Testing new 40' Hallett Today

[burtandnancy]

They are putting finishing touches on Nick Barron's new 40 footer and we are out testing around noon. Since you won't see the details until the next Hallett brochure, heres some of the latest features; a pair of Ilmor MV10's, pushing IMCO's newest 4 X 4 drives, and IMCO's Gatlin mufflers (ought to sound great.) Twin bolsters have drop out seats, but the entire chair raises or lowers a full 8" (electric). Its got a new bottom with air injected just behind the steps by in internal manifold. The cabin interior is even more elegant than ever. This one has red, tufted leather like I've only seen in the finest homes. I can't do justice to the interior. Cockpit upholstery is white leather.
But my personal favorite, one that Nancy would never have another boat without, is the side door/ladder installed between the V-berth and love seat on the port side. No boat larger than 30' should be without one.
I'll report back tonight how it ran and handled (and sounded)...

[BajaMike]

Pictures? Where you testing it?
:confused:
Mike

[LASERRAY]

I think i'll make a Hallett my "Retirement" boat. Sounds very plush.:cool:

[burtandnancy]

Well, anytime you take a new Hallett out for the first time, its nearly 100%. Found a drop of oil from a trip pump, and an alarm went off at cruise speed, but nothing showed on the dash, may be a faulty sensor. Someone (who shall remain nameless) left the correct props on the work bench and Nick is having a new set flown in Monday.
With the Gatlin mufflers those twin V10's sound like a hopped up diesel, a low, quiet rumble. With the mufflers removed it sounds more like a pair of RS-10's on a road course. Absolutely no difference in performance.
This luxury boat is really something. Nick has installed all the latest devises and toys he could find from new interior upholstery, adjustable bucket seats, hatch lifter, side door, drives and much more.

[BILLY.B]

Burt you really need to get a job. Your having way too much fun.:D

[DeltaSigBoater]

Originally posted by BILLY.B
Burt you really need to get a job. Your having way too much fun.:D
Talk about falling into a bucket-o-shit and coming out smelling like a rose. I gotta talk to Mr. Barron and ask how I get to do what you do :)

[burtandnancy]

Billy, I DO have a job. In fact I'm leaving Tuesday AM to go to the Powerboat 100 MPH shootout. I have to stay away three full days. I have a limited expense account, have to drive the company vehicle and can't drink a beer until 5 PM. I'm not sure what I will see or take pictures of, but I'll drop by your shop Friday with the details (if you work Fridays).
I'll also learn what I can report here on the boards before the magazine is published. There are guys showing up who have never even been at Parker before...

[burtandnancy]

Back a half day early, the Powerboat Magazine trials went especially well. They have moved their test site from Mike Mac's Arizona Shores to Blue Water Casino/Marina and gained a lot of time. They still start promptly at 6:30 AM at the launch ramp with hull, bottom and other technical items, then to the docks for varous inspections, photo shoots, and performace running up and down the river, more running photos from both the tower boat and helicopter. Its interesting to sit in the "pits" with all the manufacturers and listen to them compare stories and tell tall tales. They use up the whole day, taking final shots at sundown.
Everyone connected with the magazine is very professional and treat their guests with great courtesy. Its a fun job to have, showing up at these performance trials and I'm glad I get to do it. The sounds of all the great boats is worth the trip alone...

[irishfan1]

Anyone know what trailer the 40 Hallet has under it?

[DeltaSigBoater]

I know its tri-axle Trailer w/ disc breaks, & I think it is built by EXTREME

[burtandnancy]

Irish, the trailer we used for the Powerboat Trials this week was a Zieman, but Hallett also uses Extreme. Yes, it was a triple with suspension and discs on the front and rear assemblies. It also has the back-up brake release. Works very well...

[irishfan1]

Sounds like a good combination. Do you have any pictures?

[burtandnancy]

yes, I have pictures, but don't know how to post them...

[zahndok]

What did you think of the air injection under the step? How is the air actually generated and fed under the step?

[burtandnancy]

There is a line of holes behind each (4) step. These holes are fed by a manifold which draws air in from each side just ahead of the steps. This idea is found on the Phantom and Extreme race boats and is also on the IMCO Poker Run Boat which was in the lobby at last years LA boat Show. The boat is moderately faster than a non-ventalated stepped hull of the same design. I think Bob Teague will comment on the concept when the tests of the Hallett 400 are published.
The ventalated hull can be specified on any of the Halletts stepped boats but cannot be retrofitted. I really like the way it handled...