Classic Huntsman? launch sunk off Ryde Yesterday.

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rotrax

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While motoring in Portsmouth Harbour yesterday we heard a Mayday from a 27 foot wooden launch off Ryde taking on water quickly.

Skipper and pregant wife on board.

Both taken aboard by another vessel just before the casualty launch turned turtle.

Turned out well, pity about the boat.
 
I'll add that the DQR's are outdrive. Single or twin. Huntsman almost exclusively shaft drive.

That maybe a factor.

Looks like it was a well kept boat.
 
I went aboard a Huntsman a few years ago, the owner was an ex sailor but his job demanded speed and making routines

" She's good for 40 knots but there's no pleasure in it, I just point her and hang on for grim death ! "

However I was mightily impressed by the build standard and woodwork, hope this Huntsman variant recovers well though I suppose it will take a lot of work.
 
I’m sure it would be worth repair for someone with the budget to meet the charges of Destry or suchlike. Hopefully her owners were not too traumatised by the sad incident . It would be interesting article for PBO to follow the works required .
 
Well done GAFIRS, a thoroughly sensible job of work and a thoroughly sensible report of that work. I note that they do not claim to have saved lives.

Also, well done to the boat that rescued the crew; it doesn't sound as though they had long to do it. An argument for wearing lifejackets as a matter of routine?
 
Stemar said:
Well done GAFIRS, a thoroughly sensible job of work and a thoroughly sensible report of that work. I note that they do not claim to have saved lives.

Also, well done to the boat that rescued the crew; it doesn't sound as though they had long to do it. An argument for wearing lifejackets as a matter of routine?
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The standby vessel - Wahoo perhaps - took the skipper and his pregnant wife aboard, so they deserve any credit.

I am very pleased the vessel was salvaged, perhaps with the insurance and some enthusiasm it might give pleasure and pride of ownership once more.
 
Seajet said:
I went aboard a Huntsman a few years ago, the owner was an ex sailor but his job demanded speed and making routines

" She's good for 40 knots but there's no pleasure in it, I just point her and hang on for grim death ! "

However I was mightily impressed by the build standard and woodwork, hope this Huntsman variant recovers well though I suppose it will take a lot of work.
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No Huntsman left the factory capable of 40 knots. Not even the race boats. Its really tough to get truly to 40 knots. I took out a pair of 145hp and put in 240hp. I got to 38.6 knots.

A handful have ever broken the 40 knot barrier.

Most will do 30 knots. Speeds are increasing as old machinery is replaced with newer stuff inevitably with more hp.
 
rotrax said:
While motoring in Portsmouth Harbour yesterday we heard a Mayday from a 27 foot wooden launch off Ryde taking on water quickly.

Skipper and pregant wife on board.

Both taken aboard by another vessel just before the casualty launch turned turtle.

Turned out well, pity about the boat.
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Sad news
 
I saw this refuelling at Shepards along with two others. I was told she was a Huntress by the other Huntress owner there. There We’re three of them all going off together.
 
Apologies. I gave duff info. She is not a Tropical. She is Ranger 27 with the aft cabin lopped off. Details!

One more thing. Fairey Owners Club can provide copies of the factory drawing with instructions on how to repair the hot moulded hull.

There is also a booklet available from Charles Lawrence Chiswick tittled Fixing My Faireys which may be of use.
 
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Here is an aft cabin version for sale in Guernsey for GBP 12,000 -
Dell Quay Ranger 27 Used Boat for Sale 1966 | TheYachtMarket
There is a photo of her engine room, and her two Volvos look very immaculate.
Also a couple of photos of the helm station - she still has an old style hand bearing compass mounted on the forward bulkhead, and there are two plotters above, which must reduce the visibility of the helmsman somewhat?

Here is a photo of a Tropical that was for sale on Yachtworld, but no longer -

Dell Quay Ranger Tropical.jpg

There used to be an aft cabin version living here in the 70's, but I don't know what happened to her - maybe she was sold to one of the other islands.
 
Hi Guys, I bought this boat a few days ago. She is in a pretty sad state and has a lovely big hole about 1.5m long. If anyone has any pictures or information about her it would be amazing to have. Cheers. Olly
 
Olly T said:
Hi Guys, I bought this boat a few days ago. She is in a pretty sad state and has a lovely big hole about 1.5m long. If anyone has any pictures or information about her it would be amazing to have. Cheers. Olly
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Ask Charles Charles Lawrence | Fairey Marine Boats, Raceboats, Rivals And Revivals for a copy of "Fixing My Fairies" and a copy of the Fairey factory drawing for repairs to the hot moulded hull.

There is no agba available in 2.5mm at the moment but you can use kaya from Robbins Timber.

Fairey Owners Club will reply to your email shortly with membership form. Welcome onboard.
 
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I should add, I have seen the damage, it is extensive and will be time consuming but it is doable and the raw materials not hugely expensive.

The big expense will be engine and leg.
 
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