boat. The final result was influenced by the styling of
the classic speed boats built for the American lakes and
a decision to create the largest possible open cockpit
within Mayfly’s beamy hull.
To achieve the right sweeping profile for the
mahogany plywood screens, Chris used sheets of
cardboard to create full-scale mock-ups which he tuned
until happy with the result. To cater for changeable
weather, a practical two-piece canopy fits over the top of
these screens. It can be used in five configurations from
fully enclosing the cockpit to its complete removal, so
allowing the amount of protection it offers from the
elements to be increased or reduced.
The white GRP deck moulding has been enriched by
the inclusion of mahogany laid decks and the elegant
chromed fittings supplied by Timage. The integrated
African mahogany steps between the aft and side
bench seats provide a safe route to step down from the
quayside into Mayfly’s cockpit. The combination of
this seating together with a pair of swivel seats up
forward, enable up to nine people to be accommodated
in comfort. Propulsion currently consists of a 14hp
Nanni diesel engine or a Vetus 2.2kW water-cooled
electric motor. The latter has been fitted to the featured
boat along with a pair of 170Ah batteries under the
side seats amidships to give Mayfly a range of 6 to 8
hours which could be doubled by fitting two more
batteries in the locker below the aft bench seat. Either
power plant can be mounted below the foredeck,
freeing up the centre of the cockpit to take a mahogany
plywood picnic table. After use, the table top is
detached from its pedestal and stowed in a locker via a
slot in the forward bulkhead. The table’s pedestal is
stowed in the storage locker under the aft bench seat.
The helm position’s equipment has been kept to a
minimum with a battery monitor, a lever to control the
electric motor and a discreet central consul of just three
switches. The retro steering wheel adds a nice touch
which is very slightly undermined by the inclusion of the
two Vetus helmsman’s seats. They were originally
chosen for practical reasons to enable the occupants to
turn and face the picnic table. But Chris is considering
offering the option of mahogany slatted seats for future
boats along the lines of the ones fitted to the Kathleens.
Having seen Mayfly at this year’s Horning Boat
Show exhibited ashore on a road trailer, I was
intrigued to see how she performed on the water.
Launching her from the trailer into the River Thurne
was straightforward and before long we were heading
downstream through Potter Heigham where she drew
plenty of admiring glances. Mayfly proved responsive
with the electric motor giving her a good turn of speed
while the hull created very little wash.
Future Mayflys can be tailored to a customer’s exact
requirements which will inevitably determine the final
price. At the time of going to press, the basic diesel
powered model costs £19,500 while the equivalent
electric version can be purchased for £21,500 –
which rises to £23,680 for a Mayfly built to the
same specification as the featured boat.Chris Edmondson Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1493 748988;
Mobile 07500 946531; Maycraft Boat Services
Tel: +44 (0) 1692 670241 maycraft.co.ukMain picture:
Mayfly 17’s
cockpit, with
Vetus seats,
compared with
helmsman’s seats
in Kathleen (inset)LOA
17ft (5.18m)
BEAM
6ft (1.83m)
DRAUGHT
1ft 4ins (0.41m)
PROPULSION
14hp Nanni
diesel or 2.2kW
Vetus electric
motorMAYFLY