” back to her competitive appearance, preserving for prosperity the condition that truly represents her pedigree and history. It ha been planned for “Surfury” to be moved in the future as an exhibit to the new NMM Museum in Falmouth but for now she will remain at Basildon. The NMM undertake a significant role in maritime preservation but Surfurys future is not a priority. The final purpose of this website is to appeal to the commercial organisations that have gained from the technology of this era & have the financial ability to set up a trust to enable “Surfury” to be renovated. Michael Souter & Max Veralnder have returned to "Surfury" and have agreed that she could be restored back to running order, their unique first hand knowledge & expertise of her construction & engineering would be an essential part of a project. The outline cost would be potentially in the order of £300,000 which could be achieved through setting up a trust fund, hard work and commercial sponsorship. As an attraction at the Boat Show, in restored form she would form a dramatic & popular exhibit. If ever the means could be found to restore her to running order the publicity & media interest would be significant, as once again the unique sight and sound of “Surfury” with her mighty twin Daytona’s could be experienced.

Surfury's bows.

Through this website there is an invitation to all those potentially interested in contributing, initially just by enthusiasm, in establishing this project.

Surfury - a British champion.

Please contact chris.grayer@surfury.co.uk with your thoughts.