healey sprite

[joe c g]

first time on site i have a healey sprite boat found it 27years ago in blackness even then it was looking sorry for its self it was a wreck.I have a 50hp mercury on know handles great. Does any one now any thing about this boat like when and where built.thanks joe c g.

[Rapier]

Hi Joe and welcome, the Sprite was one produced by Healey Marine between 1960 and 1962..I think. It was a copy of an american boat designed by Bill Tritt around '58/'59 and made by Glasspar called the G3. Donald Healey had it copied, but modified the sponsons. Healey75 has one and has all the salient details re Healey Marine and will pop his head up here. There are another 8 we know of, 4 belong to members of the CMBA, with one running at the moment and 2 in restoration this year.

The moulds were sold on and produced by Interglass, with the same centerdeck as the Healey, but different details and a rear bench seat. Their model was called the Thunderball and announced at Earls Court Boat Show in Jan of 1965. There are 2 of these in the CMBA, with a few that have come up on ebay. They can be confused with the Healey as they look intrinsically the same. The moulds were then sold on to the Birchwood Boat Company and announced at ECBS in Jan of 1968. Their model is called the Thunderski, without a centerdeck and normally with 2 back to back moulded seats . I have one below, with a 1969 50hp Mercury on the back; is my pride and joy....

The moulds went under some development as the floor was lowered and a well added down the center line, perhaps to store skis...there are another 2 of those in the club...the cheapest was £2.57 on auction (Se7en can correct me..).

Here endeth the lesson... Attach some pics if you can...we like pictures here.

[Healey75]

Hi Joe, welcome, you're in good 'Healey' company here..between us all we have restored at least one of all the models that Healeys made...in total we think Healey Marine made around 1700 boats in all. Our Sprite was bought as a wreck and is just finishing restoration, looking forward to launching next month. Rapier has said it all, if you need any info on restoration on a Sprite, post a note up and we will do our best to help. If you check out the pics of our Sprite you can see the difference to the later boats, on the Sprite the transom the joint follows the deck shape, Thunderthingys have a joint part way down the transom.

[Rapier]

Post hijack, apologies...

Steve, I have to say that is a super job you've done - it really does look wonderful!! Is your Mrs pleased and champing at the bit to drive it?

[Healey75]

Kind words appreciated, but I'm just the boat boy...Mrs Cs boat

[Dakota]

Steve,

What a fantastic restoration - the colour scheme looks perfect. Are you willing to share with us how many hours that has taken ?

[Healey75]

Lets just say laodsa work...have to decorate hall, stairs and landing now thats how much work.. Mrs C very tolerant especially when it's her boat...!!

[lotus_esprit_s1]

Wow, my friend had a yellow one of these 20yrs ago, always wondered what it was, we used to call it "WingBoat"!