Fairey Huntress 23' - ex Navy Captain's launch
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: 1966 See below
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 topsides, 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 powerboat.
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.
Navy Captain’s Launch, attributed to HMS Hermes with service number 6620 (Twentieth boat in 1966) and therefore has the extra hull laminates for service use by HM forces.
It is understood that she was with HMS Hampshire until about 1982 before being re-issued to HMS Bristol. She went to small craft disposal around 1985.
The Caption picture was taken delivery/hand over day of the first Captain's Launch, of which Hermes was one, taken by Charles Currey, Fairey Marine Sales Director
Machinery
Perkins T6.354 marine diesel engine, driving a single shaft through a Borg Warner velvet 1:1 gearbox.
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.
The original rod and bevel box system, original Borg & Beck steering wheel with Fairey aircraft motive.
Original Fuel Tank & system
This Perkins T6.354 Marine Diesel Engine was sold as 135 HP at 2450 RPM and later 145HP at 2450 RPM for pleasure boat applications. Her Majesty's Ships often returned the fuel pump setting to the domestic 'pleasure boat delivery', so the ward room Officers could have more enjoyable water skiing
Electrics
Twin batteries and 12volt electrics, laid to the dash panel.
Cabin lighting and Navigation lights.
Navigation Equipment
Steering compass
GPS
VHF
Anchor & line. 20KG CQR with length of chain
Navigation lights
Flag staff
EcHo 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 removable for full engine access and doubles as a seat.
The engine box lids are shining varnish
Deck EquipmentUsual 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.
Stainless steel bow push pit.
RemarksThis Huntress was built 1966 and delivered to the Admiralty with a Perkins T6.354 marine diesel for use aboard the fleet as Captains personnel launches. Fairey Marine expanded their boat building operations and brought Groves & Guttridge Ltd, East Cowes, who completed larger craft and a number of Huntress for the HM Forces.
They were very popular as the ships company could water ski, and the often 'long distance' 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.
The current owner has a history file and details of past maintenance, sadly family pressure has put this Huntress on the market and she requires a new loving owner.
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.
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 & Charles 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 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. The Fairey & Nelson designs dominated.
Lying: Isle of Wight Price: £22,000
