Engine
Iveco 400 Series 6 Cylinder
Total Power
440hp
Engine Hours
387
Class
Yachts
Length
9.14m
Year
2006
Model
30
Capacity
-
Nicolle Associates - Hamble Office
Nicolle Associates - Hamble Office
Boat Details
Description
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.
Contact Information
More Details
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
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 low-level courtesy lighting.
Ground Tackle & Mooring
- Electric anchor windlass.
- Deck-mounted windlass controls.
- Cockpit windlass remote controls.
- Six substantial polished stainless-steel mooring cleats.
- Fenders and warps.
Exterior Equipment
- New sprayhood (2024).
- New full cockpit enclosure (2024).
- Full winter cover.
- Varnished teak mast incorporating radar, VHF aerial and navigation lights.
- Stainless-steel fishing rod holders.
- Sleipner SE50 Bow Thruster fitted in 2017 with helm controls.
Construction
Designed by renowned naval architect Alan Burnard, the Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 draws directly upon the celebrated Fairey Spearfish deep-V hull, combining classic British styling with exceptional sea-keeping and performance.
The hull and deck are constructed in GRP using isophthalic resin with chopped strand mat and woven rovings, incorporating foam-cored topsides and deck structures to provide excellent strength, rigidity and durability. The bottom stringers, longitudinals and engine beds follow the same proven engineering principles that made the original Fairey Spearfish one of Britain's most respected offshore motor yachts.
The hull and deck are fully laminated together to create a strong, watertight structure, while three spray rails contribute to the dry, comfortable ride for which the Swordsman 30 has become well known.
Traditional craftsmanship continues throughout the exterior with solid teak laid to the cockpit, side decks and foredeck, complemented by flush-fitting stainless-steel deck fittings, bespoke mooring bollards and generous locker space beneath the cockpit seating.
Construction Features
- Deep-V planing hull by Alan Burnard.
- GRP construction with isophthalic resin.
- Foam-cored deck and topsides.
- Laminated hull-to-deck joint.
- Three spray rails for a dry ride.
- Solid teak cockpit, side decks and foredeck.
- Stainless-steel flush deck hardware.
- Six custom stainless-steel mooring bollards.
- Large cockpit locker storage.
Swordsman Marine – The Legend Continues
Founded to continue the traditions of classic British offshore motor yachts, Swordsman Marine drew upon the celebrated Fairey Spearfish, one of the most admired powerboat designs of the 1960s.
Designed by renowned naval architect Alan Burnard, the original Spearfish earned an enviable reputation for its sea-keeping, performance and elegant proportions, attracting owners including Sir Max Aitken, Tommy Sopwith and actress Deborah Kerr, while also featuring in the James Bond film From Russia with Love.
Today, the Swordsman Marine Swordsman 30 faithfully carries that heritage forward, combining the proven deep-V hull with modern construction, contemporary engineering and practical cruising accommodation to create one of Britain's most distinctive gentleman's motor yachts.
Recent Maintenance & Improvements
Recent work includes, but is not limited to:
2024
- Professional refurbishment and cleaning of intercooler.
- Heat exchanger removed, cleaned and pressure tested.
- Cooling system flushed and renewed.
- New engine impeller.
- New engine anodes.
- New engine oil and filters.
- Fuel filters replaced.
- Engine diagnostics completed.
- Hamilton Jet professionally inspected and serviced.
- New jet drive cutlass bearing.
- New raw-water intake and shut-off valve.
- New exhaust hose.
- New Alpha 60A battery charger.
- Three new batteries.
- New sprayhood.
- New full cockpit enclosure.
- Professional dark blue topsides vinyl wrap.
- New yellow boot top.
- New fire extinguishers.
- Through-hull valves inspected and serviced.
- Jet drive anodes replaced throughout.
2025–2026
- Approximately only 27 additional cruising hours completed following the major engineering work.
- Preventative maintenance continued throughout ownership.
- The next scheduled engine service will be completed immediately prior to completion of sale to a new owner or, at the end of the current season, whichever occurs first.
Comprehensive maintenance records and supporting invoices are available.
Included Spare Parts
- Spare unused Raymarine fluxgate compass.
- Spare unused rudder transducer.
- Spare unused speed/temperature through-hull transducer.
- Spare engine drive belt.
- 2X spare Sleipner SE50 anodes.
Disclaimer
Nicolle Associates offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
- This vessel is UK VAT paid.
- As always photographs do not do justice so a viewing is highly recommended.
- This boat is lying in Southampton, England.
- © 2026 Nicolle Associates
Need more details?
Ask the seller
Features
Electrical Equipment
Shore Power Inlet:✓
Inverter:✓
Electronics
Depthsounder:✓
Radar:✓
Log-Speedometer:✓
Navigation Center:✓
Plotter:✓
Autopilot:✓
Radio:✓
Compass:✓
GPS:✓
Cockpit Speakers:✓
VHF:✓
Inside Equipment
Bow Thruster:✓
Electric Bilge Pump:✓
Manual Bilge Pump:✓
Microwave Oven:✓
Marine Head:✓
Heating:✓
Hot Water:✓
Refrigerator:✓
Battery Charger:✓
Outside Equipment
Teak Cockpit:✓
Teak Sidedecks:✓
Cockpit Cushions:✓
Swimming Ladder:✓
Want more features?
Ask the seller
Propulsion
Engine Make:Iveco
Engine Model:400 Series 6 Cylinder
Total Power:440hp
Engine Hours:387
Engine Type:Inboard
Drive Type:Jet Drive
Fuel Type:Diesel
Measurements
Speed & Distance
Cruising Speed:28kn
Dimensions
Length Overall:9.98m
Max Draft:0.51m
Min Draft:0.51m
Beam:3.15m
Length at Waterline:8.08m
Miscellaneous
Windlass:Electric Windlass
Electrical Circuit:12V
Hull Material:Fiberglass
Hull Shape:Planing
Tanks
Fresh Water Tank:125 l
Fuel Tank:400 l
Holding Tank:
Accommodations
Cabins:2
Heads:1
Want more specs?
Ask the seller
Meet the Seller
Adrian Nicolle
Adrian has a customer-focused, service-led background with experience growing businesses from start-ups to London Stock Exchange-listed companies. A 200gt Master of Yachts, he has raced and cruised internationally, served on the Royal Southern YC board, and was Cowes Week Chief Race Officer. He specialises in large sail and motor yachts, providing expert, trustworthy guidance before, during, and after purchase.
