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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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Anonymous user
23 March 2009 09:16:49 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi
I have just bought a Driver 500 with a Yamaha 70, was told it was a 1999, but after reading this forum I realise that is not possible. The engine has been dated by Yamaha as a 1984. Does anybody know how I can find the date of the boat or any info on the Driver boats.
Hope someone can help
Regards Dave.
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Anonymous user
30 March 2009 22:43:59 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi guys,
I cannot beleive I've finally found some other people asking the same questions as me.
I bought a Driver 440 last April and started doing it up last year.
I've attached a link to my gallery with the pics.
Its only got a 40hp outboard at the moment, the boat deserves so much more !!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38069&id=511322539&l=01094fd9d0
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Anonymous user
31 March 2009 00:29:39 |
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Re: Driver Boats
That's an impressive improvement, congratulations on the ongoing project!
Please update us when you reach completion or get any further in the restoration :)
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Anonymous user
31 March 2009 09:13:57 |
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Re: Driver Boats
The thing I'm a little stuck with are the front seats.
I really fancy putting some buckets in but I am quite restricted on the width, there's about 35" to play with. The only suitable seats I can find are corbeau ones but I'm a bit reluctant to pay those prices!
Does any one have any suggestions?
Thanks
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Anonymous user
31 March 2009 12:25:57 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Head over to the Motorboat forum on www.ybw.com/forums and the guys there are amazignly helpful and the forums are far more active than here - I would say you will get some instant and very knowledgeable responses!
Chris
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Anonymous user
09 April 2009 16:50:21 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Another good forum with lots of people with loads of knowledge is boatmad.com .I had a 440 at one time great little boat I think wave rider ? bought the rights and where still building them recently.
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Anonymous user
11 April 2009 20:09:15 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Do you know by any chance the website of the guy who bought the rights to build them again?
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Anonymous user
21 April 2009 16:52:48 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Sorry can't remember will have a search though some mags and try to find an address I think they might have been in Maldon in Essex ?
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Anonymous user
27 April 2009 00:11:09 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Ah! that makes more sense of the 440 I've just bought down in Cornwall. I've seen some Drivers that have an impression on the transom eg DD500-061, I guess refering to a Driver 500 boat number 61 but I was confused that mine didn't have that but instead a small silver plate with Wave Rider Sports Boats, England on it giving max. engine size, boat weight, number of persons and boat number. I guess that means I've got a later boat!! Anybody know any more about them?? I've been told that they are a tough little boat that were used for some offshore racing, how true this is I'm not sure!
Would be nice to try and get together as register of where all these boats are now. Somewhere to piece together all the little bits of info that's out there about them. Anybody good with Forums/bulletin boards? www.driverboats.co.uk/forum That's what we need!!!
Anybody down here in Cornwall?? I'm near Truro!
I know of 2 others round here, one that I'm probably going to buy as it's in much better condition than mine and a Driver 500 thats just been painted yellow and it sat outside a boatbuilders about 20 miles up the A30 from here.
Dave
Dave@theaavan.com
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Anonymous user
27 April 2009 00:26:21 |
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Re: Driver Boats
http://people.dsv.su.se/~klas/Boats/History/history.html
I just found this, Things seem to be linking to this being the company that ended up with the moulds but sadly it sounds like they lost them in a fire in the 90's. May be trim available though!!
Dave
Dave@theaavan.com
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Anonymous user
27 April 2009 18:38:56 |
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Re: Driver Boats
hi, you are correct they were used for ski racing, iused to own a driver 560 with a tuned up 175 merc, the boat belonged to facom tools it was there race boat,they were originally built by ray stapeley, he had the mould for a 21ft but it never happened and sadly he passed away about 4 yrs ago. it was a very good sea boat and well built. I am now down to a kayak but at least nothing goes wrong after the winter lay -up !! good luck with your boat. barry
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Anonymous user
06 May 2009 15:19:21 |
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Re: Driver Boats
SAVAGE!! ive just bought a 500 in red with a merc 75 efi on the rear. needs a little tidy and a new stainy prop on the back, but its in fantastic condition.
a couple of friends of mine.....Rob 'River Rat' Hannan and Miles'Twin Prop'Johnson are giving me a hand on getting her ready for the big Mackerel race at Nefyn this year.........
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Anonymous user
07 May 2009 07:13:59 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi Guys, could we do some website were we can upload pictures for the Driver 500? It would be great to see all different type's and colours of the boat. Any Ideas
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Stephen-admin
07 May 2009 10:28:15 |
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Joined: May 2009
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Posts: 2
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi Guys,
You can upload photos here should you wish.
Cheers
Steve
____________________
TheYachtMarket.com - The Boat Search Engine.
Thousands of Boats For Sale!
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Anonymous user
07 May 2009 20:43:05 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Not just the Driver 500 but All Driver boats. I've just found a guy that used to race a Driver 520!! real unusual, can't find anything on web about it but it had a 'race deck' with tandam seating. I'll have to ask him if I can borrow the picture and scan it!!
Who's good at websites then?? Somebody must be able to set up a basic forum for DriverBoats.com!!
Dave
Driver 440
dave@theaavan.com
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Anonymous user
07 May 2009 23:16:13 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi ive just purchased a driver 440 and im planning on restoring it ive taken a look at your photos and have to say it looks buisness you must stand back and feel totally happy with the finished project well done.
Ive currently started to strip the interior away but struggling finding places for little bits like the windscreen strip at the top, and decents upholsters to recover the fabric did you get yours done by a company.
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Anonymous user
10 May 2009 00:00:45 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Dave. I live in Saltash and have had a Driver 440 on my drive for the last year. It has come into my ownership by accident part of a deal on an engine from my fast fisher. It was supposed to be a quick turnaround. Anyway I have not put her in the water yet and plan to this summer. The Driver is a nice looking boat with very classic lines. I intend to sell her but just can't let her go until I try her out. What I do like is the wide beam. The engine is a 75 Mariner. Does anybody know what the boat is rated up to?
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Anonymous user
11 June 2009 22:16:09 |
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Re: Driver Boats
The first Driver 440 I had, a later boat built by Waverider sports boats had a plate on the back rating it upto 75Hp. The older better condition 440 I have now also has a Mariner 75 on the back so I guess thats about as big as you'd want to go!! everybody tells me it's going to go like a rocket but I've yet to find out! Still tarting her up!
Dave (near Truro)
dave@theaavan.com
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Anonymous user
15 June 2009 22:59:58 |
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Re: Driver Boats
IM JUST WONDERIN DOES ANY1 KNOW WHEN THE DRIVER 440 WAS ORINGNALLY BUILT AS IM STRUGGLEIN TO FIND OUT ANY EXACT DATES ON THE NET CHEERS
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Anonymous user
18 July 2009 21:04:08 |
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Re: Driver Boats
about 20 year ago and welsh built
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Anonymous user
02 September 2009 22:52:30 |
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Re: Driver Boats
its good to see driver boats still have a following.
i have owned a driver 560 with a modified merc 200 for the last 6 years.
it is in need of a retrim now but i have not got the time.
if anyone is looking for a cheap 70mph boat nr pwllheli
please email stevenmelsome@hotmail.co.uk
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Anonymous user
03 September 2009 19:30:18 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi, i also have a driver 520 had it for about 4 years , could'nt find anything about the the boat. it's good to read of so many others in the same position. great idea about uploading pics mine is maroon and white look really good!! bought it with a new selva 50hp was a bit unsure of it as not heard of this make before but is a fantastic little engine!
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Bob Tirwilinger
08 September 2009 15:32:55 |
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Joined: September 2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 1
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Re: Driver Boats
j
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olliem
18 September 2009 13:26:47 |
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Joined: September 2009
Location: newport, United Kingdom
Posts: 1
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi, i also have a driver which is 18.6ft i think it is a 560 but not sure there is no marks on it at all. but when i stripped her out to do the interior the wood had driver written on it. it has the wrap round rail and blac red and blue stripe cheverons in the gel coat . it has a Suzuki 140 which is around 1989 and never missed a beat. still cant find much info on this boat or the make Doug Driver any more info would be great. thanks
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Anonymous user
18 September 2009 14:36:58 |
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Re: Driver Boats
I got a driver 560 a few months ago which had been sitting in a shed for probably a decade.
The guy that had it said he had used it but i doubt that very much.
He thought it was a dateline and sold it for very little but its half way through a complete rebuild at the moment and it hasnt been cheap.
Its second test run was on a rough sea and it was incredible at cutting through waves (great fun but very wet)
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Anonymous user
21 September 2009 21:02:21 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi people ive bought a 440 and just finished restoring it and now looking at buying an engine im just wondering has any1 used a short (std) shaft engine or is a long shaft needed
cheers
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Anonymous user
21 September 2009 21:19:01 |
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Re: Driver Boats
nearly finished restoring my driver 440 heres link to the photos enjoy http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?page=1&aid=144366&id=574432813
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woodhilldriver
29 September 2009 20:24:25 |
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Joined: September 2009
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2
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Re: Driver Boats
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woodhilldriver
29 September 2009 20:37:53 |
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Joined: September 2009
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2
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Re: Driver Boats
cannot seem to get access to this will i have to setup an account ?
i have a driver 500 approx 24 years old with a yamaha v4 140 that i have been reconditioning over the past year still need to redo interior trim although it is in not too bad a condition so would be good to see your project.I will try and finish over the winter but have been to busy playing with the boat very quick with 140 yamaha boat cuts through waves well just keep the trim down to stop the boat chine hopping good to see that there is still quite a few drivers about
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Anonymous user
03 February 2010 14:38:08 |
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Re: Driver Boats
Hi Driver 440 Fantastic Boat, I have had various boats, 15' Fletchers 18' Rings, Fourwinns 170 Bowriders etc etc nothing measures up to the performance of a Driver 440.
Does anyone know there whereabouts of a Yellow and white 440, it was names TAXI VADER... It was originally fitted with a 75hp yamaha... If anyone knows where it may be id be interested in speaking to the current owner
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