LOA: 23ft
Beam: 8’ 3”
Draft: 2’ 10”
Hull & Deck: Hot Moulded & Marine Plywood
Model: Ray Hunt designed Fairey 23ft ‘Huntress’
Builder: Fairey Marine, Hamble, Hants
Year Built: Naval Production
Construction
Fairey Marine Hot moulded Agba laminated hull.
The unique system of laminating veneers 2.5mm thick in Kola Blanka (Agba) with some six forming the bottom and five on the top sides, but this could varied to make the shell (hull) stronger as occurred with the Naval Boats.
The completed shell was formed on a wood block mould, pushed into an autoclave (oven) with steam applied, the heat set off the glue, while pushing down the assembled veneers covered in a rubber bag. A finished hull resulted in less than one hour.
These hulls were incredibly strong for their weight and the process started in the aeroplane industry, perfect for the early days of lightweight powerboats.
Engines were very heavy, slow revving and agricultural in the 1950/60’s, so the speed of the Fairey range was something exotic at the time, with the advent of the then high speed commercial diesel engines. The Perkins T6.354 being the leader at the time.
Refurbishment
This Huntress had a major rebuild as can be seen from the pictures, new deck, engine replacement, screen etc etc. The hull had all the paint removed inside & outside. She was then epoxy filleted around the internal frames & members. The outside was epoxy painted, topsides painted and the inside repainted. Much professional shipwright work was carried out to give her the traditional Fairey Huntress look, together with all new floors, cockpit sole and so on.
This all occurred about 20 years ago, but the ships file has details.
Machinery
The New Perkins 225 HP marine diesel,installed at refurbishment, driving a single shaft through a ZF 1:1 gearbox. Again the running gear, shaft & propeller were all replaced with new, at refurbishment.
Engine seacock & raw water filter. Bronze equipoise three bladed propeller, New Cutlass fitted to shaft. All electrics replaced.
Stainless steel Fairey Classic side scoops provide air to the engine bay
Single lever engine controls-new
Wheel steering to the Fairey bronze rudder.
Diesel Fuel Twin Tank & system
Electrics
Twin batteries and 24volt electrics, laid to the dash panel.
Cabin lighting and Navigation lights.
Shore power socket
Navigation Equipment
Steering compass
Raymarine GPS Plotter
Raymarine Depth
VHF
Navigation lights
Flag staff
Fire Extinguisher
Bilge pumps
Accommodation/ Cockpit/Cabin
Two cabin berths are upholstered with storage underneath.
Cockpit Cushions & Aft seat Cushions.
The cabin bunk insert insert for a double.
The engine box is removal, enabling full engine access, with lifts for cockpit table.
Marine sea toilet
Fridge & Compressor
Fairey Classic Helm & Crew seats
Galley & Sink
Covers
Bimini shade hood, which can be used under way.
Sprayhood attachment which uses the same SS frame
Overall Cockpit Cover
Deck Equipment
Usual complement of fenders, lines & warps, anchoring etc.
Hand rails on the cabin roof
Bow & Stern, spring cleats, Rope fairleads and bow anchor fitting- all classic Fairey.
20Kg Anchor & line., with length of chain. Fits into purpose designed Port Locker
Deck Shower
Remarks
The Huntress 23 Naval Production was towards the end, the boats being some 20 yrs younger and also had extra laminates, so making them the preferred choices. They were delivered to the Admiralty with a Perkins T6.354 Marine Diesel for use aboard Her Majesties fleet as Captains personnel launches, originally the 135HP Model and Later the 145HP Model, difference being Piston Crown Cooling.
They were very popular as the ships company could water ski, and the often long distances ashore from the anchored off warship could be covered quickly. One or two Huntress entered war zones such as the Falklands and other clandestine operations where their small size and exceptional sea keeping qualities, made them extremely useful. Some interesting first hand stories can be related.
She retains all those lovely classic chromed details that make the Huntress not only a collector’s classic boat, but also a craft that can be used afloat for enjoyment or family fun.
Pedigree
Huntresses are an absolute cracker of a little seaworthy boat, the brain child of Ray Hunt the naval architect who must rank as having the largest number of craft afloat in both power & sail across the spectrum of yachting, his 'deep V' concept was a milestone in boating design. The Huntress elongated by some four feet, became the Huntsman 28, sporting twin engines. Both these Fairey Models, are laminated from side to side, being a continuous moulding.
The Hull form was licensed to Fairey by Ray Hunt in the 1950's, after Colin Chichester-Smith of Fairey Aviation & C. Currey observed it, whilst sailing 6 meters pre war in USA, ahead of their time Fairey Marine wishing to build powerboats post war. The Huntress had a slow start owing to the total lack of suitable engines, petrol being the only option, but the Perkins T6.354 was born and Sir Max Akin started the Cowes Torquay race 1961, to principally foster improved small offshore powerboats, so a whole industry of Pilot, Navy and domestic craft resulted.
Summary
'Cascade', in my view is one of the best Fairey Huntress 23ft classic fast launches available today, if not possibly the best. She had this incredible refurbishment and was fitted with an up to date new Perkins 225 HP marine diesel, at the time. She is only for sale, as the family have upgraded to a larger Fairey Classic with advent of a growing family.
A Motorboat is all about the engine(s) installed, it has to be reliable. ‘Cascade’ has the new Perkins fitted, so can be described as a turn-key Fairey Classic Launch. She has been much loved by her owners and maintained since leaving the Admiralty.
She comes a box of Ships Papers & History. Some running spares and equipment as aboard.
She is currently afloat and in daily use, if you wish a small Fairey, early viewing is recommended
Lying: Chichester Harbour
Price: Sensible offers please.