Gilflite - 50 yrs

16/10/2026

***WEEKEND Reading: INCOGNITO

The Bassham’s GILFLITE story written by Kade, is about a family’s lifelong bond with the Murray River and boating. After decades of owning countless vessels, including their much loved GILFLITE Integra! His father, now 73 years old, has finally realised a lifelong dream: a GILFLITE Esprit Bowrider. As the boat finds its place on the river, the family’s passion for skiing, adventure, and shared memories is carried into the next generation.

.......and the secret is out! To know more, follow the link below and get in on the chat in 'Boat Talk' on the GILFLITE website.

https://www.gilflite.com.au/blog/

15/10/2026

Vale John Wellwood

John Wellwood, the Merlin Mechanic, a.k.a. Grease Monkey, is a central figure in the evolution of Australian Power Boat racing, through out the 60’s, 70’s and well into the following decades, but beginning in the late 1950’s with an uncanny meeting of the minds when he ‘accidentally’ met the iconic Stan Jones.

John’s lifelong journey with boat mechanics intertwined family, innovation, and passion. Starting as an apprentice mechanic at the age of 14 with PMG, in Dandenong Victoria. Soon after, John collaborated with icons like Col Winton, Bob Saniga, Norm Putt, Dick Carnie, Max Lamb, Clem Anderson, John Allison, and Bob Jackson, crafting boats alongside Stan Jones, the Team supported his work as he (along with other talented enthusiasts), pioneered Rolls-Royce Merlin and turbine engines in hydroplanes. With boats like Stampede, Bayswater Bulk (VS41), and Miss Bud, he crossed Australia, the U.S., and New Zealand.
John also ran four of his own boats, building and racing ‘Wellwoodn’t!’ securing badge no. 135 for exceeding the magic ton in record time, along with albums full of memorable race meets that made it into the newspaper, including many awards and certificates.

Eventually becoming a full time mechanic for Ron Burton with Aussie Connection (VS41), Aussie Endeavour and Aussie Bud (VS42), leaving an indelible legacy on the sport’s evolution and the enduring spirit of boat racing.

***John, better known as 'Welly' was a true gentlemen, a master mechanic and friend to many. He will be sadly missed.
Condolences to the Wellwood family.

Here is a link to the beginning of his life-long story about boat racing - shared during an afternoon conversation about 'the good old days'
https://www.gilflite.com.au/2026/05/27/legend-of-australian-power-boat-racing-john-wellwood/

15/10/2026

'Ahh the serenity' - of no other sound, except a V8!

12/10/2026

09/10/2026

***WEEKEND Reading: "WOW this is MINT" - 'Our 1987 GILFLITE Spitfire Mk II Story'

Hey there fellow GILFLITE enthusiasts!

My story starts back in 1987 (the year I was born), when my family purchased our Gilly as a stage ll ....................

The heart was fitted with new crank, rods, pistons all blueprinted and balanced 👌 once back home it was topped with a nice cranky camshaft, fresh heads and a quadrajet carby…….resulting in a beautiful engine with plenty of grunt for slalom and barefoot waterskiing 👍

Gilly was now ready to hit the water…….wow what a boat! It created so many family/childhood memories for Mick, Mum, Dad, me, my brother and sister down the Mighty Murray River in Albury! We all learnt to ski behind it, my brother and I also learnt to barefoot behind it (a childhood highlight of mine).................

Unfortunately in 2007 we decided it was time to purchase a larger boat 😢 and we sold our beloved Gilly............................

….………fast forward 13 years and Mick, Ross (dad) and I are having a few 🍺 around the 🔥 and I say “how good would it be to find the Gilly and buy it back”! Both dad and Mick agreed that it was a great idea 👍 Mick; “you find it and I’ll buy it back”

For the full story with loads of photos and details of the 'Happy Ending' check out the link below to GILFLITE website 'Boat Talk'

https://www.gilflite.com.au/2023/02/07/our-1987-gilflite-spitfire-ii-story/

06/10/2026

No words ..... Just Bliss

Send a message to learn more

02/10/2026

***WEEKEND READING: By GILFLITE, and it's a French lesson!!

***World Speed Record - 1969***

Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) world speed record certificate, dated 9 September 1969.

“The official homologation of the world speed record for the boat Exciter, piloted by T.H. Watts. On September 9, 1969, was verified by the Union Internationale Motonautique.

The officials involved in this process included; as officially listed below and on the certificate - David Gill / GILFLITE Boats,

***D. Gill, T. Barnes, P. Riddle, J.A. Riddle, M. Payne, and K. Moffat.

Each confirmed the accuracy of the measurement certificates, course charts, and timing, ensuring the record’s validity.”

To understand more about the tradition and importance of this certificate (as pictured), and who holds this record, follow the link here, to land in 'Boat Talk' on the GILFLITE website...

https://gilflite.com.au/2026/09/15/union-internationale-motonautique-uim-world-speed-record-certificate-dated-9-september-1969/

"Passe un excellent week-end"