Initially there were 2 prototype designs for the Marauder, one by Robert Tucker and one by Don Shead (of later Sunseeker fame). The yellow hulled, wooden prototype of the Shead design was built by Porter and Haylett of Wroxham and first unveiled at the Earls Court Boat Show in 1973.
The Marauder was very advanced in technical design and concept. Despite being 46 feet long with a 14 feet beam, the dry weight was a mere 8 tons (8128 kg) – much of this down to the innovative vacuum assisted resin injection method (VARI) of production. Colin Chapman was determined that he was going to produce a 46 foot boat capable of 30 knots. To do this power to weight ratio was the key and there was much cross over between the marine and automotive knowledge and experience. Appendage drag was also a key design area of the Marauder as was the method of reducing vibration, noise and attaching the engines.
With much work on design and testing still needed, it took at least 18 months from the unveiling to having the first Marauder delivered to a customer. Although much work was undertaken, an aspect of this delay was also a commercial one as it had been so well ordered at the 1973 boat show, that Colin Chapman felt that it was under priced. It was re-launched as the Marauder 2 with a higher asking price.
The Marauder was initially well ordered by customers and by April 1979 the records surviving show that 10 Marauders had been built and sold.
Post liquidation, the Marauder plans along with the Streaker (adapted Mamba) mould tools were sold to Davian Motor Marine Ltd who traded as Cleopatra Ltd. However, it is not believed that any further Maurauders were completed.