BLOWN K BOAT

Steve Hopcroft

Steve originally phone us looking for an engine. At the time, we had a blown big block available that suited his requirements. The conversation then turned to – “can you fit it?”… As we are keen on “different” projects we took the job on.

Previously, the boat had a blown alcohol race engine fitted but Steves plan was just to “cruise around the lake” so this required a new cooling system and supporting modifications to the new engine.

Once the engine was fitted, we extended one exhaust and added an 02 sensor so the carbs could be tuned correctly on the lake.

About 100 litres of fuel later and lots of smiles, the job was done.

Steve was great to deal with, he knew what he wanted and understood what was required to make it right.

Learn more about this build, as featured in NZV8 issue 214 below.

“My association with The Toyshed is as the owner of the K17 class circuit boat ex USA. It was no simple task to try find a suitable authentic engine for this abandoned boat hull I purchased.

I found the engine for sale, source of The Toyshed and from there came the opportunity to meet The Toyshed owner Russel Lowe.

Engine acquired, I left it to Russell and his very capable team to install and sort all associated running gear into the boat.

The Toyshed is a very diverse business in the individual abilities of its staff. The staff are all at the top of their game as far as individual abilities and talents go. The standard of work can only be described as excellence always.

Problem solving is welcomed and nothing presents an unsolvable problem.

The whole experience I had with Russell was friendship, always I was welcome and overall excellence of workmanship and my pride of what I now owned thanks to them.”

Steve Hopcroft, owner of K17

110 Riri Street, Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015