'Hornet' is a rare and highly sought-after extended wheelhouse Aquabell 28, fitted with a Ford Mermaid Majestic 210hp turbo diesel engine with shaft drive for improved reliability and economy. Often compared favourably to the Newhaven Seawarrior as they offer significantly more deck and cabin space, or the Mitchell 31 thanks to lower running and mooring costs, 'Hornet' has recently had updated upholstery and the steering upgraded to hydraulic. Only for sale due to her owner's plans changing, early viewing is highly recommended.

Viewing by appointment only through our Essex office on (01621) 785600 or via email - essex@clarkeandcarter.co.uk

Accommodation

The accommodation offers two berths (further berths could be created if required), with good headroom in the saloon. Forecabin with two single V-berths, an infill to create a double berth (no cushions are included but can easily be supplied), and stowage. Separate heads compartment to port with Jabsco marine toilet (new 2021 inc plumbing) and washbasin with pressurised cold water supply, mirror, and cupboard. Wheelhouse saloon consisting of a helm position to port, L-shaped settee with table aft, there is an infill and cushions to convert this to a berth, and linear galley to starboard equipped with an Eno 2-burner gas cooker with grill and oven, sink with pressurised cold water supply, and excellent stowage in a range of cupboards and beneath the seating. The accommodation is upholstered in high-quality red vinyl (new 2023), and all linings have been renewed with moisture-resistant carpet throughout (fitted in 2021), apart from the vinyl saloon headlining.  

Externally there is a large aft cockpit with stowage in various lockers and good access on to the wide side decks. An electric capstan winch can serve for a variety of uses, including as an anchor windlass with the line led aft. Access on and off the stern is via an upgraded bespoke stainless steel frame with steps and grab bars, which could also be modified to include a small bathing platform and swim ladder very easily.

Mechanical Systems

Located in a cockpit engine compartment, Ford Mermaid Majestic 210hp 6-cylinder turbo diesel marine engine. Raw water cooled. Single lever control with electric start. Shaft drive via a V-drive gearbox to bronze 3-bladed propeller. Adjustable trim tabs (overhauled 2021).

The engine is in excellent cosmetic condition. In winter 2021 it had a full service including all filters and fluids, all cooling and fuel pipes were inspected and replaced where required, a reconditioned starter motor and alternator were fitted, and all seacocks were also renewed at this time. New hydraulic Steering system fitted to the vessel in 2022.

The engine has had an oil change ahead of the 2024 season.

Electrical Systems

2 x 12v Batteries (new 2021) charged via engine alternator. Electrical distribution system. Full cabin lighting. Ring mains fitted 

Deck Equipment

• Anchor with chain and warp
• Electric capstan winch to starboard
• Stainless steel all-round rails, grabrails, and pulpit
• 3 x Windscreen wipers
• Navigation lights
• Fenders and warps

Navigation Equipment

• ICOM DSC VHF radio
• Lowrance X510C colour fishfinder / depth sounder
• Lowrance colour GPS chart plotter
• Navman Tracker 5600 chart plotter
• Furuno 1623 radar
• 2 x VHF whip aerials
• Navigation lights

Safety Equipment

• Remote control (manual) searchlight
• Radar reflector
• Electric bilge pumps with automatic and manual switching

Construction

Aquabell 28 built by Aqua-Bell Ltd in approx. 1978. White semi-displacement hull, superstructure, and decks with non-slip surfaces. Aluminium glazed windows. Heavy-duty rubber rubbing strakes. Stainless steel stemhead fitting, sampson posts, and ancillary deck fittings. Wheel steering with rudder position indicator to skeg hung rudder. 

'Hornet' was originally been built like most Aquabell 28s with outdrive legs, then in circa 2000 she was professionally refitted and converted to a single shaft drive for lower maintenance and improved reliability. Since then she has been lightly used and has recently been recommissioned including new linings, all new seacocks, and general maintenance throughout.