Fitting the Rolls Royce Merlin engine into a boat isn’t a new idea. In fact during World War Two, the Royal Navy’s high speed motor torpedo boats had a brace of three supercharged V12 Merlins each, running on high octane aviation fuel. For us, the Rolls Royce Merlin is the aviation equivalent of the Cosworth DFV. Probably the most widely produced high performance aviation engine ever, it powered everything from Spitfires and Hurricanes to Mosquitos and Lancaster bombers.
So when yacht design house Claydon Reeves announce that their new Aeroboat design will be on view at the Hurlingham Club’s Salute to Style event this summer and that sitting alongside will be the Merlin that will power the craft, then we take notice.
Incorporating a unique blend of high technology, British engineering and the history of the Merlin, just twelve examples will be produced. Claydon Reeves will source a Supercharged Merlin engine for each client, fully overhauled and fuel injected, each engine comes with a complete history of provenance, the researched documentation will show which aircraft the engine flew with and when it was in active use. Clients will be able to choose from a selection of engines, each one fully overhauled and engineered for the marine specification.
The Rolls Royce Merlin was built in vast numbers and specifications, with power outputs often beyond 2,000bhp. While supplies of aviation certified engines are at a premium, for marine use a carefully rebuilt Merlin should provide a fantastic soundtrack as you clear the harbour walls and roll the throttle open.
The hull is a contemporary, high-tech beautiful creation in carbon fibre, Kevlar and lightweight wood veneer, all British-sourced. Every element of its interior design, from the cockpit to the trim, engine specifications and exterior finishes, can be configured to suit its owner.
At Salute to Style, the Aeroboat and the Merlin V12 engine join a range of prestigious automotive machinery, from Mille Miglia and Le Mans racers to prime examples of worldwide craftsmanship in motoring history, in an elegant celebration of speed on water, air and road. Tickets are available to buy online from just £49 offering access to the club’s majestic grounds.
Full details on commissioning one of the twelve Aeroboats can be obtained from Claydon Reeves or online at http://www.claydonreeves.com/
