Author Topic: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...  (Read 1023 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Tarquin

  • Row Boat
  • **
  • Posts: 40
'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« on: September 11, 2021, 03:26:27 PM »
Once masquerading as a very poor version of the Bat Boat I bought her with the intention of doing up to tip top condition. Sadly that's not happened and it's time to let go...

I've not put her for sale on Ebay as my preference would be for somebody who can see a future for her to take her away and bring her back to life rather than turn her into scrap

I had a GRP specialist look over her last year. Obviously plenty of work to do but nothing frightened them. She's essentially solid.

Apologies for the ramble: Here's a video link. https://youtu.be/tNB4ZNzn6X0

If interested in a chat please message, text or email...

Offline BN

  • Administrator
  • Speed Boat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2449
  • OSB Founder
Re: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2021, 07:56:51 AM »
Hi Tarquin and welcome to OSB, a good and rare boat which looks like a decent project. Always sad to see a project boat have to be passed on, but better than scrapping without a try to move it on.

If you have a price in mind it is always a good idea to give the members (and others) a guide price, good luck.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline Tarquin

  • Row Boat
  • **
  • Posts: 40
Re: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2021, 10:56:59 PM »
Hi BN,

I've been on here a few years now, lurking in the background, and did put a post up a while back trying to find out who 'Batty' was made by. The GRP Specialist felt she was too good to be a DIY project and my investigations suggest she may have been a concept one off based on the Glasspar G3 when a European Licence was granted for manufacture. The original seller thought she could be a Jeanneau, but they tell me not.

I'm not looking for anything for her, free to good home to somebody who wants to take her on. I'm only advertising on here and the OSB forum in the hope their is genuine interest.

Their is *value in the old Indespension Trailer but I'm reluctant to sell the two together, lest a buyer just wants the trailer and scraps the boat.

*4 brand new wheels, tyres and mudguards, a new hitch, a lick of paint and some tweaking of the adjustable roller post metalwork. When I bought it I was told the bearings had been replaced but I couldn't guarantee that.

Some more info on the boat: 13.5 feet long. I have some bits and pieces that were removed, the chrome grab handles, step treads from sides the steering wheel and cable- plus a better aluminium replacement, an unopened fibreglass kit to repair the nibble on the bow, the original 60's speedo - needs refurbishing....

Offline BN

  • Administrator
  • Speed Boat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2449
  • OSB Founder
Re: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2021, 09:01:05 PM »
Hi Tarquin, sorry I know you are a long term member.

I think the boat actually looks like a Weedo: http://www.oldspeedboats.co.uk/weedo-speed-boat/ Either way for FREE it is a bargain and a potential for a great classic resto job.
1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB

Offline Tarquin

  • Row Boat
  • **
  • Posts: 40
Re: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2022, 01:29:34 AM »
Still available! Free to good home...

I understand that it's likely to be a costly refurbishment job, but I cannot even get a boatbuilder to give me a quote :o :o :o

Offline BN

  • Administrator
  • Speed Boat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2449
  • OSB Founder
Re: 'Bat Boat' Project Good Home needed...
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2022, 08:18:10 AM »
Still available! Free to good home...

I understand that it's likely to be a costly refurbishment job, but I cannot even get a boatbuilder to give me a quote :o :o :o

Hi Tarquin, I am not surprised because the hull layup is very unusual. They were built for the UK market on the Isle of Wight and the company is still going, perhaps they can assist. Take a look at my other site for data on the Dowty and contacts: http://www.oldspeedboats.co.uk/history-of-dowty-2/#:~:text=Dowty%20Turbocraft,by%20Hamilton%20in%20New%20Zealand.

Failing that there is a guy in Northamptonshire who might help, he is Ian of Coging Motor Sport. He replaced the very difficult water intake housing I had to have forged and it is an amazing job: https://finedon.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/coging-motorsport-27656342.html

Hope that helps, BN

1953 Albatross
1958 Dowty Turbojet
1965 Mitcham Jetboat
1968 Mitcham OB