History of Albatross marine

Albatross marine

In 1949, Archie Peace, who had been trained by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as an aircraft engineer, formed Albatross Marine Ltd, located in St. Olaves Gt. Yarmouth, England.

Within a couple of months he was joined by Peter Hives (son of Lord Hives the then head of Rolls-Royce Ltd) and Bruce Campbell, a former test pilot for the de Havilland aircraft company.

As former aircraft engineers they were set on applying the techniques of aircraft construction, to boat building thus enabling them to make use of the surplus of aluminium alloy that was available around that time.

To enable the company to get underway they built three, racing hydroplanes (Rooster, Baracuda & Symphony) which generated the much needed finances.

In March 1951 Albatross Marine made available to the boating press at the Ruislip water-ski club, their prototype model the Albatross Mk1, a 12ft 9inch three-seat craft powered by a marinised Ford Prefect engine of 1172cc, called the Albatross Sports Runabout.

On reaching speeds of 30.5mph it soon became apparent to the boating press that the Albatross was destined to become the popular choice of workhorse for British Waterskiing, gaining Albatross Marine one of their first firm orders from the Ruislip water-ski club, leading many clubs to follow suit.

With firm orders in place Albatross Marine began its first production run of boats, instantly making minor changes from the prototype and marketing the craft as the Albatross Sports Runabout (Mk11) running from serial No 01 through to serial No 240.

Albatross Marine offered a super-sports version of the (Mk11) this boat being identical to the sports model with the exception that the 1172cc engine was to be equipped with twin Su carburettors, and incorporating an engine oil cooling system, achieved by passing raw water through a copper coil in the sump.

In May 1956 Albatross Marine released the (Mk111) which was the same hull design as the (Mk11) but incorporated miner changes to its external appearance, the later model was fitted with the latest type Ford 100E engine also of 1172cc but with more horsepower. These boats ran from serial No 241 through to No 1000.

In March 1960, Albatross Marine released its newest model, a complete re-design of its successful (Mk111) marketing the new craft as the A model thus dropping the Mk system previously employed.

The A model had much cleaner lines, and with its larger dimensions (now 13ft 1 ½ inches) was fitted with a marinised version of Fords 122E engine of 1500cc, thus giving much better performance than the 100E version.

These boats ran from serial No A 01 through to No 150, with a handful of boats being fitted with the Coventry Climax engine of 1220cc as an optional extra.

With a reputation for high build quality, Albatross Marine Ltd gained many V.I.P. clients to include such manes as, Stirling Moss, Bridget Bardot, George Formby, Prince Rainier Of Monaco ( owner of six craft), Prince Philip and John Pertwee but to list a few.







Sources:- http://albatrossregister.com