This little speedboat surfaced out of an industrial unit where it has been buried for nearly twenty years. I understand before that it sat in a Norfolk field for a similar time. Luckily the engine was dry stored for both periods.The trailer was built to retrieve the boat from Norfolk and that was the only journey it’s done. Bearings and tyres appear O.K. although you can make your own judgement on this.The engine is, I gather, from 1968 and is a Johnson 40hp twin cylinder two stroke. Although it needs re-commissioning (fuel, wiring etc) it has a huge compression and turns smoothly. You can, I gather, get parts for these still and many parts are shared across models.As for the boat itself: the screen is glass and has a nicely made aluminium surround (broken at base but shows this wasn’t a cheap boat). Although the engine is apparently 1968, there is a ballast bladder in the bow dated: Expires 1967(!). I would think there’s an excellent chance this is original to the boat. If that was the case, we’d need to see how long a bladder would be dated: five years? Eight? Who knows. I’ve guessed the date of the boat as 1960, but if it was just into the late fifties I wouldn’t be surprised: the hull form at the rear is more I’d expect from a wooden speedboat rather than GRP. The GRP itself is quite early looking: somewhat thicker than you’d expect.As you can see, the interior plywood module needs replacing, as does the steering wheel. In fact, make no bones, this is a full restoration but there’s nothing too hard there on the other hand. All fittings require re-plating or replacing depending on your standards.So, what must be a very early GRP English (??) Speedboat with a period engine and usable trailer: a fantastic lock-down project to have done in time for Spring and your shiny new vaccine!Give me a ring for a chat: Barry 07741 273865. If I’m bonkers off on the price, let me know, but it does have a value to me. Frankly I have a plan in reserve to restore the engine, but obtain a small modern alternative and use the boat for camping on some of the canals and perhaps the upper reaches of the Thames. As you can see it comes with its original (?) awning hoops, so with a bit of thought I’m sure it could double as a little river cruiser.Oh yes, of course if you know what this is I’d love to know and will obviously update the listing.
Current Price: £995.00
This Classic Speedboat boat is located in Heathfield, TN21 *** and is being sold on eBay by barry911911.