Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 10, 1995 TAG: 9507100032
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BRUCE STANTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WESTLAKE CORNER LENGTH: Medium
He thinks about talking and laughing with friends while feeling the cool breeze and water spray across his face while steering his motorized vessel across the lake.
But the words ``peaceful'' and ``motors'' somehow don't mix when it comes to boating. Most boat motors are known to create noise, wake and vibrations in addition to speed.
Recognizing there just might be a boating void at the lake for people who want to sail along without worrying about a sail and cruise without creating noise and havoc, Riddick and his wife, Betty, decided to invest in the electric boat business. Electric Boats, L.L.C., located on Virginia 616, is the exclusive Southwest Virginia dealer for Duffield Electric Boats.
``We've lived here at the lake 12 years and have seen a growing number of population and a growing number of boats, muscle boats and jet skis,'' Riddick said. ``We don't resent anyone else's use of [the lake], but we moved here to enjoy the peacefulness of the lake.
``We don't expect to replace all the power boats, but this is an excellent alternative for people who don't want the muscle and danger of a power boat.''
The Riddicks first saw a Duffield Electric Boat - manufactured in Costa Mesa, Calif. - last month on the Chesapeake Bay. They rented one, and they liked it so much, they bought the franchise for Southwest Virginia.
``We got excited about it and not only decided to buy one but to represent them as a distributor in this part of the state,'' Roland Riddick said. ``This is a unique craft. It has the classic lines that apply to a lot of people and is noiseless - no fumes, no wake, no oil, no maintenance. Yet it's a very stable and seaworthy boat.
``We think it's a perfect craft, not necessarily as a first boat, but a second boat.''
The 18-foot model on display at the Riddicks' sales office is powered by six six-volt batteries. They power a motor that can run at 6.2 mph at top speed and 4 mph at cruising speed. The batteries will operate up to 10 hours at cruising speed and need eight hours to recharge.
For those who want to fish and ski, an electric boat is not the best choice, Riddick said. But if you want to enjoy a relaxing day on the lake without listening to the rattle and hum of a motor, electric boats are now available.
``It's particularly good for cove cruising,'' he said. ``And we have so many coves and inlets here at the lake. It's excellent for that.
``It's for peaceful, enjoyable cruising. You could fish from it, but it's not something that would appeal to the real bass fisherman. And the younger folks it may not appeal to as much.
``I think it will appeal to sailboaters who want to cruise anytime they want - sailboat style. And it will appeal to permanent residents who want to explore the lake and look at other houses.''
Besides the lack of noise, part of the appeal of the Duffield line is its features. The 18-footer comes standard with an AM/FM stereo with a cassette deck and four speakers. It seats up to eight passengers and is equipped with a surry canopied top, removable carpets, cushion seats, a table and a built-in automatic bilge pump.
``It's a fascinating looking boat,'' Riddick said. ``The lines of the boat and shape of it make it very nautical and classic looking. And the thing that's so surprising is you turn the switch and turn the lever forward, and there's no noise.''
While the Duffield boat makes no noise, it does attract attention - even at Smith Mountain Lake, where $15,000 boats are as common as cars.
``Every time we go out on this lake, people `ooh' and `aah' and say `that's the prettiest boat we've ever seen,''' Roland Riddick said.
Sure enough, on a recent outing in an 18-foot Duffield on Smith Mountain Lake, people gathered around the launching ramp to inquire about the boat, and when Riddick began cruising around a cove, other boaters would crane their necks to catch as long a glimpse as possible of the craft.
The Duffield boat line carried by the Riddicks ranges in size from 14 feet to 21 feet. Base prices range from $5,995 for the 14-footer to $17,995 for the 21-footer. Trailers are optional. Each boat comes with a limited warranty that includes 10 years on the hull, five years on the electric motor and one year on other parts.
For more information, contact the Riddicks at 703-721-3433.
by CNB