Fairey Huntress 23 - Maid of Baltimore. Single screw diesel powerboat
Ref: 126
Length: 23'
Beam: 8' 3"
Depth: 2 '10"
Hull & Deck: Hot Moulded & Marine Plywood
Model: Ray Hunt design Fairey 23ft ‘Huntress’
Builder: Fairey Marine, Hamble, Hants
Location: UK
Construction
Fairey Marine hot moulded 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 side, but this could be varied to make the shell (hull) stronger as occurred with the Naval Boats or requirements.
The completed shell was formed on a wood block mould, pushed into an autoclave (oven) with steam applied, the hear 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 and agricultural in the 1950/60’s, so the speed of the Fairey range was something exotic at the time. Originally ‘Maid of Baltimore’ was fitted with a Perkins S.6 Frank Perkins Marine engine and Parsons belt/cone gearbox, it was almost impossible to select neural with the gearbox, but in those days there was less to hit ! and no marinas.
Machinery
Ford Sabre six cylinder diesel engine, driving a single shaft through a Borg Warner 1:1 gearbox.
Bronze equipoise three bladed propeller
Batteries and electrics, laid to the dash panel which accessible through the cabin door behind.
Stainless steel Fairey Classic side scoops provide air to the engine bay
Single lever engine controls
Hydraulic steering to the Fairey bronze rudder
Navigation equipment
Steering compass on console
VHF
Anchor & line.
Navigation lights
Flag staff
Sat nav.
Fire Extinguisher in cabin, accessible from cockpit
Accommodation/cockpit
Inside:
Two cabin berths are upholstered with storage underneath.
The cabin would convert to a double with an infill.
Cabin floor in natural teak
Twin fold back Classic Huntress doors to cabin
Fold up cabin table, in varnish
Side under window storage with varnished rails.
Spacious locker space up forward under foredeck
OutsideTwo stainless steel classics Fairey seats attach to the engine box for the helm & crew.
Aft bench seat with cushions for the all round aft.
Perfect for those picnic days afloatA spray hood with camper tent makes the whole cockpit covered or a Toneau
may be used on the mooring.
The cockpit floor is in natural teak
The engine box is removable for full engine access or the covers lift on hinges for daily service checks
She still retains her classic Huntress chrome windows surrounds, as does the screen
Huntress dress sign or port & starboard
Deck equipmentUsual complement of fenders, lines, warps and boathook.
Hand rails on the cabin roof
Bow & Stern, spring cleats in Chromed cruciform castings, very original and a joy to see.
As are the rope fairleads and bow anchor fitting.
Deck mounted classic CQR bow anchor.
Stainless steel bow pulpit.
Fairey Bow badges
RemarksMaid of Baltimore is a great favourite of the Fairey Huntress fleet, she has featured in many marine articles over her life so far and it’s splendid to see her looking so pristine in 2011 year.
She has lots of history that goes with her, which is quite remarkable and goes to show the Huntress is a fantastic boat for her size. She was used, as a trial fast lifeboat out of Lymington for a while, long before RIB’s, performed in the Cowes Torquay gentleman’s powerboat racing, during it’s heydays and had numerous articles published over the years.
A wonderful article was written not so long ago, concerning the British Customs chasing her whilst returning from the Channel Islands in rather unpleasant weather, totally unable to understand why such as small boat was out in the English channel, naturally assuming it was up to no good – especially as they took most of the passage trying to catch her up.
She retains all those lovely classic chromed details that make the Huntress not only collectors boat, but also a craft that can be used afloat for enjoyment or family fun
She is an absolute cracker and well worth a look, if considering a Huntress, 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.
Lying:
UK
Price:
£24.950Prospective purchasers are advised the particulars above are solely to advertise the boat from the vendor’s information and they should make their own deliberations prior to considering purchase.
Any points of concern should be evaluated by their own agents and the purchase contract specifies their concerns upon which they may wish to rely.
