A standard Fairey Huntsman 28ft Twin Screw diesel powerboat is a lengthened Ray Hunt design Fairey Huntress 23ft the single screw version. Fairey Marine of Hamble built just over 100 Huntsman 28s in the 1960s and the last around 1970. Hull number 117 is therefore late in production.
The Huntsman 28 has twin berths in the fore cabin with a separate loo compartment to starboard and a galley area opposite to port with stainless sink and fresh water.
A 20 gallon fresh water tank is fitted below the bunks forward. Stowage is ample below the bunks and in a foreword locker. Inserts may be placed in the central area between the bunks to make a double berth. The classic Fairey open cockpit gives the feeling of being afloat and in the open sea or the spray hood used to give shelter underway or extending the cabin whilst moored.
The cabin floor and aft cockpit are finished with teak, as are the decks. The boat has its original bow roller and other features such as the engine chromed air scoops on the carlines and also a stainless steel pulpit.
Two seats are fitted for the helm and crew, while a stern bench surrounds the transom for picnicking etc.
The screen and windows retain their original Fairey chromed surrounds, as does the screen.
The Steering is original Whitlock rod and gear. The rudders are fabricated and connect with a link rod internally on the rudder bench.
The Twin Perkins T6.354 Diesel engines of some 145HP will give cruising in the early 20 knot range and full speed at the top of this range. The turbo chargers have been upgraded with the later Holset Model and other modernising features.
The Borg Warner 72C 1:1 gearboxes, drive 1.1/4" shafts to the bronze propellers, The owner has a full file details on their replacement. Twin Fairey GRP tanks of approx 90 galls are fitted under the aft cockpit and filled internally via a small hatch.
The Engine Electrics are 24 Volts with four batteries under the steering wheel sole. The usual Navigation lighting and some instrumentation is fitted.
This Fairey Huntsman has had a very extensive refit quite recently and the boat file speaks for itself.
The Fairey Powerboats were moulded in a unique aircraft hot moulded technique on a wood block mould with a heat setting glue between laminates so forming a continuous hull. The assembly was completed to set drawings and jigs, making a production line based on aircraft simplicity.
The strength of the hull together with these improved production techniques made the Fairey range of sailing & powerboats affordable in the post war years. Owners used them in the early motorboat races for a fun, collecting such prizes as the lowest powered finisher, fuel economony, concours, best all-rounder, smallest boat etc
This boat is well worth viewing and has the benefit of a major refit quite recently.
Lying: Northern Ireland
Asking price £12.500