SOLD - SIMMONDS G519 Vintage Aluminium Speedboat, "Betty"

This very original example of a Simmonds was sold only a few days after being advertised here. Simmonds G519 had been purchased by the previous owner from a boatyard in Preston around 1999, and had been taken to renown Simmonds expert Alan Fawcus for minor repairs and a service.

Alan fitted a battery box and replaced a number of loose rivets, as well as supplying an original Simmonds trailer to match. The boat was then professionally re-wired by an auto-electrician and fitted with a small automatic bilge pump, a new alternator and a few other items. After some vibration was detected on the first few runs a replacement prop shaft was made and fitted, together with a new stern gland and seal etc.

After that the boat has proved to be reliable, fast and above all a lot of fun.The boat was used on and off for several years, including trips to Fritton Lake, Windermere and Loch Ken. After a few road trips the torsion bar arrangement on the Simmonds trailer had lost its spring and so it was replaced with two new Indespension units, new hubs and new wheels & tyres. A stainless steel exhaust manifold was also sourced and, arising from concerns over the state of the cylinder head at the time, the boat was returned to Alan Fawcus, who fitted the exhaust and a reconditioned head. 

Mechanically this kind of boat needs very little attention beyond regular servicing. The previous owner enjoyed using it and made sure that it was well maintained and remained reliable. After nearly fifty years the boat had acquired a ‘lived in’ patina that many would have found appealing. However, the owner admitted that the hull might benefit from a fresh coat of paint and while the seats are perfectly serviceable, a new set of covers might not go amiss.

Family commitments meant that "Betty" was not really being used as much as she deserved, so it was with some regret that the owner offered her for sale. At the time, she would have been a perfect boat to use straight away or one to fettle with and improve over time.

"Betty" was sold on July 6th 2011 and is now with new owners. This page is retained as reference, and may be useful to others looking to buy a Simmonds..

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