Sailing yachts
Harrison Butler Davinka Bermudan Cutter
(REF: 33080)£SOLD
Full specification
Wooden Ships Comments on this Harrison Butler Davinka Bermudan Cutter
Designed by Dr T. Harrison Butler as his own yacht, built by A.H. Moody & Son, Swanwick in 1935 as the first yacht they launched after the company was formed. Because of this the yard paid extra attention to the detail and quality of the build in order to showcase their work and secure more orders in the years to come.
The design is known as the Davinka with several yachts built to the same lines.
As a frequent contributor to the yachting press of the time, many articles were written by Butler on the early seasons sailing Vindilis before she was sold in 1944. Since then she has spent much time on the Clyde and latterly on the south coast.
In 2002 she had a major refit with A&R Way Boatbuilding at Crinan where 70% of the steamed timbers were replaced, and the hull largely re-fastened, bronze strap floors installed to replace the wrought iron and new bronze keel bolts fitted along with all other centreline bolts. In 2016 she had a complete new teak deck laid by Andrew Oliver Shipwright in Emsworth.
Originally launched as a yawl, Butler had much to say on this matter and felt a cutter rig would be more suitable, a rig which she now sports. The owners have updated the rig so that she is now easily sailed by 2 people and balances beautifully as is expected of Butlers boats.
Being the boat built for and owned by Harrison Butler himself this is a rather special yacht indeed. Her elegant lines with a sweet counter stern and the general condition of the boat all add up to her being a fantastic yacht of excellent size and pedigree.
Length on Deck 30’
Length Waterline 22’6”
Length Overall 35’
Beam 8’7”
Draft 4’4”
Thames Tonnage 7TM
Construction
Hull
Carvel planked in pitch pine all copper rivet fastened to steam bent oak timbers. Many of these timbers were replaced in 2002.
Cast iron lead ballast keel fastened with bronze bolts.
Bronze strap floors across the centreline fastened through the planking with large copper rivets.
Decks and Cockpit
Yacht laid teak deck epoxy bonded over a marine plywood subdeck, all new in 2016.
The plywood is laid on oak deck beams which were repaired or replaced as necessary. The underside of the plywood has been routed out to give the impression of a laid deck which has a far greater aesthetic appeal from below than flat white painted plywood.
Varnished teak toe rail all round. Bronze stanchions with dyneema guard wires.
Self draining cockpit was completely rebuilt in 2002 with the sole raised to create the self draining levels required.
Elegantly curved varnished teak coamings with varnished teak thwarts and bridge deck.
Superstructure
Varnished teak coachroof coamings with bronze portlights and a gently radiused coachroof deck made from sheathed T&G planking on oak deck beams. The coachroof is typical of Butlers design, quite narrow and upright leaving wide side decks but still elegant and functional.
Varnished teak forehatch.
Rig
Bermudan cutter rig on a keel stepped varnished wooden mast.
Varnsihed wooden bowsprit and slab reefing boom.
Standing and Running Rigging
Stainless steel standing rigging new in 2008 to external galvanised steel chain plates.
Running backstays on 3:1 tackles.
Adjustable standing backstay.
Mostly Tufnell blocks with classic braid running rigging. Subtle use of Dyneema where it enhances the handling of the rig.
Continuous line furler with foil on the staysail.
Wykeham Martin furling on the jib.
Sails
Mainsail, staysail, jib and masthead jib new from Sanders Sails in 2017.
Large drifter sail new in 2019.
Winches
Pair of bronze Lewmar 30ST cockpit sheet winches
Single non-ST bronze mast winch.
Machinery
Engine
Beta Marine 20hp 3cyl diesel installed new in 2014. Approximately 500 hours use.
Single lever controls to a centreline Darglow Featherstream propeller.
Tanks
25 litres plastic fuel tank in starboard cockpit locker .
Batteries and Electrics
2 x 88ah 12 volt batteries charged from the engine alternator.
Accommodation
Berths and Headroom
3 berths including 2 x saloon settee berths and a single berth in the forepeak.
General Description
A simple interior made from solid varnished oak gives a very pleasant and light cabin.
Steps down over the engine box into the cabin with galley to starboard and joinery to port containing storage locker and navigation instruments.
Port and starboard settee berths are staggered slightly allowing extra space for the galley to starboard.
At the forward end of the port side settee is a large oak locker with a chart desk on the top, previously containing a water tank. This could be reinstated if desired.
Pansy charcoal stove mounted on the forward bulkhead.
Starboard side door into the forepeak with a single berth to starboard in nice oak joinery.
Storage space to port and anchor locker in the bows with heads against the bulkhead.
Galley
Origo 3000 twin burner spirit stove hides under an oak top when not in use.
Fold up oak flap creates extra work top space when required.
Heads
Blakes Lavac sea toilet discharges directly overboard.
Equipment
Steering compass
Garmin chart plotter
TackTick MN30 depth sounder
ICOM IC-M323 DSC VHF
Click and barometer
Fire blanket
Fire extinguisher
Auto electric bilge pump
Manual bilge pump
2 x life buoys
Bunk and berth cushions
Origo 3000 spirit stove
Blakes Lavac sea toilet
Pansy charcoal cabin heater
Paraffin cabin lamp
Muir 12 volt anchor windlass
Bruce anchor with chain
Mooring warps
Fenders
Plough type kedge anchor with chain and warp
Day shapes
All sails by Sanders Sails in 2017:
Mainsail
Staysail
Jib
Masthead jib
Large drifter new in 2019
Continuous line furler on staysail
Wykeham Martin furling on jib
Spare 10 litre fuel can
2 x 88ah batteries
Battery voltage monitor with USB chargers
Boarding ladder
Avon inflatable dinghy
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Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
