9 Metre Ex Navy Msb Project Boat

Here we have a 31ft ex Royal Navy MSB (Motor Survey Boat) It is a big project for someone, and, contrary to how it looks in the pictures, it isn't wood, it is GRP. These vessels were made for the Hecla Class survey vessels, and they each carried two of them. This is number 7714, which I think makes it of 1977 vintage. I am not sure which of these vessels it came from. However, some of the Hecla class vessels were used in the Falklands war, and each of their MSBs were clad in wood to prevent them being nipped in the ice.

I have always been told that these vessels were made by Cheverton but I don't think this is correct, it is more likely that this boat was built by Watercraft in Shoreham, some of the later ones were built by Fairey Marine and it was the MOD who owned the moulds. This boat has lain in this yard since it was laid off by the MOD. It has a Perkins 4.236 diesel engine, Borg Warner reduction gearbox, Kitchener gear (the bucket thing round the propeller that gives you excellent manoeuvrability and steering). The cabins are untouched and it still has the large chart table in the aft cabin. There is a cooker, sink etc.

It is reasonably intact but..... The wood cladding has gone rotten and will have to be removed. It has two layers, one is laid diagonally and nailed over a thicker one laid fore and aft which is bolted through the GRP hull with M10 stainless bolts. The thicker one is to pack the hull out to the thickness of the standard wood you can see on one of the pictures which shows one of these boats in service. The cladding goes to just below the waterline and does not cover 100% of the hull. Quite a bit of the plywood used to fit the boat out has gone rotten, but what bits are of hardwood, for instance the cabin doors, will clean up OK.

The deck hatches will need replacement but the bearers are aluminium and are fine. The engine is reasonably complete save starter and alternator, the last time I looked which was a year or so ago it still turned. You may be able to get this going easily or it may need rebuilding. From memory it should be about 80 horsepower. The steering and Kitchener gear works, and the electrical system has not been tampered with and quite possibly you would be able to get this working.

Of course over the years some stuff has gone missing but one of the cushions in the aft cabin still has the polythene on it.. This is not a project for the faint hearted but it is quite practical to be done. Remember it is being sold for repair or refit and it is up to you to decide what is needed, the above is intended as a guide only and certainly is not definitive. I really would prefer that you came to look at this to understand exactly what you are taking on. Underneath all that rotten wood and dirt is quite a sturdy boat with a very interesting history. The boatyard where she is stored will load it to your transport for £95 + VAT or you can store it there for £87 per month inc VAT.

Please ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them. I am not the Owner of this boat but I am selling it for a friend. Thanks for looking