Author Topic: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3  (Read 13771 times)

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Offline nigel f

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Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« on: August 08, 2011, 12:01:04 PM »
So It begins.

I have allways liked the Jet type boat, and Idealy an early version which looks "right"
I have as an ebay saved search "dowty" and "Jet" which comes from another intrest, this showed a Local (less than 5 miles) speed boat in need of restration, some thing I hadnt even contmpleted, I promplety went to view the boat, it was in quite a state, but did look sound and I was impressed with the quality of the Hull.

So Im in at the deep end, I will have a steep learning curve ahead, as I dont know a lot about Fibre glass, Mechanicals are less of a problem.
I have been considering the ooptions for chaning the engine, as it is not a MK1 Turbocraft and has a different strearing nozzle arangement, I believe that it is probbley less important that I retain the orignal 2.5 Ford cast Iron engine.
I have been considering the options, such as an all alloy V8 (Lexus as I have 2 spare) and limit the revs and also the accleration rate with a ECU system, a Stright six alloy engine from a BMW or the Toyota 3L stright 6 alloy head and cast block.

I would like to keep the weight low and also improve the eficancy of the system IE MPG.
I have had some intresting discusions with an ECU manufacturer which I have used when tuning Cars, where we can use a pizco electronic sensor to detect cavatation and use the Traction controll channel on the ECU to retard the Ing and or rain in the engine revs to prevent the Cavation. . . .  any way that all a long way in the furure, I want to keep the Boat lookin 60's style and look orignal.

So the Firt thing to do is to strip and make repars to the Hull and also the Pump.

I have some photos at this stage one of the process.

Nigel
« Last Edit: August 17, 2017, 11:47:27 AM by BN »

Offline BN

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2011, 10:51:23 PM »
I think I might have to build a special section for Dowty as it is certainly catching on. The quality of the build is excellent, but sadly the design does make certain problems and these are not easy to overcome. You have a great project there and in fact it is better than it looks. The engine looks like it has had a bit of abuse, but them that is not too bad to rectify if the block is not cracked. I do have a spare block, but it is cracked.

I see the sacrificial anode in the jet drive has been eaten, which means the shaft will possibly need attention as there is an anode around it, but that is complete disassembly. The jet is not too bad to take apart, but the tollerances are fine when reassembling, something I am doing right now and spares unavailable, so have to be made. Been there, done it and now wear the T shirt, so ask if you need bits made.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline nigel f

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2011, 06:12:17 PM »
Thanks the project will by a good one, I just about have the pump in bits, pics to follow.
There are a few options so I will measure and assess the condition of the parts, I will no doubt be in touch as if you have had parts made for your machine it would be logical to use the same skilled people.

I have considered some internal pump upgrades, this would keep the boat looking authentic but may improve peformance and eficiency too.

A bit like the moden E-Type Jag which you can buy.
This is some thing that I wouldnt consider if it was the MK1, I could keep it orignal tho.

Nigel

Offline BN

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2011, 09:16:42 AM »
Hi Nigel, because your project is so important, I hope you do not mind, but I have given you a seperate board, so as to keep history going and inform others of the boats design, build and methods of repair. I look forward to your progress. All the best.

By the way, your trailer is an original trailer, I can identify it by the winch post, over engineered basically and the tie downs behind the wheels. I have built new trailers for both of my boats as I need safety on the roads and I take my boats abroad, so should you need a trailer, we have the design and could build for a lot less than most, plus galvanise and they tow like a dream.

Your engine has a tap on the redundant thermo housing, when you find out what that is for, please let me know. Also your plumbing is quite different to the MK1's I have.

I see another difference, your rear engine support is covered to stop fingers in the flywheel and you have a double set of engine rubber mounts, interesting.
I wish I had the steering wheel centre, mine are both missing.

The internals of the jet, could be updated, but as mine is so original, I have kept it as is. The alloy sacrificial anode on the inner shaft is alloy and coated, that cost hurt me to have it made and coated as a one off.

Finally, I have had made by hand the bow eye in stainless, so if you would like one as they are originally plated brass, let me know. I would need a pattern from yours as they are all hand made, but we produce them a lot less than having them re plated. I am making one right now for my second boat.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 09:54:08 AM by BN »
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline eastcoast

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2011, 01:41:19 PM »
Hi I would like to get in touch with Nigel to see if he wants to sell the zephyr 6 engine, but cannot access his details. My contact no is 07710156507 if anyone can pass on.
Many thanks Paul.

Offline BN

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2011, 03:59:47 PM »
Hi I would like to get in touch with Nigel to see if he wants to sell the zephyr 6 engine, but cannot access his details. My contact no is 07710156507 if anyone can pass on.
Many thanks Paul.

If you click on the icons below his name on the left of his entries, you can send e-mails and personal messages.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline trubador

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #6 on: September 22, 2011, 10:11:13 AM »
congrats on your dowty turbocraft..
Im no engineer yet a dowty enthusiast ....I went through the decision of wether to change the engine or not and I plumped for keeping but tweeking the ford zephyr.
I simply put on a bigger carb...with a new port plus I think the head was shaved just a little.There is a zephyr specialist near dartford who supplied all the spares advice etc..he used to race the cars!
Ive got loads of guts now as it was a bit underpowerd for planing etc.I thought why get a dowty to change the engine?its like just buy a more modern boat it will be cheeper easier ,maybe not as classy given?
I did see a swedish boat with a merc cruiser in it..on the web...i thought wow reliability..no jet to worry about...no grit in the intakes...easy servicing ..no parts problems...but ..nah ...I lll stick with the history and headaches!

Offline BN

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #7 on: September 22, 2011, 02:51:38 PM »
congrats on your dowty turbocraft..
Im no engineer yet a dowty enthusiast ....I went through the decision of wether to change the engine or not and I plumped for keeping but tweeking the ford zephyr.
I simply put on a bigger carb...with a new port plus I think the head was shaved just a little.There is a zephyr specialist near dartford who supplied all the spares advice etc..he used to race the cars!
Ive got loads of guts now as it was a bit underpowerd for planing etc.I thought why get a dowty to change the engine?its like just buy a more modern boat it will be cheeper easier ,maybe not as classy given?
I did see a swedish boat with a merc cruiser in it..on the web...i thought wow reliability..no jet to worry about...no grit in the intakes...easy servicing ..no parts problems...but ..nah ...I lll stick with the history and headaches!

Thanks for that good to hear, my projects are a little on hold at the moment due to a bit of a life change, but will continue very soon again.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline nigel f

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2012, 11:07:38 PM »
Hello, sorry for the lack of up dates.
Work and other commitments have been getting in the way, I do have some updates which I will add soon.

I have also now borght a mk1 Dowty turbocraft as well. So there will be another update as the "new" boat will need some work too.

Nigel

Offline BN

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Re: Dowty Turbo Craft MK3
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2012, 11:27:03 PM »
Addition is bad for you. The problem is, I have two hobbies, collecting cigarette lighters (I dont smoke and never have) and classic speedboats. Both are addictive, but the lighters can go in a draw, the boats are now a bit of a problem with storage.

Best of luck with both of your projects.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB