Spot the (new to me) boat

[Firefly625]

Very nice James. do we call you two boat Jim from now on?

Thanks David. Well two boat Jim would seem appropriate, but I'm hoping it's not for too long!

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Hardy-Mariner-26/172783471#.VMiSWdkgGc0

 

[burgundyben]

Well done. Fab engine. I had one in a Huntress and now have a pair of the 265 version in PT. Clean. Quiet, smooth, efficient. Do carefully inspect the oil feed and drain pipework for the turbo, they can suffer from rust and split. Glorious sweet spot at 1800rpm.

Duncan Harris at Golden Arrow Southampton is your man for parts, he's really helpful and knowledgeable (his father worked at Fairey and is a big fish in the CMBA, proper boating people). Cat changed the pricing structure of parts a while back, now much cheaper.

 

[James L]

Very Nice.

"Well Wear" (Good Luck).

 

[stuartwineberg]

Congratulations James - great looking boat - where am I going to go now for Hardy 25 advice? I had Perkins Sabres on Enigma - the 265 - lovely slow revving long stroke engines. I think I am right in saying you have to keep an eye on the coolers - they aren't exactly overpsecced for the engine and need to be kept clean. I am sure Paul can advise on that.

 

[paultallett]

Congratulations James, shes a stunner!!

 

[MystereMarcus]

Congratulations Firefly. She looks excellent - I always do like a proper boat!

 

[Firefly625]

Thanks ALL for your kind words. Got to say I am blooming delighted with her... to respond to a few of you in one post;

Stuart, don't worry - always happy to advise on any Hardy related stuff, I tend to remember things pretty well!

Ben, Duncan Harris from the CMBA... being a previous member of the CMBA for a few years I am sure I met Duncan a few times, did he used to work for MG Duff and have a Lonestar?

Paul, Now I too have a Navy Hull to polish - I hope to get a shine to match Fairways hull but she's not quite there yet! (I can't believe you used to do yours by Hand, good job!!!)

 

[burgundyben]

Ben, Duncan Harris from the CMBA... being a previous member of the CMBA for a few years I am sure I met Duncan a few times, did he used to work for MG Duff and have a Lonestar?

That's Chris Harris, Duncan is the son.

 

[Firefly625]

That's Chris Harris, Duncan is the son.

Aha! That would explain why I was not quite sure of the name, of course its Chris that I used to know. Spent quite few days with Chris at various events, thanks Ben (small world really!!)

 

[Trundlebug]

Lovely boat Firefly, great taste I love the Mitchell 31's.

What's the small fitting on the front port side of the roof above the helm station?
Nothing on the inside to give any clues.
Or is it the GPS for AIS transponder?

 

[Firefly625]

Lovely boat Firefly, great taste I love the Mitchell 31's.

What's the small fitting on the front port side of the roof above the helm station?
Nothing on the inside to give any clues.
Or is it the GPS for AIS transponder?

thank you Trundlebug!

The small fitting is indeed GPS aerial mounted on its own teak plinth of course...

 

[burgundyben]

Aha! That would explain why I was not quite sure of the name, of course its Chris that I used to know. Spent quite few days with Chris at various events, thanks Ben (small world really!!)

I've got installation drawings and manuals in soft copy, I'll email them over tonight.

 

[Firefly625]

I've got installation drawings and manuals in soft copy, I'll email them over tonight.

Thanks Ben, would be appreciated. I was given by the previous owners a workshop manual, a user guide and something else as well, plus the Perkins Sabre spares case, plus another very large plastic sealed container with so many spare parts I think I could possibly build another engine... previous owners had taken her round the UK.

In fact all the servicing has been done with Golden Arrow Southampton since 2005 so Duncan may know the boat... only just serviced in December

 

[pks1702]

'Proper' boat - she is a beauty.

Hope you have many happy hours.

 

[AllanG]

Good guess Allan, but no.

A clue… it's a bit more commercial than that.

I was along the right lines, James, but not quite there! Your Mitchell 31 certainly looks to be in very good condition. Can I ask what year she was built, and from where did you purchase her?

 

[Pinnacle]

As editing due to photo issue, I will just add that I reckon the spot light is not in direct level with radar..just skimming the top!

But, surely as you push the go stick forwards, and the bow rises, the light will be right in the way?

 

[Firefly625]

But, surely as you push the go stick forwards, and the bow rises, the light will be right in the way?

Theres always one… fortunately the bow doesnt rise that much when there's thick fog around...

 

[Flynnbarr]

Great boat,congratulations.
Your a brave man with two boats
Many moons ago I remember a couple of full time liveaboards on a Mk1 on the Thames at Sunbury,I felt for them in the winter,brrr,it was mostly under canvas!

 

[maverickofpoole]

Nice looking boat FF enjoy.

From a selfish point of view I look forward to reading posts about your new boat upgrades also reports on your travels as I'm sure they will be as entertaining as those posted re your old boat.

 

[MapisM]

Congrats, a true sea machine indeed.
Looking forward to the report of your maiden voyage.
With notihng less than a "round the UK" pedigree, the boat will surely cope with just about anything you'll want to test her with!