Fairey Huntress 23ft ‘Swift lady’
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
Built: 1969
Construction
Fairey Marine hot moulded hull and traditional 'cascover' covered deck.
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
Machinery
Perkins T6.354 185 HP Marine Diesel Engine with 1:1 Borg Warner gearbox - rebuilt 2001
(Engine was rebuilt 2001 with new short unit, to the latest 185 HP configuration, also new exhaust manifold)
Bronze equipoise three bladed propeller – New 2010
Batteries and electrics, laid to the dash panel
Stainless steel Fairey Classic side scoops provide air to the engine bay
Single lever engine controls and VDO Instruments new 2001
Navigation Equipment
Steering compass
Anchor & line.
Navigation lights
Flag staff
Set Nav/Plotter - Garmin - new 2011
Echo Sounder/Fish finder – new 2008
Fire Extinguishers
Accommodation/ Cockpit
Inside:
Two cabin berths are upholstered with storage underneath.
Outside:
Two seats attach to the engine box for the helm & crew – new 2010
Aft bench seat with blue cushions
A spray hood with camper tent makes the whole cockpit covered or a Toneau
may be used on the mooring.
The engine box is removalable for full engine access
She still retains her classic Huntress chrome windows surrounds, as does the screen
Beaching keel & legs
Deck Equipment
Usual complement of fenders, lines, warps and boathook.
Hand rails on the cabin roof
Bow & Stern cleats
Outboard bracket
Remarks
A much loved and original Fairey Huntress 23ft enjoyed over the past fifteen years by the present owner, who sadly must now part with her.
During this time she has been used almost weekly in the summer season, so is a well tried and serviceable boat especially with upgraded Perkins T6 engine.
She retains all those lovely classic chromed details that make the Huntress not only the collectors boat, but also a craft that can be used afloat for enjoyment or family fun
The legionary sea keeping qualities of the Huntress 23, being the brain child of Ray Hunt the American Naval Architect, make ‘Swift lady’ a lot of boat for the money with extremely economical running costs in this day & age.
The Huntress may also be towed home on a trailer by a normal 4X4, as it she can be loaded just under the transport limits and featured as such, in the original Range Rover advertisement, photographed on the yet unopened spaghetti junction interchange.
She has a trailer, which is included in the sale. Road worthyness should be established.
Lying: Ireland Price: £13.750