This tribute is from a close friend and son-in-law, who knew Ian Harvey as a man unafraid to take on a challenge. A true gentleman and a boat racer through and through, he lived life at full throttle, never backing down, always doing things his own way.
‘Screamn Eagle’ Tribute to the Legendary Ian Harvey, written by Patrick Austin – April 26
Ian’s earliest passion was motorbikes and cars (the faster the better) – he was an excellent mechanic running his own business when he encountered a race boat owner who needed to buy a car that Ian had for sale at Harvey Motors. The gentleman couldn’t afford the asking price, but a deal was done based on Ian keeping the race boat to make up the shortfall on the purchase price. This chance meeting and deal set Ian on a course to chase the ‘need for speed’ on water.
Harv’s as known to his friends, was not afraid to give most things a crack and always in his own unique quirky style.
From his start with the VSBC in the 60’s until he hung up his helmet in the early 80’s, Harv’s owned and raced 4 variants of his beloved Screamin Eagle.
From the first skiff Screamin Eagle I with a Holden 6 cylinder grey motor, to Eagle II incorporating Waggott heads, to the game changing inclusion of a genuine Brabham race engine in Eagle III, and finally to the runabout Eagle IV powered by a 4.2 litre Holden V8 built with Alan Healy; Ian was intent on remaining progressive in the sport.
Screamin Eagle III still holds the speed record across the kilo in the 155ci class at a whopping 76 Mph. By today’s standards not necessarily super quick, but these boats were unpredictable and in many cases dangerous given their flighty nature and basic design. Enhanced design technology and safety simply was something for the future.
Ian loved the VSBC and being part of the club. The social activities which always included a few beers (no breathalysers in those days) seemed just as important as the racing that was conducted on a rolling and regular basis. Albert Park was integral in enabling the race drivers the opportunity to race on a frequent basis and generally close to home. Ian (generally with family in tow) travelled Victoria wherever races were held. These included Lake Eppalock and Yarrawonga for annual meetings at Easter and New Years. Yarrawonga was like a second home, and Ian and his wife Dawn went as far as purchasing an apartment on the lake which reflected their feelings towards the town.
Ian was remembered by his fellow race mates as ‘a bit out there’, and didn’t necessarily waste time on safety or general presentation.
He was humorously known for regularly not hitching his boat to the trailer. Once driving through flood waters on the way home from a meeting, his boat floated off without Ian realising. Once when towing he braked hard in an emergency and his boat ended up perched on the top of his car! He had aviaries at home for his birds, and many a time when his boat was scrutineered it had grass growing in the hull from bird seed that had made its way in the boat and germinated. On another occasion he needed to borrow a helmet to race because his pet cocky had chewed all the foam out from the inside of his helmet.
Ian didn’t care and would just laugh it off.
Ian also purchased a 4.2 Hydro called Hunter which his great mate Ron Hull raced while Ian raced the Eagle. Many of the competitors became life long best mates who would recall and exchange stories of close calls, achievements and more than occasional politically incorrect behaviour. The stories interestingly becoming more outrageous after each telling.
Even after he retired from racing Ian stayed in touch with VSBC race events, either attending in person or watching the streamed race coverage.
Above: Ian Harvey celebrating with Alan Healey at the VSBC 60th Anniversary
In his early 80”s, Ian once asked Mark Healy if he could have a drive of his 6 litre hydro just for old times sake…. whilst the opportunity didn’t present, it demonstrated that the pursuit of exhilaration never fades.
Ian sadly has passed away, but is remembered as a unique character, who was a respected and fearless competitor who loved to race, loved his racing mates and the VSBC.
Another power boat racing legend, gone but never forgotten.
Above: Ian celebrating life, with his boat, the V.S.B.C. and eldest daughter Leanne
Below…….
***VSBC Members offical Legends Tent***
This year, at the 2026 Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular, the Victorian Speedboat Club proudly hosted the first ‘VSBC Members Official Legends Tent’
Surrounded by the legends of Australian powerboat racing, we welcomed iconic racers, veteran members and fans, enjoying front-row views, with shade, and a space to meet and mingle where old friendships were reunited and new ones made, right here at the greatest sport on Earth 
Sponsored by DTG Race Products
#victorianspeedboatclub #australianpowerboatracing #2026yarrawongapowerboatspectacular #dtgraceproducts
Pictured below: Ian’s family attended the 2026 EC Griffith Cup meet, hosted by Ians club ‘The Victorian Speed Boat Club’ at Yarrawonga.
Below: This tribute is from a close friend and son-in-law, who knew Ian Harvey as a man unafraid to take on a challenge. A true gentleman and a boat racer through and through, he lived life at full throttle, never backing down, always doing things his own way.-
‘Screamn Eagle’ Tribute to the Legendary Ian Harvey, written by Patrick Austin – April 26
Below: Ian sitting in Scream’n Eagle with one of his many well won Trophies.
Above: Ian’s wife Dawn, daughter Nicole and Partner wearing Scream’n Eagle tribute t.shirts at this years E.C. Griffith Cup, in the V.S.B.C. official Legends Tent, Yarrawonga Foreshore.
Tribute article with b/w photos supplied & written by Patrick Austin for the feature article in the 2026 E.C. Griffith Cup Program.
Published on the GILFLITE website by Paula Gill (GillGirl Media), with additional photos by Paula for the historic records of Australian Power Boat Racing (July 26).
Post created by Paula Gill (GillGirl Media) #gillgirlmedia published by Paula Gill – GILFLITE copyright ©