The Moonraker changed from the original 30 foot model to a Robert Tucker designed 36 foot yacht – complete with flybridge. There were different models and options available to the customer. In January 1971, the Moonraker VT8 was the fastest production diesel yacht in the world with a top speed in excess of 35 knots.

After Colin Chapman’s take over in July 1971, the Moonraker constantly evolved to include the innovations he brought to the marine industry and developed for other models. The Moonraker became lighter with the use of adhesives and use of ‘aircraft’ design bulkheads. Other engineering changes included altering the width and length of the chine rails and repositioning the fuel and water tanks.

The production and management methods used so successfully at Lotus were also introduced to the marine side, along with many of the staff from Lotus. Moonraker Marine International Ltd then took over JCL Marine – which had produced the Pegasus, a competitor – and used the ‘JCL’ name as the company trading name.

As well as the 3 main types of Moonraker available (Sedan, Cruiser and Sports Yacht, with many variations of these also available) from 1972, coloured hulls were also available, the first being yellow. The ‘D’ series was introduced in 1973, which extended the forward cabin windows so giving greater head/standing room.

On 20th August 1975, JCL/Moonraker Marine International Ltd became the first boatyard in the country to hold the Lloyd’s register of Shipping quality control certificate. In 1976, the Moonraker 36 was the first boat to comply with and receive Lloyd’s Register Building Certificate (L.R.B.C.).

The exact numbers of Moonrakers built and sold by Moonraker/JCL between July 1971 and voluntary liquidation in 1980 are not available. Many records were destroyed when the Brundall Gardens office was hit by lightening on 15th August 1993, however surviving records show that by April 1979, 384 Moonrakers had been built and sold.

Post liquidation some half finished moulds were completed by Waveney Lakes. DC Marine then bought the moulds and competed approximately 6 Moonraker ‘Super’ 36. This had a much updated interior, 2 x 175hp Perkins Diesel engines and some exterior styling changes. Vic Bell then again acquired the mould and in 1991 commissioned Excel Marine to build a Moonraker for his own use. Although planning to use this for a demonstrator for further builds, these did not happen and the Moonraker moulds remain at the Bells yard site.