Hello All!

I am Mebs, a Simmonds owner of 2 years and enthralled by every minute of it.

Mostly through learning by doing and standing of the shoulders of giants, I have decided to bring the classic Simmonds into the 21st Century. With the help of a naval architect and a CAD draftsman, we have reverse engineered the drawings and intend to replicate these boats on a bespoke basis as normally aspirated or electrically powered.

I am keen to build a coalition of the willing (and the brave) to bring this vision to fruition so if there are any CMBA members also keen to keep this UK maritime heritage brand alive please get in touch to find out more and gain access to the project website.

With best wishes,


Mebs

Hi mebs
How is the Simmonds replica work going? Are you planning to weld or river the hulls?
I attach a link to an article about a chap who wanted a classic style runabout and had the parts car’s up and CNC cut to deliver a flat pack style kit. He was hoping to manufacture them commercially but this did not happen. Nice way to do it though.
There are several Chinese producers knocking out ally power boats, if you can sell a few might be worth looking at alibaba.

https://www.pbo.co.uk/boats/how-i-built ... home-64247

Hi Tim

Thanks for your interest in the re-launch of the Simmonds.

We are progressing nicely with re-engineering the drawings and liaising with boatyards to build her. I am aware of the SHEARWATER project we can learn a lot from what was achieved there. It's a shame it didn't make it to commercialisation because the build quality is superb. I guess not having a brand with provenance and heritage is part of the problem.

As far as rivet/welding goes, we will make assembly decisions based on what bespoke orders require.

Do keep in touch. i will be posting progress here.

Kind regards,
Mebs

I/we had a very early model (below) that appeared in satellite photos of my property for a few years, but it took a much braver man than I to complete it.The original owners had decided a Rover V8 was great option and proceded to get the 'saws all' out to cut the excess material, in order to make it fit.

They do have their original build and handling limitations, are probably ideally suited to re-powering with modern Ford power, than the 1703cc lump. A good restored original still commands no more than £5K, as there are more usable classics in that price bracket. Our UK (fresh and fast) waters are much diminished from the late 50's early 60s ski boat heyday too, so electric may be the way to go.

what happened to Lady jane? The paintwork really enhanced her lines - looks much like an early Ski Nautique.

I've been very impressed with the limitations of my Simmonds powered by a 1600 Ford crossflow (see video https://youtu.be/apj12A0KYpY) but will remain open to design enhancements or modifications that improve safety, performance and economy. The CNA on the team will ensure that we harmonise Simmonds heritage, aesthetics performance.

RESTOMOD boats like cars are increasing in popularity and the target audience for these we trust are willing to pay a premium for quality, heritage and performance. Pre-orders will be telling once we announce that they can be made.

The vision is steadily coming to fruition and the contribution of CMBA members will be invaluable.