3 Restoration Questions

[Ian Wellby]

Dear All

I’m in the process of commissioning a major overhaul of a 28 and wondered if the community might be able to help with one or more of the below questions - many thanks!

1) - ventilators - what are the most authentic coachroof ventilators to use in an early Huntsman 28? The Davey mushroom type seems popular but believe the originals were a bit different

2) I’m thinking about replacing some later helm seats with something more original - what’s the best way to do this? Are the original plans still available to give to a metal worker?

3) same question regarding coachroof hatch - are the plans available to have something authentic made (mine is a modern replacement)

Thanks Again

Ian

[Ben]

Ian

I am delighted that you are seeking authenticity.

No doubt Charles will see this and we'll see what drawings we have.

A lot of the fittings duch as deck ventilators were sourced from the now defunct Simpson Lawrence, I have suspected for a while that some of the Davey fittings are made using old SL patterns but never asked.

If you used Paul Fairall's Here and Now as a reference point you'd be very close and he's a great source of info.

[Paul Fl]

Hi Ian,
1/ Yes two Davey style ventilators were, and still are fitted to my 1962 boat, one above the Galley and one in the Heads.
2/ I have the original seat frames, all four, and they are getting close to their life end due to the internal rust working it way through to the outside. If you have any made, have them dome in stainless. If Charles does not have drawings, my seats can be made available to measure and photograph, but not be removed from the boat.
3/ hatch cover drawing should be available, but if not the original is very simple, and again can be measured and photographed in place.
The boat is adjacent to Cobden Bridge on River Itchen, Southampton. PM me for further info.

Good luck with the project,

Kr's Paul

[Huntsman60]

Good morning,

If it helps my seats are all out at present so you're welcome to take whatever details/patterns of them. If you are going to see Paul on Here and Now I could meet you there - I too want to see Paul's boat as I need some guidance as well!

Paul - looks like you'll be in demand.....

Regards

Dougal

[Ian Wellby]

Many thanks paul - I’ve pinged you a message to set up

[Josh M]

Hi Ian

sorry i am very late to this chat i can offer help or support on two pieces.

1. Davey vents for the cabin roof chromed these can easily be bought from classic marine

2. as for seats i copied the original tube design in stainless i also mad the co pilot seat a 1.5 size so my wife and child could both get on the seat. a copy called Mr stainless made these he has also made the same seats for Europa II

hope this helps if you would like to borrow or see my seats in more detail just send me a message.

Kind regards

josh

[Huntsman60]

Paul and Ben (plus others)

I too was looking at adding a vent, well two - one situated above the heads, the other above the galley which should position them symmetrically on the coachroof. I seem to recall one early boat that had a 'horn' style vent angled aft but not only did it look out of place but it was known to be an alternative 'grab point'. I did look at the Classic Marine page - their Davey vent was a horn but in polished bronze - I wanted chrome/stainless with a preference for a mushroom but at the same time, I'm keen on authenticity where possible. Thoughts?

Dougal/Rosina of Netley

[berceuse]

Ian,

I have a Jig that was used to make the helm seats for Berceuse (No 7) The seats fit directly on to the engine boxes, unlike the later designs. However would not be a problem to adapt.
I need to have a couple of the rearward seat frames made, where were you thinking of having them made?

Regards
Richard

[CharlesL]

Huntsman seats.
The FOC san archives has full details of the Huntress seats which are hinged off the central engine box, the outer ends rest on a timber attached to the inside of the coamings.
The material references may be of use, but probably best to contact Josh or another owner and arrange copies.

Charles

[Josh M]

Hi Ian

the ones from classic marine are bronze but also available to be chromed of you wish
just give Richard or Tom a call