From Terje an appeal that first appeared in MBM

As a representative of Danske Moonrakerejere (the Danish Moonraker Owners Club), I am currently researching the history of the marque. It is our aim to establish the full story of the Moonraker, from the beginning in 1967-68 to the last vessel in 1991, and hopefully to publish it. The Moonraker name came into existence after Vic Bell's company Bell Boats sold a model based on an Aquafibre hull to a Captain the Rhine Army, who named it Moonraker. When he passed away, the boat was purchased by David Buxton, who commissioned Bell Boats to produce a more luxurious version! Upon completion of this craft he advertised it for sale, and the response was so great that he was able to place an order for six more. Production of the Moonraker range began in earnest in the early part of 1968. But many details of the history are unknown. One problem is that information seems to be scattered to the winds — or, worse, may have been shredded when JCL and Moonraker Marine International were liquidated at the end of the 1980s.

Over the years, many different people have been involved in designing, constructing and selling Moonrakers, and many have tales to tell, if asked.

We are looking for people who can tell us about the approval at Lloyds, the production, the factory the moulding, the sales, the employees, you name it.

We are interested in brochures, catalogues, photographs and boat show leaflets, if anyone can loan them to us. Pictures should be marked on the back with names of the persons and places pictured, date of exposure, and of course the name of the sender. Danske Moonrakerejere have links with the English Moonraker Owners Club, and together we have approximate 90 members who are Moonraker owners. You can see our website at www.moonraker.dk Terje Dehn