Also the work of Fairey’s marine architect Alan Burnard,
the basic Huntress lines were lengthened with an
increased freeboard. The result was greater space and
more mature sea-keeping qualities while power was now
twin diesels giving up to 35 knots depending on engine
choice. The Huntsman 28, like the Huntress, quickly
gained a cupboard-full of race trophies.
In answer to a call from clients for greater
accommodation during the 1960s Fairey introduced
33ft, 38ft, 42ft and even 53ft cruisers while Alan
Burnard’s race boat Sea Fox gave him valuable
experience in advanced hull shape characteristics. This
resulted in the Huntsman 31, the last of the hot moulded
timber cruisers and launched in 1967. This incorporated
a beautifully faired bow which created space for wider
side decks. All but six of the 31s built were fitted with aft
cabins, the remainder being open cockpit ‘Sport’ models.
Significantly, in 1969 a race version called Fordsport
and driven by air speed record pilot Peter Twiss was
entered in the Round Britain Powerboat Race finishing
4th overall, competing alongside three Huntsman 28s.
Tally Ho was the 13th Huntsman 31 built by Fairey
Marine until production proper ceased in 1974.
Foremost in the decision over keeping Tally Ho was
the notion to transform her from an aft cabin design to a
31ft ‘Sport’ version. “I love the open cockpit on the
Huntsman and on the occasions when Louise and I stay
over on board we don’t need the extra accommodation.”
Peter did some research and found Floating Charge, a
31 Sport and the 12th of its type to be built by Fairey
Marine, lying in Poole, using it to investigate in some
detail how it had been constructed. “After looking at itLOA
31ft 3in (9.5m)
BEAM
9ft 8in (3m)
DRAUGHT
2ft 10in (0.9m)
PROPULSION
Twin Sabre
diesels
DISPLACEMENT
5.1 tonnes
BUILT
1969TALLY HO
The interior was redesigned and revamped;
the boat is good for 28 knots