Question: John Walters, it would be so interesting to hear your thoughts on what were the strengths and weakness of the design of the total package: power plant and the hull. Obviously the package was on the cutting edge.
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| 1981 test session on Lake Washington. Photo by Roger George |
John Walters: "You know, I think there were just so many new and different things to work out all at the same time. Any one would in my opinion have been successful, but together it was too much. In time we would have gotten it sorted out.
"The engines were a big advantage. So much power in a light small package.
"The hull was super light. Ready to run at 4300 pounds. Composite materials, foam decks, titanium hardware.
"Aerodynamics were very streamlined for low drag. Lots of bottom area for lots of lift. Wide multi-surface sponsons that were very lively. Both of which were too much at times and unpredictable most times.
"That engine package in a more conservative hull would have probably been successful. A heavier more conservative power plant in that hull, may have been more successful?
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| John Walters with Jim Lucero (right). Photo by Roger George. |
'There were just too many things to figure out while racing.
"But, the Owner (Dave Heerensperger, Crew Chief (Jim Lucero), Driver (John Walters) and Crew wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s who we were and how we worked.
"We were getting better every time we ran. The second boat came out of the box faster and more predictable. It was a winner right away. Most of the boats today are so good as a result of many of those ideas. Some that worked, some that didn’t at first.
"It was fun and exciting. So proud of the people, and the effort!"