Fairey Swordsman 30

Low Hours | Always Dry Sailed | 2024 Refit | Documented Maintenance


The 2006 Swordsman 30 MORPHEUS combines classic British styling with modern performance and practical cruising ability. Inspired by the legendary Fairey Spearfish, her deep-V hull delivers a confident, comfortable ride while the combination of a 440hp Iveco 400 Series six-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel engine and Hamilton waterjet provides impressive performance, shallow draft and exceptional manoeuvrability.
 
Originally commissioned by Lord Robert Iliffe, owner of MDL Marinas, one of the UK's largest marina operators, MORPHEUS was built as a premium Solent weekender with an emphasis on quality, performance and practicality. MORPHEUS has enjoyed careful private ownership throughout her life and has always been dry sailed, being stored ashore between use. The result is a remarkably well-preserved example that has accumulated only 387 engine hours whilst retaining the appearance and feel of a much younger boat.


The spacious teak-laid cockpit comfortably accommodates family and guests for entertaining, while below decks the bright, well-finished interior provides comfortable overnight accommodation for up to four people. The current owner has used MORPHEUS primarily for day cruising, meaning much of the accommodation and several domestic systems have seen only minimal use and remain in excellent cosmetic condition.


During 2024, MORPHEUS benefited from a significant programme of documented maintenance and improvements. Professional engineering work included refurbishment of the intercooler and heat exchanger, overhaul of the cooling system, replacement of the raw-water intake, new exhaust hose, Hamilton Jet inspection and servicing, replacement cutlass bearing, new batteries, upgraded battery charging system, new cockpit covers and a professional dark blue topsides vinyl wrap. Comprehensive maintenance records and supporting invoices accompany the vessel, providing buyers with an excellent documented service history.  


Equipment includes Raymarine navigation electronics, autopilot, radar, bow thruster, diesel cabin heating, shore power, inverter, microwave, ceramic hob, hot and cold pressurised water, cockpit and cabin refrigeration, anchor windlass and substantial teak bathing platform.


A useful inventory of unused spare parts, including Raymarine and navigation components, is also included with the sale.


Whether used as a stylish day boat, an elegant Solent weekender or for extended coastal cruising, the Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 remains one of the most admired British motor yachts of her size. MORPHEUS is a particularly well-cared-for example, combining low engine hours, documented maintenance and thoughtful ownership with the timeless design for which Swordsman Marine has become renowned.


BROKERS COMMENTS
 
The Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 is one of the finest modern interpretations of the classic British gentleman's motor launch. Designed by Alan Burnard using the proven Fairey Spearfish deep-V hull as its inspiration, the Swordsman 30 combines timeless styling with outstanding sea-keeping, impressive performance and practical cruising accommodation.


MORPHEUS is an exceptionally lightly used and highly specified Swordsman 30. 


Originally commissioned by Lord Robert Iliffe, owner of MDL Marinas, one of the UK's largest marina operators, this highly specified Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 was built without compromise and has remained a notably low-hour example. Always dry sailed and stored ashore between use, she has benefited from careful ownership throughout her life.


Built without compromise, she has remained a notably low-hour example and has always been dry sailed, being stored ashore between use to minimise prolonged immersion, marine growth and underwater wear.  She continues to remain ashore and under full covers between October and March inclusive, with electric heating.


Powered by a 440hp Iveco turbo diesel engine driving a Hamilton waterjet, this Swordsman 30 offers exhilarating performance, shallow draft, precise handling and exceptional manoeuvrability, further enhanced by her Powerful Sleipner SE50  bow thruster fitted in 2017 which enables a high level of accurate manoeuvrability and even completely sideways mooring when deployed in combination with the Hamiltonjet.


With only 387 engine hours, MORPHEUS has been used principally for Solent day cruising, resulting in accommodation that remains in unusually fresh condition together with a spacious teak-laid cockpit ideally suited to entertaining family and friends.


During 2024, this Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 benefited from a substantial programme of maintenance and improvements, including professional refurbishment of the intercooler and heat exchanger, cooling system overhaul, renewed raw-water intake, new exhaust hose, Hamilton Jet inspection and service, replacement cutlass bearing, new batteries, upgraded battery charger, new cockpit covers and a professional dark blue topsides vinyl wrap. Comprehensive supporting maintenance records and invoices accompany the vessel, demonstrating a careful programme of preventative maintenance rather than simply routine servicing.


Privately owned, UK VAT paid and offered with a useful inventory of unused spare parts, MORPHEUS represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the best presented and most carefully maintained Swordsman 30 examples currently available. Combining low engine hours, documented maintenance, thoughtful upgrades and classic British craftsmanship, she is equally at home as a stylish Solent weekender, a capable coastal cruiser or an elegant day boat.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Machinery and Maintenance


Powered by a 440hp Iveco 400 Series six-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel engine, MORPHEUS delivers effortless cruising performance through a Hamilton HJ274 waterjet, combining excellent acceleration, shallow draft and precise handling. With only 387 engine hours, she remains an exceptionally low-hour example.


Unlike conventional shaft-driven installations, the Hamilton waterjet offers enhanced manoeuvrability, excellent efficiency at cruising speeds, reduced underwater appendages and the confidence to explore shallow waters. A bow thruster further assists close-quarters handling.


The installation also benefits from a ZF Marine reversing gearbox.


Recent Engineering & Maintenance


MORPHEUS has benefited from a comprehensive programme of preventative maintenance and engineering improvements, including:
Professional refurbishment and cleaning of the intercooler and heat exchanger.  
Complete cooling system flush and renewal.  
New engine impeller.  
Replacement engine anodes.  
New oil, fuel and pre-filters.  
Engine oil and coolant renewed.  
Electronic engine diagnostics completed.  
Hamilton Jet professionally inspected and serviced.  
New jet drive cutlass bearing fitted.  
New raw water intake and shut-off valve.  
New exhaust hose.  
All through-hull valves inspected and serviced.  
New jet drive anodes throughout.  
Supporting maintenance records and invoices are available, providing buyers with confidence in the standard of ongoing ownership and preventative maintenance.  


Routine Maintenance
The current owner follows a preventative maintenance programme that includes regular propshaft greasing at approximately 15-hour intervals together with routine inspection of engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant levels. Following the comprehensive engineering work completed during 2024, the engine has accumulated only limited additional running hours.
The next scheduled engine service has already been planned. The owner will either complete this immediately prior to completion or at the end of the current season, whichever occurs first, allowing the new owner to begin ownership with a freshly serviced engine.


Fuel & Water


Fuel System
Approximately 400 litres carried in twin stainless-steel fuel tanks.  
Deck fuel filler.  
Fresh Water System
Approximately 125 litres freshwater capacity.  
Deck water filler.  
Stainless-steel calorifier.  
Hot water heated by both the engine and 230V immersion heater.  
Pressurised hot and cold water system.


Bilge Systems
Electric bilge pumps.  
High-capacity manual bilge pump.  


Navigation & Electrical


MORPHEUS is equipped with a well-proven Raymarine navigation suite, providing excellent situational awareness for both coastal cruising and extended passages.


Navigation Equipment
Raymarine C80 multifunction display 
Raymarine radar 
GPS 
Raymarine autopilot 
Depth instrument 
Speed and log 
Compass 
Fixed VHF radio with removable deck handset (unused) 
ICOM handheld VHF radio with rechargeable battery 
Raymarine radio deck repeater 


Electrical Systems


The electrical installation has benefited from recent upgrades, including new domestic batteries and an upgraded battery charging system completed during the 2024 refit.
Three 140Ah batteries (replaced 2024) 
Alpha 60A automatic battery charger (new 2024) 
Victron 2.5kW inverter 
240V shore power system 
Dual-pole shore power breaker 
240V cabin sockets 
240V power supply in rear lazarette 
Cabin ambient lighting 
Cockpit sole lighting 
Also included are two shore power leads, one incorporating an electricity meter for marinas where metered shore power is in operation.


Included Spare Parts & Equipment 


The following unused spare parts are included with the sale:
Raymarine fluxgate compass 
Rudder transducer 
Speed/temperature through-hull transducer 
Engine drive belt
2X spare Sleipner SE50 anodes


Accommodation
Despite being designed as a high-performance coastal cruiser, the Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 offers comfortable accommodation for weekends away or extended cruising.


Finished in traditional style with quality timber joinery, the bright and welcoming cabin provides berths for up to four people together with generous storage throughout. Having been used principally for Solent day cruising, the interior remains in exceptionally fresh condition with upholstery presenting to a particularly high standard.


Saloon & Galley
Comfortable seating and dining area.  
Convertible forward double berth with infill cushions and table.  
Alternative teak folding table for the forward seating area.  
Microwave oven.  
Radiant ceramic hob (Two 6 inch burners @ 1200 watts each)
Pressurised hot and cold water.  
Stainless-steel sink.  
Refrigerator.  
Additional cockpit refrigerator.  
Generous storage throughout.  


Heating
Diesel-fired cabin heating throughout the accommodation, including the heads compartment.  


Heads Compartment
Marine WC.  
Wash basin.  
Shower.  
Pressurised hot and cold water.  


The current owner has used MORPHEUS primarily as a day boat and, consequently, several domestic systems have seen only minimal use, contributing to the exceptional cosmetic condition of the interior.


Deck Equipment


Designed around outdoor living, the cockpit of the Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 provides an excellent balance of comfort, practicality and traditional craftsmanship. The generous teak-laid cockpit offers comfortable seating for family and guests, while the substantial teak bathing platform provides additional space for boarding, swimming and relaxing at anchor or alongside.


Wide side decks, substantial stainless-steel handrails and quality deck hardware make moving around the vessel secure and straightforward, whether underway or when handling lines in harbour.


Cockpit & Deck
Solid teak-laid cockpit.  
Solid teak side decks and foredeck.  
Bespoke teak handrail surrounding the cockpit seating area.  
Blue cockpit seating cushions.  
Twin helm seats with lift-up bolster sections.  
Folding stainless-steel bathing ladder.  
Substantial teak bathing platform with folding stainless-steel boarding ladder.  
Cockpit table.  
Cockpit refrigerator.  
Cockpit lo