--Efficient
Engine Design Delivers Exceptional Power to Weight Ratio
-- Platform For New World Bass Boat Speed Record
Fond
du Lac, WI - Mercury Racing of Fond du Lac, WI, Marine Turbine Technologies
(MTT) of Franklin, LA and Bryant Enterprises of Maryville, TN have teamed up to
develop a concept turbine outboard powered high performance bass boat. The
experimental outboard features a Rolls Royce Allison 250 series gas turbine
engine mounted to a Mercury Racing 2.5 EFI Offshore outboard center section and
1.62:1 gear ratio Sport Master gearcase. This one-of-a-kind turbine
outboard-powered Stroker bass boat will undergo tests in the near future in
preparation to set a new American Power Boat Association (APBA) world bass boat
speed record.
Overcoming water resistance requires the continuous operation of marine
engines at 70 percent or more of their full power in order to maintain cruising
speeds. Similarly, aviation engines also experience continuous operation above
70 percent of their available power in order to keep an aircraft flying. Current
availability of surplus aircraft turbine engines, which can be refurbished at
reasonable cost, has brought turbines into the marine propulsion picture. The
turbine engine, designed to run continuously at high power settings and on
multiple fuels, is very reliable due to no reciprocating parts. In addition, it
provides a higher power-to-weight ratio in a smaller size than either diesel or
gasoline engines.
A
production version of the turbine-powered Mercury Racing Outboard could be a
perfect alternative power source for U.S. Navy special operations forces as a
substitute for gasoline powered outboard motors.
MTT founder Ted McIntyre is well known for his design of highly competitive
turbine powered offshore race boats. Founded in 1990, MTT has perfected its
knowledge of marine turbine installations and often is referred to as the marine
turbine experts. Their engines have been featured in several government
demonstrations to promote the feasibility and benefits of using turbine engines
in government patrol boats and various military craft.
Stroker Boats founder Charles "Chub" Bryant, doing research on the
bass boat market in the mid 1980s, found a need for a high qualilty, purpose
built high performance bass boat. Bryant has an extensive background in racing
and high performance. His career expands three decades of automobile racing,
including drag, oval track and off- road racing. During his research of the high
performance bass boat market, people said "with your racing background and
performance knowledge, why don't you design your own boat?"
Bryant
resides in East Tennessee, where the high performance bass boat originated. His
goal was to build a boat that not only performs well at high speeds but one that
can also handle rough water and is stable in tight turns.
After two years and thousands of man hours, the Stroker bass boat hull design
was completed. The high performance 21-foot boat, with an exceptionally wide 94
½"-inch beam, provides a stable, wide deck for anglers to fish from,
carries a full tournament load and is easy to drive.
MTT/Mercury Racing Turbine Outboard Specifications
Horsepower 400
Engine Rolls Royce Allison 250 series gas turbine/Mercury Racing
2.5 EFI Offshore Outboard
Engine Weight Approx: 140 lbs. (less center section and gearcase)
Fuel Diesel, kerosene jp4
Charging System 150 Amp DC generator
Stroker 21 Bass Boat - Standard Features
Standard 3 Color Boat / Built to order
Limited 5 Year Hull Warranty
Uniquely Styled Instrument Panel
8000 RPM Tack
100 MPH Speedometer
Water Pressure Gauge
Fuel Gauge
Trim Gauge
Flip up hide away bow panel
Fiberglass Stringer System
Fiberglass floor board
Sea Star Pro Hydraulic Steering System with 1500 PSI Kevlar Braided Hoses
Special Designed and Custom tailored Marine Upholstered Seats
2 Matching Pedestal Seats of your choice
Bass or Saddle seats
Adjustable rising / sliding driver seat
Wired for 12/24 Trolling motor with #6 gauge wire
100 % Composite Construction
Plush Marine carpeting
Large Carpeted bow storage area
Removable glove box
Lockable storage compartments with aluminum lids
Foam insulated cooler
Large Tournament approved double lid divided livewell
500 GPH Mayfair livewell fill pump
Quick change cartridge pump operates on manual or timer control
Livewell recirculating system with timer controlled quick change 500 GPH pump
Manual or automatic Bilge Pump with quick change 500 GPH pump
Live well and cooler drain control
3 Battery trays tied into 1/8" aluminum glassed in
Bow and Stern lights
Courtesy lights
38 Gal. Fuel Tank
Stroker 21 Bass Boat Specifications
Construction 100% Hand laid Deck and Hull - AME 4000 Resin
Fuel Capacity 38 Gallons
Overall Length 21 feet
Beam 94 ½ inches
Weight w/ Turbine Outboard 2400 lbs.