The oldest Fairey known

tonyhh · Post by **tonyhh** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:47 pm

Hi Grahame
I too have a copy of this excellent book written by Uffa Fox...it shows the Airborne Lifeboat in both its MkI and MkII versions. Sadly just browsing thru the text I could see no reference to Fairey Marine making any.
Under each of the diagrams it just said that the designer and builder of each was Uffa Fox
Tony

Tom Wright · Post by **Tom Wright** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 8:07 pm

Tony, I find your historical accounts extremely absorbing. My Hunstman 28 as you know is number 212 with the unbeatable hull construction. Why oh why did Fairey resort to so much chipboard elsewhere. Is there anyone alive close to the manufacture of these craft at that time who can explain the decision. Mine has all been expertly replaced now but it was a sad disappointment.

andrewm · Post by **andrewm** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:55 pm

Hi Tonyhh
Very interested to read of Fairey marine production records. I am trying to track down surviving Jollyboats and would be interested to know how many were produced and when.
How can I contact Ron McIntyre ?
Many thanks.

tonyhh · Post by **tonyhh** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:08 pm

Andrew,
I shall be sending Ron a copy of the latest Fairey News on Monday and will ask him re the Jollyboats. Last time I spoke he was not inthe best of health but I hope this was only a temporary thing...
Hope to revert next week once I've mailed all 275 copies and got my breath!
Tony

ukancientmariner · Post by **ukancientmariner** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:15 pm

If we exclude Ben's definition...

But how do you define a Fairey?

As far as boats - Sir Richard Fairey's 12 metre (Flica?) must be the oldest even if not built by Fairey Marine at Hamble Point.

I think she is awaiting restoration and in a shed at Birdham Pool.

Gordon Currey · Post by **Gordon Currey** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 7:48 pm

One has very good ideas on the old seasalt above !! Lets start guessing who it is ??

The early Fairey powerboats, Mudlark 15ft, Flatfish 16ft, Convertible 16ft 6", Duckling with an 'Atco longtail' or the JAP 1.1/4Hp single cyl.inboard Gosling at 9ft 6". All running by 1952.

The actual first powerboat by Fairey, had a big twin racing 'British Anzarni', positioned a third of the length from the transom in a well box. Only used once!!! Pictures will show you why.

The Huntress first appeared about 1955/6 as an open boat with a dodger and two small petrol engines on 1" shafts - did nearly 20 knots.

As for the first boat stuck under the mud for a year, understood to be a rowing dinghy called 'splitpea' owing to it's shape. Had to be painted afterwards, but lived on for many years. Pictures of before and after show the mud effect.