How to Identify your Boat

How to find your boat's identity

If you are searching for your boat's history, you'll first need to identify its type, Huntress; Huntsman 31; Spearfish etc. This may be obvious and you know what you bought, but there are some derivatives of the hulls which can be a little confusing - especially the Huntresses.

You then need to locate a hull number or works process order number. Failing that, you may be able to locate a registration number, either Lloyds Part 1 or Small Ships Register (SSR). At a push, the engine number(s) might help us tie down the build date to within a year or so.

If you don't yet have an ID for your boat - read on...

Locating Identifying marks.

The hull number is usually located on a chrome plated plaque fitted somewhere near the steering position. However, often these are kept as souvenirs by previous owners. (Replica ones are available from the Fairey Owners' Club.)

The Navy Huntresses were identified by a four digit hull numbers with MOD prefix. This was often carved into the stern end of the Hog (see this photo) below the transom.

i.e. MOD7743 is Hull No. 239 Invincible

The four digit WPO number may be marked on various loose pieces of woodwork around the boat. check underneath sole boards and the like.

i.e. 6733 is Huntsman 31 Hull No. 5 Mirak

On the Mkll Spearfish hulls, the hull number was moulded into the transom at top right and should be readable if there is not too much paint. We think the Hunt 14 and 18s may be marked similarly as they were moulded by the same company in Fareham.

For boats completed by yards other than Fairey Marine there might be a builder's plate somewhere on the boat.

The six digit Lloyds Part One Registration No. may be carved into a deck beam; (or fore-hatch frame on a Huntsman 31) or on an engraved brass plaque glued and screwed to a bulkhead or frame somewhere. Even if the boat is no longer registered, this method may be used to locate the vessel's history via the registry.

i.e. 307163 is Huntsman 28 Aphrodite

The Part III Registry or Small Ships Register (SSR) number is less useful, but might just give a clue as to a previous owner. These are usually found on the transom and start with SSR.

It's always worth a conversation with a previous owner or two. Try to get as much paperwork with the boat as possible. Old Blue Books, engine and gearbox manuals, might just contain the clues you're looking for.

If all else fails, contact us and we might be able to locate your boat from our records.