One of Australia’s earliest commercially produced outboards is the Verity, a 3.3 to 5hp opposed twin, water-cooled outboard motor manufactured
by A.V Sale of 3 Mill Lane, Hurlstone Park, N.S.W.
A.V. Sale had maintained and serviced outboards of various
manufacture for the Defence Department during World War II. It was during that
time that the engineers of A.V. Sale developed the knowledge and experience to produce
their very own outboard, the Verity.
Key features of the Verity include;
- Light weight construction – only 48lbs
- Use of non-corrosive salt-resistant materials
- Underwater exhaust – producing only a pleasant purr when running at low speeds
- Easy starting
- Low idling speeds – ideally suited to trolling
- Independent tiller steering – where the act of steering turned only the lower unit ie power-head remaining in a fixed position.
- Tilt mechanism and adjustable mounting clamp
In addition, the Verity was supplied with two twin-bladed propellers
as standard. An 8” and a 9” for heavy and light pleasure craft application respectively.
The limited number of Verity outboards known to still be in
existence today suggests the number manufactured may have been small. Indeed the
low denomination serial numbers for Verity outboards produced during the 50’s
adds further support to the notion.
A more recent Verity (Circa 1950 - 1953) with pressed copper fuel tank.
There are several other more subtle yet significant differences between the two versions of the Verity shown above. In both cases however, the tiller would move only the lower unit, with the power-head remaining in a fixed position. This feature is not found on any other Australian made outboard motor.
Sheltrum produced outboards until in 1959 when manufacturing rights transferred to Westcott Hazell, 29 Mavis Street, Reversby, N.S.W.
During 1956, outboard
racer Leonard Fredrick Sheltrum purchased the rights to Verity and modified it
to create what would be known as the Riptide Fisherman, the foundation if you
will of the Riptide Outboard Motor Company.
Records:
The Verity outboard was first advertised in the January 20, 1947 edition of the Australian Seacraft magazine. Below is the graphical representation of the Verity Outboard associated with that advertisement.
The Verity outboard was first advertised in the January 20, 1947 edition of the Australian Seacraft magazine. Below is the graphical representation of the Verity Outboard associated with that advertisement.
The Verity continued to be advertised in various industry magazines and newspapers until approximately 1953.
Additional photos, specifications, highlights & acknowledgements to
follow.
