Fairey Spearfish 30, MERLIN

Broker’s Comments

Fairey Spearfish 30, MERLIN is a Glass Reinforced Plastic Hull (GRP) with internal and cockpit wood trim, giving a blend of wood to this classic Fairey design. This Spearfish has deep top hat sections forming the engine bearers, which run fore and aft, thus forming the famous Fairey structure. It has a single integral fuel tank aft, with a capacity of about 100 gallons/450 litres.

The twin diesel engines give her a comfortable cruising speed and ride, owing to the Fairey ‘Ray Hunt’ flared bow of the Spearfish hull. This hull’s deep ‘V’ deadrise of 22 degrees and flared bow make the Spearfish remarkably dry, seaworthy, and soft in the roughest of seas, for which they are famous.

Twin 1.3/8-inch marine stainless steel shafts are paired with three-bladed bronze propellers.

To complete the installation, the Morse Controls, cables, and fuel systems have been maintained and refitted by the present owner.

She is also fitted with 4 x 12-volt batteries under the aft cockpit seating position, each with isolator switches. The domestic switching panel is inside the cabin door. Each engine is separately wired and has a crossover battery link for combined starting on the panel. Additionally, there is a 24-volt dropper to 12 volts as required.

At the helm, the dashboard is laid out in Fairey style, with easy sight of individual engine dials, Morse throttle controls in the natural position of the right hand, rev counters, hour meters, oil pressure, and engine water temperature gauges.

The compass and navigational aids are positioned within the console.

Steering is accomplished via the Fairey Rod & Bevel box, which provides a light and easy feel to the boat when underway at speed.

The cabin is entered from the cockpit to starboard and down two steps. Forward, there are two single berths arranged in a U-shaped configuration, with a dining table positioned in between and ample storage underneath. If the table is fitted, it can be lowered to form a comfortable double berth with the appropriate infill cushion.

The main cabin roof has a ventilation hatch. The interior is light and airy, thanks to the full-length windows. The heads compartment features a teak louvered door on the port side. A manual sea toilet is mounted on a plinth within the compartment, with a shelf behind it; seacocks are located under the plinth. Additionally, there is a corner sink with teak facing and a tap for pressurized water. Panels on the wall may be opened in true Fairey style to expose all the wiring for access and servicing. This compartment is beautifully clean, with washable Formica surfaces and full standing room, and it may be adapted as a shower if appropriate fittings are added.

MERLIN is a lovely example of the famous Fairey Spearfish, which remains very original but has received careful ongoing maintenance from a dedicated owner.