Steve Middendorf launched his Spirited 230 on the 13th of March near Gosford NSW. This beautiful example of this design has been built from the Duflex balsa kit. The project took just over two years built in a little shed in a leafy suburb called Tumbi Umbi on the Central Coast North of Sydney. Steve’s attention to detail should be commended with careful thought given to every task. Only the best quality of equipment was chosen throughout, the boat is fitted with toughened glass windows, flexible solar panels, custom built top loading fridge and weather screens around the cockpit to name a few. A nice feature on this boat is composite bow and stern rails which are built into the deck and painted to match the boat. This boat is fitted with twin 70hp four stroke outboard engines and delivers a top speed of almost 32 knots. These engines have an extra long leg keeping the powerhead further away from the water and spray.
Last year Frank Mitchell’s Spirited 230 was launched with twin 40hp four stroke engines and the performance was respectable with a cruise speed of 20 knots and a top of around 25 knots. The engines at the time were not run in so these figures will likely increase when the engines are run in.
We will keep everyone informed of ‘Sea Dog’s’ adventures as Steve is planning to do some extended cruising trips aboard her.
The Spirited 230 design can be supplied as a Duflex balsa or foam kit. There is also a DIY plans option for anyone with this preference.