English
Hermes is a well-known Huntress, lying afloat in Langstone Harbour, (Hayling Island/Portsmouth)
Built by Fairey Marine in 1966 as hull No: 176 and fitted out by Groves & Gutteridge.
She started life as the Captain’s launch on HMS Hermes (the Falklands War Aircraft Carrier) and was paid off from the Navy around 1985.
She is a pretty standard Navy spec. Huntress with the reinforced hull (extra laminates) and hog lifting attachments so she could be lifted on Davits.
There are plenty of original features still remaining on board, but many have also been updated.
Powered by a Perkins T6.354 with Velvet Drive 72C 1:1 transmission, all in good condition. The engine is showing approx. 650hrs and has been regularly serviced by myself.
The navy spec governor has been rebuilt and adjusted for more revs/power and the injectors have been rebuilt (both by P.B.Asher in Southampton)
The gearbox was replaced in 2020, due to seal failure, by a fully reconditioned unit from SeaHorse Power in Bournemouth.
The prop was re-pitched (by Hamble props) to the spec given by Alan Burnard (the boat designer) for the setting the governor was calibrated to. However, at this time, it is apparent the prop has a too coarse pitch resulting in the engine not making full revs. This is in the process of being looked at and may be sorted out…depending on the availability of props and a suitable yard for the work. Currently, though, the engine will not make full intended or expected revs and, hence, top speed is not as fast as design.
The original Holset turbo charger has been replaced (before my ownership) with a Garrett unit.
Electrically, the 24V system batteries have been replaced last year (2021) and a new, separate 12V system with a dedicated battery installed. There is a shore power installation with sockets in the cabin and cockpit and a Sterling battery charger for the 24V system and a Victron 24V-12V charger to keep the 12V battery topped up.
In early 2021 there were some remedial works carried out on the transom and associated decking and hull to remediate some fresh water damage.
Hermes has had continual maintenance to ensure she is a reliable cruiser. Notwithstanding this, there are a few areas that need attention…a small amount of soft ply on the very rear inside of the cockpit coaming (port side) and a couple of areas of paint on the hull need attention. The deck planks could benefit from re-caulking.
Currently painted in AWLGrip Majestic Blue (hull) Epifanes brilliant white (cabin and coaming) and the antifoul (Seajet 033 Shogun) in dark Grey (refreshed prior to relaunch in March 2022).
The prop, rudder and shaft are antifouled.
She is equipped with a full set of working engine controls and instruments, a new Raymarine Element 7s chart plotter and a Standard Horizon DSC VHF set.
The cabin now has LED lighting, as does the cockpit.
Full set of docking lines, fenders & horseshoe buoy also a boat hook, paddle & plinth and these 3 are original navy items.