Wooden Ships Comments on this Ex RNLB Watson Class Lifeboat
Ex RNLB Samuel and Marie Parkhouse built by J. Samuel White & Co. Ltd of Cowes in 1938.
Now called Oniros, she is a 46’ Watson Class Life boat, Official No. 805.
The boat saw active service as the Salcombe lifeboat from 1938 – 1962. This lifeboat alters from others of her class to make her more suitable for local conditions. The bar across the entrance of Salcombe harbour can break in heavy seas, so her draft is less than normal and her stern post and rudder assembly strengthened. The turtle back deck structures were designed to shed water from the decks when pushing out through the entrance of the harbour in heavy weather.
Her first active service came on 7th December 1939 when she saved 62 people after the Dutch passenger liner was hit with a torpedo from a German U-boat. In all she launched 126 times in her years of service.
Bought by the current owners in 2009, her external appearance has been returned largely to original, with her funnel, open backed helm position and many custom bronze fittings. The interior has been converted as far as possible to give a forward cabin with 4 berths and a heads. The galley area is located under the shelter in the cockpit.
This is a lifeboat rich with history and stories, a fine solid vessel that has been returned as far as possible to her original external layout and although not a luxury cruising motor yacht, she is a living part of our maritime history.
Wooden Ships Comments on this Commercial Dining Charter Vessel
This vessel is part of a successful local Falmouth based business and is now running for its sixth season offering harbour excursions with beautiful meals aboard a fine vessel.
The vessel was built by Curtis and Pape of Looe in 1971 as a fishing vessel.
Purchased by the current owners in a dilapidated state, she was given a thorough refit in 2018 and converted into the fine vessel she is today. Much of the hull planking and framing was replaced, the hull totally re-fastened, a new wheelhouse and deck layout fitted with all new systems and machinery bringing her up to the standard required.
As a platform for functions and group outings on the water she is excellent, mixing the charm and relaxing atmosphere of a traditional boat with all the modern systems and conveniences to ensure the guests time aboard is exactly as they wish.
Full details of the business available on request. This is an established business in the Falmouth area with a mix of returning customers and new clients. Trips are tailored to suit the needs of the client with options for various locations, lengths of trips and different times of day. She is licenced to operate in Falmouth and Helford. The vessel is a licenced bar to sell alcohol.
This business could be added to an existing hospitality establishment ashore as another option for guests, getting people afloat and seeing the local area from a different perspective, or taken on by an enthusiastic new owner to continue with the same very successful business model.
Contact us for details of the business and accounts.
Length on deck 36’
Beam 12’
Draft 4’6”
Owners comments
Blue River Table is in it’s sixth year and after a very successful five years now seems like the right time to explore options for selling the business.
At Blue River Table we pride ourselves in providing a truly unique dining experience on the River Fal. Famed for producing banquet style feasts of local produce for parties up to twelve whilst cruising the stunning local waterways.
‘Tethra’ is a beautifully converted traditional motor launch which lends herself perfectly to this and we have an excellent history of repeat business and a great reputation that we’ve built over the years. Whilst our dining experiences are really well established and attended alongside this, Tethra also has proved herself as an excellent venue such as for talks, event & parties.
Blue River Table: The Business
– Unique venue that can facilitate many different events
-Traditional Cornish motor launch beautifully converted for a bespoke dining experiences
-An exclusive way for people to experience the beautiful Cornish waterways
-Coded to run in the Carrick Roads and the Helford
Wooden Ships Comments on this Fred Parker Motor Yacht
Designed by Fred Parker and built by Nunn Bros. of Woodbridge in 1959 to Lloyds 100A1 standard.
Bought by the present owners in 2013, they started a major refit that would last until 2017, covering every facet of the boat and her systems. Full details of the refit work are below, but in summary the hull was rebuilt, new decks laid, interior removed and refitted with much new joinery and complete new systems and machinery.
The attention to detail found on this yacht is astounding, accomplished with the keen eye of owner and boat builder who both desired to create a very special yacht. She was awarded Runner Up prize in the Classic Boat awards 2019.
Since her launch in 2017 she has been kept on the west coast of Scotland and has been cruised extensively each summer around the Highlands and islands. She has spent every winter in a custom built tent where the owner has lavished care and attention on the boat, keeping her up to the exceptional standard they desire.
The volume and space on this yacht is hard to portray in photos. She has a very generous beam and freeboard which both combine to give a distinct feeling of space and comfort. With a large aft cockpit, double doors into the wheelhouse and a large saloon she has a vast amount of living space. With 6’6” headroom through most of the boat there are few people who will struggle to be comfortable in this yacht. Her large fore cabin gives 3 single berths plus there is a good sized double berth in the saloon which could be made more private if desired. Cabin heating, hot water and 240v power supply make this yacht a real home from home to cruise in comfort whatever the weather.
She has proved herself as an excellent sea boat as well, cruising economically at 6-7 knots and never giving any cause for concern regardless of the weather. The bow thruster fitted in the refit helps with handling in close quarter situations and there is excellent all round visibility from the helm. A discreet CCTV camera on the forward mast aids the helms person in tight confines.
This is a superbly presented and very well maintained cruising motor yacht with a detailed recent refit history. There are very few truly turn key boats on the market and this is without doubt one of those yachts.
Offered for sale in full sea going condition with a large inventory of equipment.
2023 insurance survey available.
Length on Deck 42’
Beam 13’5”
Draft 3’11”
Displacement 11609lbs /15245kg
Photo Credits: Underway photos by Nigel Sharp
Owners Comments
We fell in love with Fortuna II when we first saw her moored in Exeter canal basin, although it was clear that much work was needed to bring her back to life. We enjoyed working with Charlie Hussey at Baltic wharf and the whole process of restoring Fortuna II to a very high standard. Fortuna II featured in Classic Boat Magazine in October 2018 and in spring 2019 when she was awarded Runner Up in the Classic Boat Awards for restoration of the year of a motor vessel over 40ft.
Fortuna II has enabled us to cruise the West of Scotland and the Hebrides in comfort and style each summer for the last six years. She has taken us to many remote anchorages and the pilot house has allowed us to view the scenery and wildlife at close quarters in comfort. She has ample storage space for fuel, water and supplies to enable extended cruising. She is safe and seaworthy on passage and comfortable at anchor even in foul weather. We feel that she would be ideal for another couple or family. Fortuna II is a real head turner where ever we go and is great in classic regattas. Alternatively, she would make a wonderful mothership to classic yacht racing with ample room for entertaining.
We have maintained her meticulously and stored ashore under cover each winter. Having enjoyed Fortuna II for the last eleven years, we feel the time has come for us to move on to new adventures.
Refit 2013 – 2017
Hull:
Repairs to 45 frame heads
Rebuild stem top end of stem post
Extensive re-planking of topsides including completely new sheer strake port and starboard, approximately 300’
Replace bulwark stanchions
Replace upper section of transom
Replace oak samson posts
Replace upper section of rubbing strake
Repairs to numerous deck beams on forward and aft decks
Hull splined above the waterline
Cast iron ballast keel refurbished and refitted with new galvanised keel bolts
Brass portholes stripped and restored
Design and fitting bow-thruster tunnel for Vetus bow-thruster
Deck and Superstructure:
New cedar deck planking laid bow to stern
Epoxy-coated marine plywood overdeck, sheathed with epoxy stitched cloth laminate to maintain canvas like appearance
Replacement of pilothouse roof in same fashion as deck
New galvanised chainplates for main mast
New design and fitting of bronze chainplates to pilothouse for mizzen mast
New teak toe rails
All deck fittings and stanchions replaced in bronze
Design and fitting of stem head fitting for Rocna anchor
Under deck tensioners to support Rocna fitting
Rebuilding of cockpit floor
Rebuild deck step structures
Repairs to tops of pilothouse sides
Pilothouse stripped out and fully re-built with custom made seating and table to starboard side, custom made helm seat and chart table, custom made curved dashboard
Galley stripped out and fully re-built
Heads stripped out and fully re-built
Fo’c’sle stripped out and original joinery work restored with addition of locker to house bow thruster
Engine and Systems:
New engine installed
New propshaft and propeller installed
New hydraulic steering and new Wills Ridley Hydraulic pump
New Fuel and water tanks installed
Full re-plumbing of all systems
Full re-wiring of 24VDC, 230VAC and 12VDC systems
Solar panel charging system
Masts, rigging and sails:
New Douglas Fir mizzen mast
Replaced all standing and running rigging
New guard rails and bronze stanchions
New sails and sail covers
New cockpit cover and hatch covers
Painting and Varnishing:
Hull and superstructure stripped back and faired
Topsides full recoating system using traditional marine paints
Wooden Ships Comments on this Camper and Nicholson Motor Launch
Built in 1917 by Camper and Nicholson, this elegant motor launch has all the hallmarks of her era and is a simply stunning motor yacht.
Rebuilt by the Leopoldo Shipyard, Lake Como, between 2007-2010.
After arriving in the Mediterannean in the 1940’s she has had a varied history including being used as a coral fishing boat in Sardinia complete with hyperbaric chamber, and in 1976 she was a luxury transfer vessel for club Med guests and also featured in a notable French film.
In 2007 a major professional rebuild commenced under the current owners with no expense spared. The hull was stripped bare inside and out, any necessary hull repairs completed and a complete new deck structure fitted. All systems, machinery and equipment have been replaced to subtly introduce the modern world without destroying her patina.
A superb and unique motor yacht full of history, pedigree and class.
Wooden Ships Comments on this Liverpool Class RNLB
Liverpool Class RNLB built by Groves & Guttridge Ltd, Cowes, in 1939.
She served as the lifeboat for Cloughey, Co. Down with a well documented service record.
After being sold out of the RNLI in 1966, she was used as a private motor launch.
Between 2010 and 2012 she underwent a major restoration in the hands of Nelsons Boats, a yard specialising in lifeboats. She was put back as close as possible to her original service condition by sourcing as many original parts, features and fittings as possible. She was re-engined with an almost new Ford 4D. The hull was found to be in excellent condition with no structural repairs required during the refit period.
This vessel is a living and working piece of maritime history in excellent condition, very capable and tough with legendary sea keeping qualities. She is not equipped with the luxuries of a modern yacht and as such offers a different type of boating but she does it with style. Complete with forward tent offering a dry cabin with 2 berths when required.
This is not a project boat, she will be launched fully serviced and ready to go. The owner can deliver her to anywhere on the Clyde as part of the sale.
The boat is on the National Register of Historic Ships and is eligible to fly their dedicated ensign.
This is a remarkable boat with many original features and fittings. Clean survey from 2021 available.
Wooden Ships Comments on this 30′ Norfolk Broads Motor Cruiser
30’ Norfolk Broads Motor Cruiser built by Acle in 1931.
Launched as a hire boat on the Broads, references to her have been found in the original Blakes catalogue Holidays Afloat.
Major rebuild by the current shipwright owner between 2010 and 2015. Worked included the following:
New transom and stern knee
All new steamed oak timbers
Various new sections of planking, approx. 120’
New decks, beamshelf and deck beams
New stem
New aft coachroof
Replacement Bukh engine fitted
New tanks for water, fuel and waste
All new electrical and plumbing systems
Professionally completed refit that has been well documented. The boat has been nicely maintained since that time. Currently has a Boat Safety Certificate valid until July 2024.
Wooden Ships Comments on this McBryde Twin Screw Motor Yacht
Designed by William McBryde and built by Smith Brothers of Goole in 1939.
She was built for Sydney Kirkham, the managing director of the Hippodrome Theatre in Sheffield. She changed hands in 1953 and her second owner kept her until 1997. In 1999 her third owner carried out various upgrades including the Beta diesel engines she has today.
In current ownership since 2019, she had a full survey carried out in November 2019 and a number of repairs and upgrades professionally completed throughout 2020/2021. She is currently based on the River Deben in Suffolk and used for local cruising.
She is a very fine pre-war motor yacht full of original features and fittings but with the benefit of modern diesel engines and recent repairs. 2019 survey available on request.
Recent Repairs
Replaced all hood end and garboard bronze screw fastenings
3 x new laminated timbers in aft cabin
Tiller attachment to rudder stock repaired
Engine seacocks replaced
Cutlass bearings replaced
New quadrants around superstructure and hatches
Replaced anodes and internal electrical connections
Wooden Ships Comments on this Converted Admiralty Motor Yacht
Built for the Ministry of Defence in 1943 by the British Power Boat Company as an RAF Rescue Boat. She was delivered in 1945 but never entered active service.
Sold by the MOD in 1946 into private ownership and converted to private yacht at the Hampton Launch Works. After many years on the Thames, she made her way to the Mediterranean where some reports suggest she spent time running cigarettes between north Africa and Europe.
After being laid up and neglected in Bristol docks, she was rebuilt by David Cockwell of the Underfall Yard, being re-launched in 2005. The refit included much work to the hull, a new interior and refitted engines. After being bought by the current owner in 2007, further work was done including al new wiring and many new systems in 2008.
More recently some soft wood was found in the hull on the port side, work was started in 2022 and much of the port quarter of the hull was re-planked with many new frames. Some repairs were also needed on the starboard side, the copper sheathing underwater was replaced entirely and the interior received further improvements.
The boat is now in very smart condition and given all the recent work done, should be totally sound. Unfortunately one of the gearboxes has developed a problem and needs to be replaced, the vessel is being sold with this known issue to be resolved by a buyer.
Wooden Ships Comments on this Rampart 48 Motor Yacht
Rampart 48 twin screw motor yacht built by the Rampart Boat Building co. In 1960 to a design by Horace Desty.
Ramparts were a successful yard that grew up out of the desire for elegant motor yachts in a booming economy. Ramparts and others catered for this with attractive well built vessels offering separate sleeping cabins, more than one heads compartment and plenty of entertaining space.
This example is a handy 48’ and has an attractive aft cockpit accessed from the main saloon which is aft of the wheelhouse. This is a slightly different concept of design compared to many other boats of the period which traditionally had the owners accommodation back aft, but by having a saloon joining the aft cockpit makes for an attractive cruising boat.
Sadly some neglect in the previous ownership means fresh water ingress has caused soft timber in the topside planking, with some frame heads and short sections of beam shelf affected. It is advised a buyer engages a qualified surveyor to uncover the exact extent of the refit work required.
The boat is being offered for sensible money to take into account the refit work needed. She is afloat and mobile under her own power. There is a marina nearby with a suitable travel hoist to lift her out of the water and lorry access to enable road transport to the buyers chosen destination.
This little gem is a Herreshoff Islander. She is a 19’ keel boat, seen here in Salcombe harbour. This particular boat used to belong to Peter Gregson of Wooden Ships and she gave us many happy years of sailing. Nice to see her again looking so smart! ... See MoreSee Less
Beautiful day in Salcombe to photograph this McGruer launch. An elegant boat with a Kelvin diesel engine, she is a real head turner. ... See MoreSee Less
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