New kids on the offshore block

5:44 AM Mon 23 Feb 2009 GMT

'The #6 boat leased by the Frier family about to shake the cobwebs out in its first 'gallop' since the Townsville round of the Offshore Superboat Championships last year. - new kids on the block' Powerboat-World.com &copy Click Here to view large photo

Brandon and Chris Frier, sons of Mackay businessman Bill Frier, will be on the start line at the Williamstown round of the Offshore Superboat Championships this coming weekend, despite having no experience whatsoever in the sport.

The two lads, both experienced motocross riders, were keen to try offshore racing and father Bill came to the rescue by leasing a spare boat from the Maritimo Offshore team.

They have leased the boat for 12 months with an option to extend if the boys find offshore racing to their liking.

The boat has not raced since the Townsville round of the Offshore Superboat Championships last year.

Entered as '#6', the 12-metre carbon fibre catamaran has been rigged by Maritimo crew chief Peter 'Muddy' McGrath and boats dual 525hp MerCruiser engines.

It has a top speed in the region of 120mph (193km/hr).

The 3900kg racer's V8 engines are fuel injected and deliver their maximum horsepower at 5400rpm.

It employs Maritimo surface drives and Mercury racing propellers, with a single blade, hydraulic rudder.

Bill Frier (centre) with sons Brandon (left) and Chris prior to their first run aboarfd a race boat. - new kids on block - Powerboat-World.com &copy Click Here to view large photo

Brandon (throttles) and Chris (driver) Frier had their first run in the boat last week, with some hands-on tuition from Maritimo's highly-experienced Ross Willaton and some advice from Class I ace and current Australian champion Tom Barry-Cotter.

The Frier family are keen anglers with plenty of 'small fishing boat' use, but lack any experience with big boats, particularly race boats.

Despite that, they both exhibit the confidence of youth and are looking forward to assembling at the Williamstown start line and, hopefully, the Geelong start line one week later.

The starboard 535hp engine aboard the #6 boat. These MerCruiser power plants deliver their maximum horsepower at 5400rpm. - new kids on block - Powerboat-World.com &copy Click Here to view large photo

by Bob Wonders

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