Monday, 24 June 2013

the POTTS FAMILY album; WHITELEY F1-11





We only recently mentioned that the Potts Family were on the lookout for another stray and this super rare F1-11 is the result. Dragged home from western Sydney, "it was only a 2812km return trip over 3 days" Malcolm reckons ...that's keen! Hopefully we'll be keeping an eye on her progress.
The Whiteley F1-11 is a rare beast which Mick Whiteley created from his existing and well proven 'Elephant' race hulls by adding those cool tunnels. They were built with small block efficiency in mind although the only examples we know of were all fitted with big blocks, as was this one. Very few were built though, with the extremely quick  "HOMBRE" and "TONIC" being the better known examples. Juddcraft later acquired all these moulds which formed the basis for their famous Pharaoh model although the tunnel moulds were never to be used again unfortunately.
Strictly designed as a race boat we're hoping someone might recognize this F1-11 from her heyday and possibly fill us in on a bit of history.
Thanks for sharing Mal ...don't see these everyday! All the best.

*Thanks also to Keith for enlightening us with plenty of F1-11 info, cheers mate.

**Hit the 'Potts Album' label below to checkout some very fine craft from this crew, more to come.
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12 comments:

  1. Anonymous2 August 2013 at 00:12

    Was working for AB Glass Fibre in Thornliegh NSW in 1981 to 1983 when I acquired these moulds then on sold them to a person who was making ambulance bodies. Lived no more than 2 klms away from me when I was living in Merelynne Avenue West Pennant Hills glad to see some pictures of these hulls seeing they where so frowned upon when they where first built!

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  2. malcolm potts2 August 2013 at 20:53

    Geoff
    We would greatly appreciate any further information, specifications or photos of this hull type. Restoration work on this hull will start shortly. Dean Borg from Pro-Formance Marine and Bodyworks ( B.A.D. Boat S40 fame) has given it the once over and is waiting for it to be prepared prior to him giving it its new paintwork.

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  3. Anonymous28 October 2013 at 17:31

    Know the boat well, used to water ski on the Hawkesbury river regularly. My mate owned the boat and it competed in the 1982 bridge to bridge. It had a 350ci chev engine. I own a Whitley tantrum hull from new (Hot Head) that just turned 40 years old. We skied together for many many years. We have some photos if you're interested. Leave a message here with your email address. Thanks, Ron

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  4. aussieskiboats28 October 2013 at 18:39

    G'day Ron, rapt to hear from you. Thank you very much for getting in touch and sharing the info. Would love to see "HOT HEAD" if you get the chance, we love Whiteley's here ;) Please contact me so I can put you in touch with Mal, I'm sure he will be over the moon to hear any more in regards to this boat.
    Best regards. Ron (yes another one :) email >> aussieskiboats@gmail.com

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  5. Unknown26 October 2014 at 18:03

    Hi Did you ever get it finished have you got any recent photos of it Now

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  6. Malcolm Potts8 November 2014 at 16:42

    Thanks for your enquiry Heath. Due to health issues work is on hold at the moment.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous11 November 2014 at 23:42

      If you need help Give me a call 0434067 446 Would love to track down those moulds that I sold!

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  7. Anonymous8 February 2019 at 22:13

    Hi Mal have you done any more to the F1-11, I used to own one in the 80's called Rajah. Cheers John

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    1. Dan27 July 2020 at 21:51

      Hi John, I’m planning to buy an F1-11, and wondered if I could have a chat with you about these boats. Thanks, Dan 0434109888

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  8. Dan27 July 2020 at 21:49

    Hi Mal, I’m planning to buy an F1-11, and I was wondering if I could have a chat with you about your experience of this boat? Thanks, Dan 0434109888

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  9. Dan27 July 2020 at 21:50

    I meant John actually ! Thanks

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  10. Anonymous18 June 2023 at 18:25

    seen this boat early 80s social skiing from powers ski gardens at pitt town on the hawksbury

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