The newest addition to the MBM fleet, an Orkney Longliner 2, has been launched on the Thames
Motor Boats Monthly has taken delivery of a brand new Orkney Longliner 2, which will be our long-term test boat for the next six months.
Editor Rob Peake and Technical Writer Greg Goulding launched the vessel on the Thames earlier this week (26 June), with the help of Sam Davies from Orkney (pictured above with Rob).
The Orkney will accompany us on photoshoots, gear tests, and launch site visits thorough the rest of 2014.
Fitted with a 25hp Mercury outboard, courtesy of Barrus, and a Raymarine Dragonfly plotter, the 16-footer will be towed on a 750kg Orkney trailer, and the whole outfit could be bought for less than £16,000.
Rob said: “We could not be more excited to take delivery of our brand new Longliner 2, an iconic boat from one of the British marine industry’s most respected brands.
“Orkney Boats is a name I grew up with and to have one of the most popular models, the Longliner 2, at our disposal is a real treat.
“Our first trip showed she’s a great river boat and when we get her down on the coast she’s good for more than 20 knots with the 25hp Mercury outboard.
“We’ll be reporting back on how she performs as we use her for trailboating features and lots more in MBM over the months to come.”
Based on the ever-popular Longliner 16, the Longliner 2 is a more versatile and lightweight version, which should keep running costs to a minimum and prove much cheaper to tow, thanks to an ex-engine weight of 270kg.
Designed with fisherman in mind, the TT Boat Designs hull and long keel help this boat lie well at anchor.
The cuddy layout should come in handy when the weather turns against us, and given Orkney’s reputation for stability and ease of handling, it should be able to cope with all conditions.
In the past 40 years, 3,000 Orkney Longliners have been built, so it only seemed like a natural decision for us to find out why this range has been so successful.
