Highlights
- Classic two-stroke V6 Mercury 135hp BlackMax outboard
- Fully restored during lockdown (2021/2022)
- In current ownership for 28 years
The Appeal
Remember Bullseye? The TV show on which amateur darts players battled it out in a test of 180 throwing and general knowledge, then risked it all to gamble their newly won hostess trolley, Rally Chopper, and Betamax, to find themselves going home with the ultimate luxury item - a Fletcher speed boat. "But Jim, I live in a twelfth floor flat in Bradford and I haven't got a car! Where a I supposed to put that?!" - many probably exclaimed as the cameras stopped rolling...
Well, we hope those Bullseye winners did get to enjoy their Fletcher speed boats even half as much as the owner of this fine 17 ft Fletcher Arrowbeau 170 Bravo has enjoyed theirs.
Well, we hope those Bullseye winners did get to enjoy their Fletcher speed boats even half as much as the owner of this fine 17 ft Fletcher Arrowbeau 170 Bravo has enjoyed theirs.
The Arrowbeau 170 Bravo is an iconic British design, renowned for excellent seakeeping thanks to its 'Deep Vee' hull, a C. Raymond Hunt design dates back to the 1950s. Engined with a period-correct 135-horsepower two-stroke V6 Mercury BlackMax outboard that has only ~600 hours, this boat will offer impressive performance without overloading the transom with some heavy modern four-stroke.
As the photographs show, the Fletcher has been restored and updated, a project undertaken during the COVID 'Lockdown'. Now boasting striking tan and cream two-tone marine-grade upholstery throughout and an upgraded deck with faux teak panels, the boat now combines period charm with modern usability. The vendor has also updated dash and electrics, refreshing the dials and tidying the wiring. The engine was also overhauled at this time.
The vendor concludes:
"A real head-turner — the colour scheme and finish give it standout visual appeal on the water or at the dock. The Fletcher hull design is still unmatched in handling and style — a proven performer with real retro charm. Ideal for water sports, river cruising or coastal fun."
As the photographs show, the Fletcher has been restored and updated, a project undertaken during the COVID 'Lockdown'. Now boasting striking tan and cream two-tone marine-grade upholstery throughout and an upgraded deck with faux teak panels, the boat now combines period charm with modern usability. The vendor has also updated dash and electrics, refreshing the dials and tidying the wiring. The engine was also overhauled at this time.
The vendor concludes:
"A real head-turner — the colour scheme and finish give it standout visual appeal on the water or at the dock. The Fletcher hull design is still unmatched in handling and style — a proven performer with real retro charm. Ideal for water sports, river cruising or coastal fun."
History and Paperwork
- In current ownership since 1997
- One former registered keeper
- Originally kept at Brighton Marina for approximately 5 years
- Subsequently moved to Littlehampton
- Placed in dry storage in 2006 where it remained until 2021
- The engine was started and run each year during the 18 years of dry storage
- Fully restored during lockdown (2021/2022)
- Regularly serviced by marine specialists since restoration
The Condition
- GRP 'Deep Vee' hull reportedly in very good condition
- Glossy gel coat presents well
- The vendor states that the boat has never required and fibreglass/gel coat repair
- Fully re-upholstered with tan and cream two-tone marine-grade vinyl
- New dashboard installed with upgraded electronics
- New navigation lights fitted
- New imitation teak flooring installed
- New swivel seat system
- Windscreen frame sandblasted and powder-coated, tinted glass replaced
The Mechanics
- 135-horsepower long-shaft Mercury two-stroke V6 oil injection BlackMax outboard
- 600 total hours over its life, we are told
- Reportedly starts readily, runs well and pumps plenty of water
- Power trim/tilt
- Typical two-stroke performance: rapid acceleration and quick to plane
- We're informed that the boat handles well, proving stable and predictable out on the water
Mechanical overhaul completed two years ago:
- New fuel lines and pumps
- All pipework replaced
- New fuel tank gauge
Trailer:
- Single axle braked road trailer
- Braking systems currently disconnected; requires servicing/repair/recommissioning
- Trailer currently used for launch and recovery purposes only
- The vendor recommends the trailer is overhauled before long-distance on-road use
- The vendor says "I would look at replacing the supports and rollers, plus might attend to some of the rust spots"
- "Wheels are new and the axles were replaced before it went into dry store, so I think these should be ok but need checking"
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