List all topics --> General Discussion Forum --> Driver Boats
Ludachrisj
26 January 2006 19:38:50 |
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Joined: January 2006
Posts: 1
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Driver Boats
Hi,
I have just bought a Driver 440 Sport, as it was second hand, and it looked quite interesting for a first boat on my budget.
Are there any other Driver boat owners or anyone that has any more info on the Driver boat company, because I cant find anything on the web, and it would be nice to find out some history of the manufacturer.
thanks,
Ludachris
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Anonymous user
28 April 2006 11:18:14 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi there,
I have a Driver 500, but having seen a 4.40 for sale I think that they are very similar. I bought the boat November 2003 and whilst the hull and engine were in good condition the trim was tired. I have replaced all the carpet cleaned all the upholstery and fully equipped the boat. Unfortunately the built in fuel tank has finally rusted through and I have removed and cleaned up the area and am in the process of having a new alloy one fabricated and will add a proper fuel gauge at same time. I use to have a Sunseeker cruiser but as I now spend a lot of time abroad sold that and bought the Driver for its hull shape. The design is very similar to Don Shed hulls. I also have been trying to find out about the Driver Boat Company but like you have had no success. I think they were based in Dorset but I also have found nothing on the web. We should start an owners association then perhaps something would come out of the wood work. Were are you? I am on south coast at Bosham.
Regards,
Tony Gunton.
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Anonymous user
16 May 2006 14:52:13 |
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Re: Driver Boats
thank you for your response, unfortunately you found my post slightly too late :( I had the boat completely kitted out with everything needed, and decided that after a few months to move to a bigger, more well known boat which is generally easier to find parts for and to use which is a 1998 Bayliner 175. I feel a bit of a traitor for not sticking with the Driver but its just easier for my lifestyle.
Thanks for taking the time to reply, and should you find a fellow owner I would love to hear about anything you find. I am in Birmingham, How far away from the sea can you get?
Chris
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Anonymous user
16 May 2007 20:19:54 |
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Re: Driver Boats
driver boats were built by doug driver, i think they were based in wales, they were designed by ray stapley who used to build cats for racing which were very successfull in there time. i used to own a driver 18.6 with a 175 merc which was avery good sea boat, they are well made boats, sadly ray passed away, but one of his race boats can be seen at the powerboat museum in essex. hope this helps
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Anonymous user
16 May 2007 20:23:47 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Thanks, useful stuff indeed!
regards
Chris
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Anonymous user
14 July 2007 16:13:43 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi Chris
I have just brought a Driver 500 with a 125 Force engine on the back.
Looking through the net I see this forum which has managed to answer a few questions about where it was built.
I take it you still have yours, whats it go like, do you ski from it or just cruise.
Spokes (Devon)
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Anonymous user
14 July 2007 23:13:09 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi Spokes, I'm afraid I no longer have it, it was never getting used so I part ex'd it against another boat as the cindition was deteriorating without much use.
I hear it is an excellent boat though, and ideal for skiing!
I'm unsure as to whether you're aware but I am a member of a site called www.ybw.com/forums - Its the biggest boating forum around and any questions you have can be answered straight away, it's ideal if you're new and you may find someone with more info on your particular boat :)
If you do venture over, I'm B175Chris so if you need any help with the site just send me a personal message via their system.
happy boating
Chris
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Anonymous user
09 October 2007 13:52:39 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi
I used to have a Driver 500, which was an excellent boat. Great for skiiing and generally playing. The company was based in Dorset and went out of business I believe some time in the early 90's. The 500 is 17 feet and the 440 is slightly shorther, otherwise they are very similar.
Trevor Harman
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Anonymous user
16 October 2007 21:37:49 |
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Re: Driver Boats
driver boats were made in cardiff by doug driver the reson i know this is because my dad drove a driver 560 for a good few years in waterski racing he drove for one of the staff then doug moved to london where he became the jobe agent
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Anonymous user
13 January 2008 09:10:32 |
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Re: Driver Boats
HI
I'm from Malta, i own a Diver 500 for 3 years now & for the the rough water we have in the meditereanian sea it's an excelent boat. I have rebuilt it from top to botttom and got it as new. The best thing i like in this boat is it's V shaped hull which gives it a certain stability in the sea. I had certain opportunities to race here with local boats with same power but i had nearly always the win. I always asked where was this boat manufactured and some guys here gave me the answer. If you would like to contact me pls do not hasitate on merit@onvol.net so we can share our interest
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Anonymous user
31 March 2008 19:30:48 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi
It is good to hear from other driver owners as I have just aquired one in reasonable condition i think it may be a 440 (15') quite a wide beam must be 6' 5". It has a 75HP Mariner fitted. The boat has not been in the water yet. I hope to get it in soon to give it a try. I really like the shape.
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Anonymous user
31 March 2008 19:55:14 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi, can I ask where abouts you're based?
Sounds like the one I had when i started this post...
You didn't get it from anywhere near Birmingham did you?
Cheers
Chris
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Anonymous user
01 April 2008 00:24:50 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Chris
I live in Saltash Cornwall. The boat came with a deal on some engines and bits and pieces. Didn't really want it as I have a 17' foot Bontwitco Fast Fisher. However its in pretty good condition and the longer it sits on my drive the more I want to keep it. It has a black trim around the hull about 12" wide and looks like a reasonable job.
Thanks for the interest.
Jez
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Anonymous user
01 April 2008 00:26:53 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Chris
Sorry didn't say it came from a local guy but he only had it a few months never put it in the water. Quite alot of that goes on here. He picked it up somewhere in Cornwall.
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Anonymous user
01 April 2008 23:00:45 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Thanks for that, it definitely hasn't been sold on nor moved down the country because I saw it a few weeks or so ago in the yard - and having just checked the broker page like I meant to and forgot, it's 70hp instead of 75 - doh!
http://www.seamark-marine.co.uk/brokeragepages/159_driver440.htm
Nice little boat, always wanted to have a go in it but unfortunately the chance never arose before the bayliner came along - oh well, that;s just how boats work i suppose :-)
Cheers
Chris
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Anonymous user
19 June 2008 23:29:57 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi there Tony. I'm just about to collect a Driver 500 with an 80HP Mariner. I'm new to the boating scene but if you fancy getting in touch my email is paul.brakels@btinternet.com
Regards
Paul
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