Telephone: 44 (0) 1243 572551
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E Mail: gordon@gordoncurrey.com

Captain Currey Brokerage est 1948

for Specialist Fairey & Classic Boat Sales

Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 1
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 2
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 3
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 4
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 5
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 6
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 7
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 8
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 9
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 10
Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser - picture 11

Fairey Huntress 23’. Single engine classic cruiser


LOA                       23ft
Beam                     8’ 3”
Draft:                     2’ 10”
Hull & Deck:          Hot Moulded & Marine Plywood
Model:                   Ray Hunt design  Fairey 23ft ‘Huntress’
Builder:                  Fairey Marine, Hamble, Hants
Year Built:              1971       Reported

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 refurbishment, the ships file has a number of bills, showing replacement & new marine parts fitted.  The previous owner had the engine rebuilt and the Invoice for these works is in the file.   Listed are some of the major items installed.

She was re-wired
New Dash Engine Instruments
New Shore power & charging system
New AGM batteries, four.
New Tek-Tank  for diesel  and fuel supply system to Engine.
New Injectors 
Steering system rebuilt
New  shaft  Log fitted
New coupling & R&D flexible drive
New ICOM VHF

The Hull is copper coated.

The Hull was also re painted inside & out by the previous owner to a high standard

The rebuilt engine sounds most sweet and the owner reports 17 knots is an easy cruising speed at low throttle, whilst  running in.  The list of works done, are all evident in the file of papers & invoices.



Machinery
The Perkins T6.6354 marine diesel engine, driving a single shaft through a Borg Warner velvet  1:1 gearbox.      The propeller has been re-fettled & balanced.
Engine seacock & raw water filter.
Bronze equipoise three bladed propeller
New Cutlass fitted to shaft
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 Tank & system.
Racor fuel filter & water separator.

Electrics
Twin batteries and 24volt electrics, laid to the dash panel.
Switch panel inside
Cabin lighting and Navigation lights.
Shore Power & battery condition 


Navigation Equipment
Steering compass
GPS
VHF 
Anchor & line., with length of chain
Navigation lights
Flag staff
Ehco Sounder
Fire Extinguisher 
Bilge pumps 

Accommodation/ Cockpit
Two cabin berths are upholstered with storage underneath.  
The cabin would convert to a double with an infill.
The engine box is removal able for full engine access 
Marine sea toilet
Twin cockpit seats

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.

Remarks
This Huntress was built around 1971 and delivered to the Admiralty with a Perkins T6.354 marine diesel  for use aboard Her Majesty's fleet as Captains personnel launches..

They were very popular as the ships company could water ski, and the often long distances 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.

She retains all those lovely classic chromed details that make the Huntress not only a collectors classic boat, but also a craft that can be used afloat for enjoyment or family fun.

The Naval Huntress has extra hull laminates, to afford 'scuffing' alongside lager ships, this makes them a much stronger boat.  Also they are half the age of earlier Huntress and 'JJ' is one of the last built.   Their ministry history is not available, but 'JJ' was paid off we understand from 'service' in Plymouth and her two previous owners are in the ships file of papers.

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 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 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 marine diesel 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
She is only for sale, as the family are proposing to undertake a long cruising expedition in the Baltic and have not the time to use her properly. Currently she is afloat, a survey has been undertaken with most favourable comments by this inspection as to  'JJ'  being a good example of a Fairey Huntress.                  A viewing is recommended. 

Trailer
Including a galvanised four wheel road trailer is available, this trailer can only be described as in almost new condition.

                                            &n
Designed
& Built by