Simmonds launches

[Thumper]

I'm more used to posting on motorsport forums, so hope I don't transgress any boundaries of etiquette now that I'm on the water. Nice to be here through.

I'm looking for information about Simmonds aluminium sports/ski boats, built by Donald Simmonds in the Fifties and Sixties from premises in Twickenham. I'm about to embark on the restoration of one that's currently sitting in my back garden, and I'd like to get in touch with anyone else who's done the same thing before I make any mistakes.

I've recently discovered that my example "Boat No.1" according to the maker's registration plate on the bulkhead, was originally owned by David Brown, founder of Aston Martin, and has an interesting early history - although what happened to it between his ownership and mine is a little hazy. Despite enduring the best part of 20 years outdoors and exposed to all weathers, it's in quite good condition, so may not be an impossible project (unlike a few of my others).

If anyone has any info at all, however insignificant, I'd be very grateful.

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[burgundyben]

Have you looked at the CMBA website? lot alot of info there but I think if you join the CMBA you will find lots of info etc, also, try the motor boat museum at Basildon.

<hr width=100% size=1>My house is for sale, 2 beds, Hamble.

 

[Thumper]

Thanks for the reply Burgundyben. I've been in touch with the CMBA, and intend to join when Ken Simmonds (no relation to the boats, I assume?) empties his email in-box. Also tried to contact the museum in Basildon, where they have a Simmonds on display, but their email's not working either. Good responses from elsewhere, though, and slowly piecing the picture together.

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