Runaway is an extended Formula 33 owned by fastidious engineer and businessman Mike Smith of Auckland
Thursday 18 December – Over the last fourteen years while in Mikes ownership, Runaway has been thoughtfully and carefully refitted and modernised. This has included most of the electrical, plumbing and other internal systems that always need replacement once a boat reaches a certain age. Mike liked the hull, but the engineer in him is always looking for improvements so Runaway was also fortunate to receive a hull extension and enlarged cabin a few years ago under his direction, taking the hull to 38ft as it stands today. The result had made for one of the most spacious and usable examples of the Formula 33 hull that you will find.
Last on the list of upgrades has been the propulsion system. The original Hino 250hp engine had made it this far but it was well past retirement. Mike wanted to unlock the hulls’ true potential and besides an engine, he knew the repower would also mean a new gearbox, propeller shaft and propeller since he wanted substantially more power. He looked at various engine options and then approached Onshore Marine to find out more about the FPT range.
Jake Wilknson, from Onshore Marine takes up the story, “We knew straight away the ideal engine for Mike would be the 6L engine from FPT. We’ve got many examples of this engine in the field and it provides exceptionally smooth power and high torque delivery and is great value for money and an ideal repower choice.”
Mike agrees with Jakes sentiment and continues, “I’ve found the engine package has completely met my expectations and have been very happy with the whole experience. It was great getting a complete turnkey package from one supplier who could also carry out the installation with factory backup and support. The boat is much faster, smoother and Im very happy with the performance and fuel economy of the engine.”
Mike admits that it’s been a fair amount of work to bring the boat to this stage but feels the end result has been well worth the effort. Runaway stands out as a perfect example of bringing a classic kiwi hull up to date with modern engineering and technology. The repower package included an FPT N60 engine, ZF Vee-drive Gearbox, Simrad Helm Panel and Flexball fly-by-wire helm lever.
The FPT N60 engine manufactured by FPT has a long history and was first supplied to Cummins as a long block for their widely used 6BT. FPT has since further developed the engine platform with Bosch common rail fuel injection and electronic control thus bringing the advantages of modern technology to a well proven design.
Installation and engineering work was carried out by the team at Onshore Marine Engineering. Call Jake or Josh on 0279112911. The NZ importer and distributor of FPT marine engines is Marine and Industrial Power, contact Adrian Penman on 0272131495.
