Legends – Dancraft

HONOURING THE LEGENDS: PAST & PRESENT

Welcome to Legends, a celebration of the boats and people that have defined Dancraft’s legacy. Here, we honour the iconic vessels that have left their mark and the passionate owners who’ve steered them through the smooth and rough!

If you have stories, details, or photos of a Dancraft legend, we’d love to hear from you. Head to the Contact Us page and upload your info.

MONEY SHOT/COMBAT

GOTSOMETHIN RACING

HELTA SKELTA

TEAM MARINER

RED ROCKET

SOYLENT GREEN

BOB'N BOYS

If you have information on a Dancraft legend or extra information or pictures on the above boats, please contact us.

BLUEBALLS

BUILT: 1983 (#29)

CURRENT OWNER: Dan Gamble

CLAIM TO FAME: The Comeback King!

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From Social Boat to Racer.

#29 out of the mould was born a social boat, this Dancraft eventually made the transition to racing only a few years ago.

Driven by ~~Queenslander~~, sorry, New South Welshman, Dan Gamble, who handles this rig like a man possessed, has already cemented Blueballs as a consistent front-runner.

MONEY SHOT (COMBAT)

BUILT: 1990s

CURRENT OWNER: Hayden Warszewski

CLAIM TO FAME: Loves to sit on her tail!

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MONEY SHOT – A Racing Revival

Owned by Hayden Warszewski, Money Shot is powered by a Yamaha 130hp engine with a 15-inch midsection and V4 gearbox, reaching speeds of 75mph.

Previously named Combat, the boat was extensively raced and renovated in Tasmania.

GOTSOMETHIN RACING

BUILT: 1987

CURRENT OWNER: Taj Hads

CLAIM TO FAME: 95.6mph Top Speed

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V154 Pocket Rocket

This lightweight 154 Dancraft, known as Gotsomethin Racing, has a rich history, including time on the Hacking and racing at the St George Motor Boat Club.

Powered by a 2.4L 200hp Mercury with a 20-inch offshore mid, it reached speeds of 95.6mph. It also competed in the 2023 UHPBC Double Dash. A beautifully maintained original boat.

MOONSHINE

BUILT: 1978

CURRENT OWNER: Nigel Palmer

CLAIM TO FAME: Unbreakable

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Moonshine: From Racer to Starting Boat

Originally named Casey R, Moonshine has spent most of its life in Tasmania. After beginning its career in powerboat and ski racing with Tony Timbs.

It then passed through some hands and onto Adrian West, who equipped it with a 2.5 race Mercury in the early 1990s. Moonshine is now the starting boat for TASAPBA, proudly owned by Nigel Palmer of the Badboat Outlaw gang.

999 BUILT: 1975

CURRENT OWNER: Rod Hay

CLAIM TO FAME: The Tower of Power

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Rod Hay’s 154 Racing Icon

Originally built for national competitions, this 15ft Dancraft features an 11-inch plank (compared to the standard 9-inch) and was powered by a J-block 1500 XS with a 155hp ‘Hockey Stick’ motor.

Achieving a record 87.9mph, it competed in various events, including the 1978 titles in Grafton. Known for its distinctive blue and white finish, this boat has a rich history of racing success. Currently owned by Rod Hay, it continues to be a part of Dancraft’s legacy.

HELTA SKELTA

BUILT: Early 1980s

FIRST OWNER: Rodney Butts

CURRENT OWNER: Peter Austin

CLAIM TO FAME: A survivor!

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A Rare Find – One of Only 9 Ever Made

Originally owned by Rodney Butts, this Dancraft was for sale at WH Butts Timber in Padstow, NSW, in the early 90s. After being passed to a second owner, it rarely saw the water for 30 years. In a fortunate turn, it was gifted to its current owner, who felt it had to be saved.

This boat likely raced in Australian Titles in SA around 1986 or 1987, and its unique history continues to be a part of the Dancraft legacy.

TEAM MARINER

BUILT: 1980s

FIRST OWNER: Ray Degs

CURRENT OWNER: Wayne Perry

CLAIM TO FAME: A fast fishing motor!

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Built in the 1980s – A Sydney Racing Legend

Originally owned by Ray Degs, it competed in the Australian Unlimited Title. Now owned by Wayne Parry, this 17-foot Dancraft has a rich racing history around Sydney, winning several prestigious races.

Powered by a 2.4L Mariner, it still reaches speeds of 75mph. It features centre steering, a 50L fuel tank, and a rebuilt trailer.

TAWNY

BUILT: 2000

CURRENT OWNER: Reg Bowman

CLAIM TO FAME: 1st Social Class, 1998 Sydney B2B

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Owned by Reg Bowman, this 17-foot Dancraft features a stretched 1650 deck, offering extra room for gauges and improved wind deflection. It was raced in waterski competitions until 2001 and boat races until 2008.

Now, it’s occasionally enjoyed as a social boat.

RED DAN

BUILT: 1985

CURRENT OWNER: Brian Carter

CLAIM TO FAME: Chick Magnet

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Restored for Fun

Originally built in 1995, this Dancraft was brought back to life by current owner Brian Carter, who acquired it in rough condition three years ago.

After reupholstering the seats, repainting the interior, polishing the hull, and rebuilding the trailer, it’s now powered by a 150hp Johnson Faststrike. Used for social and fun runs, its true claim to fame is simply being a Dancraft!

GENESIS

BUILT: 1981

CURRENT OWNER: Jason Boz

CLAIM TO FAME: Raced with a Fridge!

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Genesis: A Family Legacy

Genesis was originally powered by a Chrysler Charger motor from 1981 to 1985, then fitted with a 150hp Johnson before being sold in 1994.

Owned by the family of the current owner’s dad, Genesis holds special memories—especially when the owner’s grandfather drove it like a race boat while his father was skiing. This boat’s legacy remains a testament to family, speed, and adventure.

BUILT: 1979

CURRENT OWNER: Peter Austin

CLAIM TO FAME: Unbreakable (touch wood)!

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Soylent Green: A Racing and Social Icon

In June 1979, Pat Halloran built Soylent Green for the Austin family, and 45 years later, it’s still going strong as a cherished social boat. Originally owned by Tony Austin, the boat featured an original crew consisting of driver Tony Austin, observer Steve Austin, and skiers Mark Melrose and Peter Austin.

Soylent Green competed in the NSW Ski Racing Series from 1979 to 1986, racing in the 0-140hp and 141-175hp classes. Its best season was in 1984/85, winning the series in the 141-175hp class. While primarily a social boat, Soylent Green thrived in rough conditions when it swapped props for racing. Originally fitted with a 135hp Johnson, the boat was later upgraded to a 175 V6 Evinrude, boosting its performance and solidifying its place in the Austin family’s boating history.

45 years on, Soylent Green continues to make waves as a social ski boat.

BOB'N BOYS

BUILT: 1973

CURRENT OWNER: John Southwell

CLAIM TO FAME: Down-right Legend!

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Bob N Boys: Racing Legacy

Bob N Boys is a 154 Dancraft hull built in 1973 by Pat Halloran for Barry Sheltrum to compete in a 4-hour Enduro. Initially named Shellos Dancraft and powered by an Evinrude Super Strangler, the boat featured innovative design elements, including a ballast tank and reinforced hull, helping it win the race at 85mph.

In 1974, Barry and Len Sheltrum loaned the boat to Aileen Southwell, who became the first female driver in an Australian offshore race, winning her class.

Later that year, Bob Southwell purchased the boat and renamed it Bob N Boys, racing it successfully across Australia with both 70hp and 115hp Evinrudes, winning multiple titles, including a national championship. After retiring from racing, the boat was used for pleasure before being restored by Bob’s son in 2023, now powered by a 115hp Yamaha and still reaching speeds of 65mph.