Moonraker Boats For Sale

 In 1967 a German Rhine Army captain died before he could take delivery of 'Moonraker' ~ a boat he had commissioned Vic Bell of Brundall, Norfolk to build and fit out. The 30ft boat - named Moonraker by the German Army captain was on an Ocean 30 hull (built by Aquafibre) and fitted out by Bell's family firm. The German executors asked Vic Bell to sell the boat on their behalf - the name Moonraker was kept and the boat sold to a David Buxton.

David Buxton - a car dealer and semi-amateur racer - had been brought to Norfolk, visiting John Berry, as part of his connection with Colin Chapman and Lotus cars. Buxton changed the interior of the boat - adding a stereo and cocktail cabinet, but quickly tiring of cruising on the Norfolk Broads decided to sell Moonraker. It was the ensuing interest in the boat and the profit he made that spurred him to set up with Vic Bell to build 6 more Moonraker 30's - without flybridge at this stage. Having found a thriving market, it was decided to build a bigger model. Naval architect Robert Tucker (for a while he was also a Moonraker company director) designed the 36 foot Moonraker.

Despite the popularity and good sales of the Moonraker 36 the company had financial difficulties and John Berry persuaded Colin Chapman to buy the company, which he did in 1971. Lotus managers and engineers transformed the company and marketing intra-structure as well as making revolutionary changes in design and manufacturing. There was a great cross over of staff and technology between marine & automotive design and production.

Under Colin Chapman the company acquired JCL Marine and expanded the range of boats built. With Don Shead the Marauder was designed and built. Then came the so called 'Mediterranean Models' of Mystere, Mirage, Mamba, Mistral and the uncompleted Mangusta project. After the company went into voluntary liquidation in October 1980, the half finished Moonraker hulls were bought by Waveney Lakes. The Moonraker moulds were bought by DC Marine who built the marque under the name Moonraker 'Super 36'. Vic Bell bought the moulds back in 1990 and built one more Moonraker before leaving the moulds to stand on the Brundall site. Although the Mystere/Mirage moulds were bought by Tamaris Marine - the company folded without producing any further boats.

The Mamba mould tools were sold on and at least one model produced under the 'Falcon' label. The Marauder plans along with the 'Streaker' (adapted Mamba open sports model) were sold to a company trading as Cleopatra Ltd.