1965 Fairey Huntsman 289m

Has benefited from a large previous restoration including new: engines; gearboxes; teak decks; navigation equipment; wiring; interior; propellers; canopy; etc.

1965 ‘Shikari’ build number #79 (and please note that there is another Huntsman 28 called ‘Shikari’).

Huntsman 28s were built by Fairey Marine in Hamble and were the offshore production classic diesel cruisers that set the standard by which other boats of the 1960s were measured - and remain a design icon.

This Huntsman 28 benefits from a painstaking renovation. Shikari has the optional wooden keel to protect the propellers and rudders - there were few marinas in 1965 - providing additional benefits of stability during a passage and manoeuvrability at low speed due to increased 'grip' on the water.  The hull still has the reinforced fittings for the optional beaching legs (not available).

From the bow, moving aft, this Huntsman 28 has the standard layout of vee berths with a pull-out table to starboard with a galley to port (and further aft, the heads with a slide-out wash-basin).  Details include: recent upholstery; recent curtains; white halogen lights high in the cabin; red floor lighting for night vision; diesel powered cooking hob, refridgerator; pressurised cold and hot water from a calorifier using engine heat with an electric immersion heater; electrically-pumped WC.  There is a substantial electrical switch panel and an automatic Stirling Marine battery charger.  (Waste water from the galley and heads goes to a grey/black water holding tank further aft).

Some steps lead to the command console with recent Garmin equipment with a brand new ICOM VHF radio.  Seats are mounted on the very well-made engine hatches with noise insulation underneath.  The engine room has a pair of Volvo D3 engines and gearboxes with very low hours. 

The cockpit has lighting to the sides and seating across the transom. A recent tonneau cover is also provided to protect this remarkable craft.  A 24V Kent screen was kept due to its originality on a dedicated circuit – the rest of the boat being 12V.

The handed bronze propellers have 4 blades each and ML trim tabs are fitted.

The owner has stated the boat would benefit from a topsides repaint.