Follow the team's progress on the Race Report page.

JOINT PROJECT - H4 acts as 'guinea pig' in testing new product

As part of our sponsorship of H4, as well as providing the communications, we have undertaken the repairs and refurbishment of the boat hull.  The work we have done has resulted in a marked improvement in performance and handling - and, yes, 56.9mph was recorded recently at Southampton.

In discussions with other crews, we discovered that many of the boats in the fleet were using special coatings on the boat hull.  The only drawback was that the coatings would last little longer than one race.  What we were looking for was something much longer-lasting.

We contacted Clean Image, who had several possible products comprising a water repellent chemical or a sealant to add to the buffed boat hull.  They felt that neither option would give exactly the effect required and they decided to develop a completely new product - a long-lasting water repellent coating which would also withstand the impact of salt water at high speeds.

Clean Image contacted Willy Winterfalk of Allbrite Europe to develop a new mix of chemicals.  In conjunction with Allbrite U.S.A. the new mix was made up and tested at a lab in California.  This involved the application of the mix to fibreglass and spraying salt water through a pressure washer.

The, as yet un-named, product was ready for field testing and H4 Team Neptune and Paul Charman's 225 Team Mermaid agreed to act a guinea pigs and to report their findings.  Willy flew over from Sweden and joined Clean Image and Autobright (Allbrite's UK distributor) at our premises in Lingfield to apply the coatings.  The coating is not detectable on the white hull of H4, but the black hull of Paul's 225 gleams like a mirror.

We have yet to test the product under race conditions, but H4 managed to achieve 54mph at the Lowestoft Boat Show with 4-up!

Photograph of coating being applied to H4 by courtesy of Clean Image.

NOW    -   CONVENIENCE,   SAFETY   and   FUN   all in one package

Advantage  Lightweight Intercom System  incorporating

Open Intercom for up to 10 users  -  no longer any need to shout!

VHF link   -   Mobile Phone link   -   CD/Stereo link

Use with Headsets or Helmets

Price from £599 + VAT *

* includes 2-way intercom, 2 lightweight headsets and helmet sockets with in-line safety release plugs

Current users include  Honda F4 Raceboats,  Powerboat Training Schools,  Everglades tour boat,  Sport hovercraft,  and Dive boats

LEADING THE WAY - Neptune Waterproof Cases now available for Tetra/Airwave Radios

Following on from our highly successful Neptune waterproof cases for VHF radios, we are now leading the way with our extended range, including fully submersible (IP68), heavy-duty cases for the new generation of Tetra/Airwave radios.

As before, the cases can be linked to our established Neptune intercom systems and speakers.

Already in service with Essex Police and the Ministry of Defence Police.

Illustrated:  (Main picture: Sepura STM 2000 and (left and below) Motorola MTM 700.

The latest version of our popular AdaptaCom detachable single earpiece/microphone assembly has been specially designed to fit the Gath sailing helmet.  Available with an integral PTT - or a lightweight in-line PTT can be fitted if preferred.

Suitable for use with fixed communication systems; linking to hand-held VHF/UHF radios or our Neptune Freedom personal intercoms.

The last thing our Production Manager, Kevin Cruttenden sees himself as is a knight in shining armour, but that is what he proved to be for the girls of Team Raymarine, the British Honda 225hp Powerboat Champions - driver Shelley Jory and navigator Libby Keir.

Libby writes 'Kevin came to the rescue for Team Raymarine in Liverpool ... he really was our saving grace!  As has been widely and embarrassingly documented, the first powerboat race that weekend was an unmitigated disaster for Shelley and I.  After a fantastic start, our communication system (not Neptune, by the way) completely disappeared and I was left shouting into oblivion!  Disaster!  Consequently, we missed our first mark and had the worst race of our season.

'The work he did on our system was faultless - completely immaculate, crystal clear sound and worked perfectly.  this was all the more amazing seeing as he was working from the back of his car at night during what was meant to be his holiday!  As a result of his incredibly generous help, Shelley and I had a completely different race the next day, leading the fleet throughout the race until we unfortunately conceded first place at the final turn.

'After Liverpool, Kevin has again taken our comms system from us and, yet again, the work he has done has been amazing.  He is a fantastic friend to the team and we really owe him for coming to the rescue in Liverpool.

'D.S. Developments has played no small part in Team Raymarine's championship victory this year ... and we think Kevin is a star!'

We always aim to please!   Congratulations Shelley and Libby  -  a great result!

155mm. dia. x 70mm. deep  with 20mm flange. 

Follow the link for details of other Neptune Speakers.