This boat has now been sold, but was a rare opportunity to acquire a Simmonds ski-boat that hasdan excellent restoration and maintenance record, and was now in need of largely cosmetic rejuvenation. Fitted with the more unusual 3-litre V6 from a Ford Zodiac, it could be back on the water and offering high-performance towing and cruising in fairly quick order.

The hull was built by Simmonds Speedboats of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1961, and bears the Huwood Engineering number LW101. It was acquired by the current owner's family in May 1982, and provided nearly 25 years of skiing and waterborne entertainment before being laid-up in 2006. During that time the boat was initially restored, and then maintained to a high standard throughout.

Perhaps the star of this boat is the engine. The Ford 3 litre V6 was a factory option in the 1960s, but was only rarely installed. The unit fitted here was a replacement for an original (and very typical) 1600cc straight-four, and came originally from a 1968 Ford Zodiac. It is mated to a Borg Warner "Velvet Drive" gearbox, model AS1-71CR, with the option of reverse – also a rare feature on a Simmonds.

The engine was rebuilt at the time of installation, in 1973, and again in 1979 and 1984. It has also had top-end overhauls in 1988 and 1993. It is fitted with a Weber 722F CA Carburettor, controlled by a Morse Teleflex marine unit.

The boat comes with an impressively complete set of data and maintenance sheets, as well as extensive documentation on all aspects of the restoration and maintenance carried out between purchase in 1982 and the last major service in 2004. The boat was laid up in 2006 and has been stored under waterproof tarpaulin on its trailer ever since. Although it has not been run for some whle, the engine is believed to be in good, usable condition, and may only require a routine service and recommissioning.

The sale includes the trailer, although this does not appear to be an original Simmonds twin-boom type. A detailed breakdown of all the major restoration and maintenance work carried out during the quarter-century of ownership follows below the photo gallery. A determined regime of cleaning and re-painting could see this Simmonds back on the water in a matter of weeks.

The owner is asking for offers in excess of £2000. Please contact us if interested, and we can put you in touch.

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Hull

As required over time, any loose or suspect rivets have been drilled out and replaced with stainless steel screws and Nyloc nuts.

• 1983 Engine hatch opening enlarged to allow improved access to the engine and gearbox for maintenance and servicing purposes. New hinged and stayed hatch cover fitted. All constructed in aluminium alloy correctly structured and braced. P-bracket re-aligned and an internal reinforcing plate added.
• 1985 New stainless steel rudder fitted. Rudder pivots and bearings checked and adjusted.
• 1985 New ski rope cleat in stainless steel fitted on aft engine bulkhead.
• 1985 Spray rails modified to eliminate occasional ploughing on turns.
  
• 1985 Automatic fire extinguisher installed in engine compartment.
  
• 1985 Full-size rear-view mirror fitted to aid towing.
  
• 1985 American "Airguide" calibrated speedometer fitted.
  
• 1987 Propeller shaft, half coupling, stern gland seals and bush renewed.
  
• 1988 All hose clips replaced in stainless steel. Water hoses regularly inspected and renewed as required.
  
• 1992 Petrol tank strapped to newly fitted transverse bearers.
  
• 1992-1993 New leather-covered steering wheel fitted and steering column stop assembly reconditioned.Steering cable retensioned.
• 1993 All seats and backrests re-upholstered. Trim tabs fitted on stern transom.
• 1994 Propeller shaft housing reconditioned by welding and re-aligned.
• 1995 Adjustable trim tabs fitted.
• 1995 Engine pedestal mount inserts replaced with new Metalastik units. Engine re-aligned and shimmed.
• 1996 Air horns reconditioned.
• 1996 New instrument panel installed, additional fuses fitted and wiring renewed with wired earth connections.
• 1997 Full-length boat cover renewed.
• 2001 Forward floor board renewed and reinforced.
• 2002. Strengthening brackets fitted at stern between transom and hull bottom plate.
• 2002 Throttle neutral safety catch fitted to throttle lever.
• 2004 Exhaust manifold on starboard side re-sealed to engine block by fitting of steel plates to aluminium flanges (to correct distortion of flanges). Exhaust expansion braces brazed.

Engine, Gearbox & Instruments

• 1984. Engine fully rebuilt
• 1988. New camshaft fitted and carburettor serviced and re-jetted. SU fuel pump fully reconditioned.
• 1990. Carburettor serviced and re-jetted and SU fuel pump reconditioned again.
• 1991 New Bosch distributor and starter motor fitted, and new tachometer.
• 1993. Full top-end overhaul carried out

As at May 1997, 464 hours have been run since complete engine rebuild and 160 hours since latest top overhaul; 329 hours since new camshaft and timing gears fitted.

Trailer

• 1992 Frame replaced. 'D'-section seating strips renewed. Suspension units and wheels transferred. Winch and snubber fitted.
• 1990 Wheel bearings, seals and brake shoes renewed.