quote wbeaton:
Very cool. Somehow they managed to make the Britania look even more mechanical than other open flywheel motors. I like it. Is there any chance that you have a Rip Tide? I’ve never seen one in real life.
The Riptide Outboard Motor Company was founded by outboard racer, Leonard Fredrick Sheltrum. Under his leadership 4 models were released, the first (and most common) being an opposed twin known as the fisherman. Sheltrum had previously purchased manufacturing rights for the Verity, one of Australia’s first commercially produced outboards, and simplified its design to create the Fisherman.
Other Riptide models include the Boatman single, the Fisherman deluxe and the Sportsman. The Sportsman was a 7.5hp vertical twin with styling similar to that of the Mercury Mark 30.
Sheltrum owned the Riptide Outboard Motor Company for a little over 2 years before selling it to Westcott Hazel in 1958 or 59. WH went on to produce Riptide Outboard motors until approximately 1963. In between Australian A Class speed records were set with Sportsman powered runabouts.
Both Bruce and I have all 4 Riptide models in our respective collections, but I will leave it to him to post pics as mine are in various stages of restoration. Out of respect, I also don’t want to steal his thunder!
In terms of technology, Aussie outboards were well behind those produced in the USA and the UK, but are an interesting piece of our outboarding history nonetheless. I will discuss with B the possibility of starting an all Australian thread here for you guys ie as the Hunn book does not do them the justice they deserve, albeit that it provides a good overall reference and record.
Regards
S
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