Hold On Tight — Tonto Marine is Going Offshore Racing
9 March 2026
We’ve gone and done it. Tonto Marine is officially sponsoring the 66 Racing Offshore Powerboat Team — and we are absolutely here for it.
Let’s be honest — when someone asks if you want to sponsor an offshore powerboat racing team, there’s really only one answer. A very enthusiastic yes.
66 Racing are targeting the 2026 Cowes–Torquay–Cowes Offshore Powerboat Race — one of the most iconic and brutal tests in offshore powerboat racing — and Tonto Marine will be right there with them.
This week, the boat returned from Wrap Capital in Exeter freshly wrapped and looking like it means serious business. Because it does.
The Engines? Twin Mercury 350s. Yes, Really.
As an authorised Mercury Marine dealer and service centre, we know our way around a Mercury engine. So when we tell you that twin Mercury 350 outboards is a very good combination for going very fast on open water — you can trust us on that one.
On-water testing kicks off at the end of March. We suggest watching this space very closely.
It Takes a Village. A Very Fast Village.
Tonto Marine isn’t the only local business flying the flag for 66 Racing. The team has also pulled in SUPERHUB, Oceanic Detailing, and Below Decks as sponsors — and honestly, it’s a cracking line-up.
SUPERHUB are also producing a short film to document the journey. Trust us, you’ll want to see this one. More details coming soon.
Why Are We Doing This? Because Boats Go Fast and Racing is Brilliant.
The Cowes–Torquay–Cowes isn’t a gentle Sunday cruise. It’s a full-on, flat-out charge across open water — and it pushes marine engineering to the absolute limit. That’s our world. We live and breathe this stuff every day on the River Dart, and sponsoring a team chasing the finish line feels like the most natural thing in the world.
We’re proud to be part of this project and can’t wait to see 66 Racing do what they do best.
Testing begins end of March. Race day is coming. Follow the Socials and the Blog so you don’t miss a thing. 🚤💨
It’s going to be loud, fast, and very, very wet.
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Could One Simple Upgrade Save Your Propeller AND Cut Your Fuel Bills?
30 September 2025
Last week, a customer approached me with concerns about his boat’s performance in River Dart’s shallow upper reaches. “I love exploring toward Totnes,” he explained, “but I’m constantly worried about prop damage from debris and grounding. I’ve already replaced one prop this season, and the skeg has visible damage from a rock strike last month.”
We recommended the Hydro-Shield – a skeg-mounted hydrofoil that would not only protect his propeller and skeg but actually improve his boat’s performance in the process.
After years in the marine industry, I’ve seen countless accessories promise improvements they can’t deliver. Hydro-Shield is different – it’s engineered to provide multiple genuine benefits that boaters experience immediately.
What is Hydro-Shield?
Hydro-Shield is a skeg-mounted hydrofoil for outboard and inboard/outboard motors designed to improve boat performance while providing protection from propeller damage.
Unlike traditional hydrofoils that attach to the cavitation plate, Hydro-Shield mounts directly to the skeg below the propeller, creating a unique design that combines performance enhancement with comprehensive lower unit protection.
The system consists of two key components:
Energy-absorbing hydrofoil fin: Made from high-quality, energy-absorbing thermoplastic compound designed to reduce damage and costly repairs due to underwater impacts at low and moderate speeds.
Marine-grade stainless steel mounting bracket: 316 marine-grade stainless steel bracket system acts as a skeg guard, strengthening and reinforcing the skeg.
Four Key Benefits for Boaters
1. Dramatic Performance Improvements
The hydrofoil gets your boat on plane faster, enables it to remain on plane at lower speeds and RPM settings which translates to improved fuel economy at low and mid RPM settings.
Real-world River Dart results:
Faster time to plane – typically reducing planing time by 30-40%
Reduced porpoising – smoother ride in River Dart’s choppy conditions
Improved handling – better responsiveness and steering control
For conditions where quick planing can be critical for safe navigation, this performance improvement is genuinely valuable.
2. Comprehensive Propeller Protection
Made of flexible, high quality material, the Hydro-Shield not only protects the prop from underwater impacts, but also safeguards your skeg with its integrated skeg guards, ensuring long-lasting protection for both your skeg and propeller.
Protection from common River Dart hazards:
Submerged logs and debris
Rock strikes in shallow areas
Rope and line entanglement
Grounding incidents during tidal changes
The energy-absorbing design means Hydro-Shield takes the impact that would otherwise damage your expensive propeller or skeg. Skeg repairs can cost as much as £300 or more and propeller damage can cost as much as £500 (and upwards depending on your engine size!) if you need to buy a new one. Hydro-Shield costs significantly less than a single prop replacement.
3. Enhanced Skeg Protection and Reinforcement
Your boat’s skeg serves a few extremely important functional roles while you are out on the water. First, it acts as a rudder and allows you to steer accurately and responsively while you are moving.
The stainless steel mounting bracket doesn’t just attach the hydrofoil – it actually reinforces your existing skeg, providing structural support that can prevent damage before it occurs.
Additional skeg benefits:
Strengthens thin or previously damaged skegs
Can replace damaged skegs entirely in some applications
Maintains steering accuracy and responsiveness
Prevents progressive skeg damage from minor impacts
4. Improved Fuel Economy
Thanks to the Hydro-Shield’s design as a skeg guard and hydrofoil, you can spend less on fuel, and it creates lift for reduced drag, helps your boat get up on plane quicker and stay on plane at lower speeds.
For boating where trips can involve significant distances, fuel economy improvements provide real operational savings. Customers consistently report noticeable fuel consumption reductions, particularly at cruising speeds.
Technical Specifications and Sizing
Hydro-Shield is available in two sizes to fit most outboard and stern drive applications:
Standard Size Fin:
For 8.9 – 100 HP engines
Boats up to 17 feet
Ideal for smaller boats, tenders, and fishing boats
Large Size Fin:
For 100+ HP engines
Boats greater than 18 feet
Suitable for larger sport boats, cruisers, and fishing vessels
Both sizes feature the same energy-absorbing thermoplastic fin with marine-grade stainless steel mounting hardware designed for saltwater environments.
Installation: Professional or DIY
Hydro-Shield offers flexible installation options to suit different customer preferences:
Professional Installation at Tonto Marine:
Expert fitting ensuring optimal positioning and performance
Professional assessment of your specific boat and engine combination
Immediate performance testing and trim adjustment
Warranty protection through professional installation
Straightforward installation with included hardware and instructions
No special tools required for most applications
Technical support available if needed
The installation process is relatively simple, attaching to the skeg with the included stainless steel bracket system. Most DIY installations take 30-60 minutes with basic tools.
River Dart and Torbay Applications
Hydro-Shield provides particular advantages for South Devon boating:
River Dart exploration:
Confidence navigating shallow upper reaches
Protection from submerged debris common in tidal river
Improved performance in confined river conditions
Better control during tidal current challenges
Torbay coastal boating:
Faster planing in choppy bay conditions
Reduced fuel consumption for harbor-to-harbor trips
Protection from debris around fishing areas
Enhanced handling in variable sea states
Fishing applications:
Better slow-speed control for drift fishing
Protection in rocky bottom areas
Quieter approach speeds with lower RPM planing
Reduced fuel costs for extended fishing trips
Water sports:
Faster planning with skiers or wakeboarders
Lower pull speeds for wakeboarding
Improved handling with variable loads
Better stern lift for activities requiring specific boat attitudes
Engineering and Quality
Hydro-Shield represents serious engineering rather than marketing gimmick:
Designed by hydrodynamic engineers using advanced foiling software
Manufactured in Florida to exacting quality standards
Proven design refined through years of real-world testing
Durable materials selected specifically for marine environments
The company was founded by boat enthusiasts who wanted better performance and protection for their own vessels, then commercialized the design to help fellow boaters benefit from the technology.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When evaluating Hydro-Shield’s value, consider the complete picture:
Initial investment:
Standard size: Competitive pricing for performance and protection combination
Large size: Premium positioning justified by comprehensive benefits
Professional installation: Optional service ensuring optimal results
Avoided costs:
Propeller replacement: £200-500+ per incident
Skeg repair: £150-300+ per repair
Fuel savings: 10-15% reduction in consumption over season
Reduced maintenance: Less prop damage means fewer haul-outs
Performance value:
Improved boat handling and safety
Enhanced confidence in shallow water navigation
Better overall boating experience
Increased usable range from fuel economy improvements
Who Benefits Most from Hydro-Shield?
Ideal candidates for Hydro-Shield installation:
Boats operating in shallow water environments
River and estuary navigation (River Dart, Torbay harbors)
Fishing boats working rocky or debris-filled areas
Any boat struggling with porpoising or planing issues
Less suitable applications:
Race boats where hydrofoil drag outweighs benefits
Boats already achieving optimal performance
Applications where skeg protection isn’t relevant
Available Now Through Tonto Marine
As Tonto Marine are UK distributors of Hydro-Shield, we can provide expert guidance and installation services for South Devon boat owners:
Our Hydro-Shield services:
Professional consultation on sizing and suitability
Expert installation at our workshop
Performance testing and optimization
Online sales for DIY installation
Technical support for home fitment
Ongoing service and inspection
Contact us to discuss whether Hydro-Shield is right for your boat:
Professional assessment of your boat and usage patterns
Sizing recommendation for optimal performance
Installation scheduling at our workshop
Online ordering assistance for DIY installation
The Hydro-Shield Advantage
Hydro-Shield represents a rare marine accessory that delivers multiple genuine benefits rather than marketing promises. The combination of performance improvement and comprehensive protection creates value that customers experience immediately and appreciate continuously.
For boaters navigating challenging conditions with expensive propellers and vulnerable skegs, Hydro-Shield provides practical solutions to real problems while enhancing overall boating enjoyment.
Protect your investment, improve your performance, and boat with confidence – discover how Hydro-Shield can transform your boating experience.
Mercury Outboard 7 Year Warranty: The Industry’s Best Protection is Now FREE on Every New Engine
11 April 2025
This is HUGE for boat owners across the UK.
Tonto Marine are absolutely delighted to announce a revolutionary upgrade that’s going to transform Mercury outboard ownership. Introducing the new extended warranty programme offering up to 7 YEARS of comprehensive coverage in the UK, backed by the trusted expertise of Barrus.
Why This Changes Everything
From 11th April, every new Mercury outboard (2.5hp – 300hp) purchased for leisure use comes with industry-leading protection that gives you real peace of mind on the water. Meanwhile others are still offering standard warranties, we’re giving you seven years of confidence.
Why a Manufacturer Warranty Matters
Let’s be honest – marine engines work hard in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. Salt water, constant vibration, varying loads, and exposure to the elements all take their toll. When something goes wrong, repair bills can quickly run into thousands of pounds.
A genuine manufacturer warranty isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s your financial safety net. Unlike your standard third-party warranties with endless exclusions and small print this extended warranty is a manufacturer-backed warranty meaning you’re covered by the people who actually built your engine. They know every component, they have access to genuine parts, and they stand behind their engineering. When Barrus and Mercury put their names to a 7-year warranty, that’s a powerful statement about the quality and reliability they’ve built into every outboard.
More importantly, it protects your investment. A boat with a valid manufacturer warranty holds its value significantly better than one without. Likewise, if you decide to sell in a few years, that transferable warranty coverage is a massive selling point that buyers actively seek out.
And Here’s the Kicker – It’s Absolutely FREE
No hidden costs. No extra premiums. This market-leading benefit is automatically included:
Use your engine for leisure applications
Have it maintained in the UK by an approved Mercury Authorised dealer
Your dealer registers your engine
Excludes Mercury Seapro, Avator and Racing models.
Is Your Current Outboard Letting You Down?
If you’ve been wrestling with an ageing, unreliable engine that’s costing you valuable time on the water (and money in repairs), now is the perfect time to upgrade. Just think, seven years without the worry of unexpected repair bills – just pure, uninterrupted time doing what you love.
📞 Ready to Repower? Let’s Talk.
Contact us today to discuss how a new Mercury outboard with 7-year warranty coverage can transform your boating experience. Our team is ready to help you choose the perfect engine for your vessel and get you back on the water with total confidence.
Mercury
For work or for play, sport or adventure, Mercury outboards are engineered to ensure there is nothing holding you back. Their unmatched reliability, refined performance and innovative features deliver the confidence to pursue your calling for the water. Tonto Marine are Official Mercury Sales and Service Agents for all Mercury Outboards, including Verado, Fourstroke, Sea Pro, ProXS Performance Outboards and R-Series Engines (See Mercury Racing). We are also specialists in JPO Joystick systems and V10 & V12 Outboards.
Don’t wait – upgrade to Mercury and enjoy up to 7 years of worry-free boating. Contact Tonto Marine Today
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WONDERFUL WHALYS: The Perfect Tool for Coastal Heroes: How a Whaly Boat is Cleaning South Devon’s Shores
20 March 2025
At Tonto Marine, we love celebrating vessels that prove boats aren’t just for recreation—they’re tools for positive change. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight the incredible work of Till The Coast Is Clear and their remarkable Whaly boat.
A Mission That Matters
Till The Coast Is Clear has taken on an ambitious challenge: cleaning South Devon’s stunning but increasingly threatened coastline. From Torbay to Salcombe, these coastal heroes are tackling marine litter, plastic pollution, and debris that threatens our beautiful waters and the wildlife that depends on them.
But here’s the thing about coastline cleanup—it’s brutal work that demands a boat capable of handling conditions that would make most vessel owners wince. Rocky shores, shallow approaches, constant beaching, abrasive materials, and relentless exposure to the elements. The wrong boat becomes a liability rather than an asset.
The most striking feature of the Whaly is its innovative drop-down bow. For Till The Coast Is Clear, this isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. Imagine approaching a rocky cove filled with plastic debris. Traditional boats require careful positioning, precarious transfers, and significant risk. The Whaly? Drop the bow, walk straight onto the rocks or beach, and get to work.
This design transforms cleanup operations from challenging to straightforward. Volunteers can safely access difficult coastline sections, load heavy debris bags without capsizing concerns, and operate efficiently even in less-than-perfect conditions. The bow becomes a proper working platform, not just an entry point.
Indestructible by Design: Work Without Worry
Here’s where the Whaly boat truly shines in cleanup operations. Traditional fibreglass or aluminium boats require constant vigilance around rocks and shallow water. Scratches, gouges, and punctures turn every approach into a stressful calculation. For Till The Coast Is Clear, this would mean spending more time worrying about the boat than focusing on their mission.
Whaly’s 100% recyclable polyethylene construction changes everything. This virtually indestructible material bounces off rocks that would damage conventional boats. Scrape along a rocky shore? No problem. Beach in rough conditions? Absolutely fine. Drag over sharp oyster beds? Bring it on.
The psychological freedom this provides cannot be overstated. Till The Coast Is Clear can focus entirely on cleanup work, pushing into tight spaces and challenging locations without constant anxiety about boat damage. That’s not just convenient—it’s mission-critical.
Easy Beaching: Land Anywhere, Anytime
Coastal cleanup demands frequent beaching. You spot debris, land quickly, collect it, and move to the next location. Traditional boats make this complicated—careful approaches, concerns about hull damage, difficulty refloating, and limited access points.
Whaly boats beach effortlessly. The flat bottom and polyethylene construction mean you can drive straight onto beaches, rocky shores, or mudflats without hesitation. When it’s time to leave, simply push off and go. No winches, no rollers, no drama.
For Till The Coast Is Clear, this capability multiplies their effectiveness. They can tackle multiple sites in a single outing, accessing locations that would be impractical or impossible with conventional boats. More landings mean more coastline cleaned, more debris collected, and more impact delivered.
Easy Cleaning: Mission-Critical Maintenance
After hours of collecting marine debris, fishing nets, plastic bottles, and worse, most boats would require serious cleaning. Fibreglass interiors stain, wood requires careful maintenance, and fabric upholstery absorbs odours and contamination.
Whaly’s polyethylene construction solves this completely. Hose it down, scrub if necessary, and you’re done. No special cleaners, no concern about staining, no complicated maintenance. The material is naturally resistant to the nasty stuff collected during cleanup operations.
This matters enormously for volunteer-based operations. Easy maintenance means less time on boat care and more time on mission work. It also means volunteers aren’t discouraged by messy cleanup—the boat handles it all without complaint.
Massive Interior Volume: Capacity When It Counts
Look at a Whaly from the outside and you might underestimate its capacity. Then you see one loaded with debris bags and realize these boats offer exceptional interior volume. The high sides and efficient hull design create usable space that exceeds boats of similar length.
For Till The Coast Is Clear, this means fewer trips back to disposal points and more efficient operations. Load up with filled bags, pile in found items, and still have room for volunteers and safety equipment. The Whaly’s capacity turns it from a simple transport vessel into a proper working platform.
100% Recyclable: Values That Match the Mission
Here’s the beautiful irony: Till The Coast Is Clear fights plastic pollution using a boat made entirely from recyclable polyethylene. But this isn’t contradiction—it’s perfect alignment. Whaly boats prove that plastic can be part of the solution when used responsibly.
The 100% recyclable construction means these boats have a genuine circular economy story. When a Whaly eventually reaches end-of-life (which takes decades), the entire vessel can be recycled into new products. No landfill, no waste, no compromise.
For an organization focused on environmental protection, this matters. The boat’s values match the mission’s values. The tool reflects the purpose. It’s authenticity at the deepest level.
One Boat, Massive Impact
What strikes us most about Till The Coast Is Clear’s work isn’t just the tons of debris they’ve removed—it’s how the right boat multiplies impact. With a Whaly, they can:
Access coastline sections other boats can’t reach
Work safely in conditions that would stop conventional vessels
Operate efficiently without constant equipment concerns
Beach repeatedly without damage or worry
Clean up quickly and get back to work
Demonstrate environmental values through their choice of vessel
This is what happens when purpose meets perfect equipment. The Whaly doesn’t just enable the mission—it amplifies it.
The Bigger Picture: Boats as Tools for Good
At Tonto Marine, we service incredible engines and sophisticated marine equipment daily. We appreciate performance, reliability, and engineering excellence. But we also recognize that boats serve purposes beyond recreation and commerce.
Till The Coast Is Clear proves that the right vessel in the right hands can make genuine environmental impact. Their Whaly isn’t just transportation—it’s a force multiplier for positive change along our South Devon coastline.
The indestructible construction lets them work fearlessly. The drop-down bow provides crucial access. The easy beaching enables efficiency. The simple maintenance keeps operations running smoothly. And the recyclable construction aligns perfectly with their environmental mission.
Supporting Local Environmental Heroes
We’re incredibly proud that organizations like Till The Coast Is Clear are working to protect South Devon’s stunning waters and coastline that we love. Every piece of debris they remove protects marine life, preserves natural beauty, and improves conditions for everyone who enjoys our local waters.
If you’re interested in supporting their work, visiting coastal cleanup sites, or learning more about their mission, check out their website at tillthecoastisclear.co.uk. They rely on volunteers, donations, and community support to continue their vital work.
And if you’re considering a boat for environmental work, research projects, or any mission requiring tough, reliable, and environmentally conscious equipment, the Whaly deserves serious consideration. Sometimes the most sophisticated solution is also the simplest one.
The Tonto Marine Perspective
We love being a retailer of Whaly boats, we deeply respect what they represent: purpose-built equipment delivering genuine impact. It reminds us why we’re passionate about marine engineering—the right boat, properly maintained and thoughtfully deployed, can change outcomes.
Whether it’s a Mercury V12 powering adventures, a Yanmar diesel providing commercial reliability, or a Whaly enabling environmental cleanup, boats matter. They’re not just machines—they’re enablers of human purpose.
Till The Coast Is Clear chose their Whaly wisely. It’s the perfect tool for their incredible mission. And watching them work demonstrates exactly what one boat, in the right hands, can accomplish.
Here’s to cleaner coastlines, thoughtful boat choices, and organizations that prove one vessel really can make a difference.
Tonto Marine are delighted to showcase environmental initiatives that celebrate the sea throughout South Devon. While we specialize in Mercury, Honda, Tohatsu, and Yanmar engines, we celebrate all vessels that serve our coastal community well. If you’re involved in marine conservation, environmental survey or other coastal project work around Torbay, Dartmouth, or Salcombe, featuring a Mercury, Honda, Tohatsu, Mercruiser, Mercury Diesel, Whaly or Yanmar we’d love to hear your story and share your work and show what a great marine set up can do. Email [email protected]
