Undetermined scale. The simplicity of the model belies the research, technologies and testing involved in producing a high performance boat like the ‘Jaguar 27’ (1980). Its hull is a single piece of orange moulded glass reinforced plastic (GRP) with the superstructure being similarly formed in white GRP, which has been bolted to the hull using three wing nuts. The vessel’s name has been added as a transfer and there are stickers denoting that the boat has won an Australian Design Award from the Industrial Design Council of Australia. The overall effect is that it looks more like a large toy, though it was probably made by the Australian company Hydrofield as a concept tool or tank-testing model.

This hull design enabled the ‘Jaguar 27’ to perform either as a conventional displacement, or as a surface planning, vessel. It approximated a twin-tunnel design, which utilized the action of the energised air bubbles of water generated by the central bow. Capable of carrying up to six people, the ‘Jaguar 27’ had excellent manoeuvrability at high speeds, phenomenal acceleration and deceleration, and good fuel consumption.