Ben Robertson, the owner of BAR Marine Group in Jacksonboro, S.C., and a well-known name to tunnel-boat and offshore racing fans, is working on a project with noted designer Darris Allison of Allison Ultra Performance Boats. In addition to carrying the Fountain and Baja by Fountain lines, BAR Marine Group is an Allison dealer.

Robertson said they are working on a high-performance, outboard-powered “Bay Boat” based on a 23-foot Allison-designed hull.

“Darris is actually coming down here next week,” Robertson said. “He’s getting into the saltwater market, and I’m going to show him around, show him the boats on the water here and introduce him to the people down here using them.”

The collaboration with Allison is part of Robertson’s move in 2010 to “concentrate more on business and less on boat racing.” Robertson, who retired from tunnel-boat racing in 1999—he started in 1976—and headed into the offshore scene with the Fountain Powerboats camp shortly thereafter, said he plans to compete in just four Super Boat International events this year in Boatsdirect.com, a 44-foot Fountain with twin 1,550-hp Sterling engines.

“Because of economic conditions, my guy (Joe Lamberti, the owner of the boat) has decided to cut back,” Robertson said. “We’re going to run in Sarasota (Fla.), Clearwater (Fla.), New York City and Key West (Fla.). At least that’s the plan.”

Robertson reported that he’s sold several Fountain center-console fishing boats, as well as a few sport boats, in 2010.

“Things are still pretty tight, but I’m making more money this year because I’m concentrating on business and not the damn boat racing,” he said, and laughed. “That’s taken a hit, too. It’s going to be a little while before boat racing comes back.

“I still have a good relationship with Reggie Fountain and we still talk a lot,” he added. “Reggie and I are still really close."—Matt Trulio

For more on Robertson, check out F1 racer Shaun Torrente's blog about his recent visit with Robertson.