About the Rapier 3100
The Rapier 3100 is 31′ LOA and constructed using a cold moulded triple mahogany planked hull to the chine and double mahogany planked to the gunwhale. It is cascover sheathed and the complete hull is cold moulded with resorcinol adhesive.
Thanks to Paul Caddick for the following information;
“All of the Rapiers were built at by Christchurch Yacht Company, owned by Kim Lander. I believe that Christchurch Yacht built a few 26ft boats, and then went on to build their most popular model, the 31′. There were also a couple of 38′ boats built, but I think these were probably built at Dorset Lake, and not Christchurch Yacht. Our boat (Pegasus) was commissioned by John Jacobs who raced Pegasus during 66 and 67 extremely successfully.
John then went on to build a range of Cox & Haswell wooden boats, where due to his success in our boat, he called the range ‘Pegasus’.”
I believe that there were roughly 12 hulls made between 1964 and early 1972. The engines on the majority of boats were Perkins HT6.354 with 135hp from hull #1 and 145hp 'soon' after (unknown changeover to 145HP), the additional 10hp achieved through the fitment of an aftercooler.
I believe Flying Vinta was fitted with standard (upright) T6.354′s – probably of 175hp . The last boat built ‘Flying Vinta II’ had twin Ford Sabre 180HP engines.
The Rapier has a racing pedigree in the form of two boats, a 27′ and 31′ – both named Pegasus – were built for racing. Thanks to a previous owner of the 31′ craft, Paul Caddick above, for the information provided. The 27′ Pegasus is currently being restored by the Classic Offshore Powerboat Owners Club.
Two of the known boats, Panther and Galloping Ghost (formely Kenmar) are an aft cabin design.