Posted on July 31, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Beautiful 16’ clinker motor launch built by Nick Smith of Salcombe in 2015. Usual Nick Smith design which is inspired by the old Salcombe fishing boats with straight stem, elegant sheer and a sharp tuck to the bilge making them stiff and seaworthy boats.
The commissioning owner requested an alteration to the original design with raised topsides forward, a bulkhead and foredeck to offer and enclosed forward sleeping cabin. This is unusual on a boat of this size but makes her rather unique and special.
She would make a superb adventure boat for family exploration of rivers, estuaries and coasts, something a bit different to stand out from the crowd. She is in excellent condition having been used very little since new and is ready to tow away on her trailer and be used this summer. Brand new 2-part fitted all over cover keeps the varnish protected all year round.
Length 16’
Beam 6’6”
Draft 17”
Posted on July 7, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Iain Oughtred Guillemot Lugsail Dinghy
Iain Oughtred Guillemot sailing dinghy built by Tavy Wooden Boats, Devon and first launched in 2021.
Designed by Oughtred as an excellent all round dinghy with what he thought of as the perfect length making the boat capable but also easy to live with, launch and retrieve. The boat can carry a few people, rows beautifully and sails very well indeed making the boat a real jack of all trades.
Professionally built, her plywood/epoxy construction makes her light but strong and she will not dry out when stored ashore meaning there is no need to worry about leaks when she is first launched.
A beautiful boat complete with trailer, rig and everything you need to go boating straight away.
Length 12’2”
Beam 4’6”
Draft 8” / 2’8”
Weight 107kg (bare hull) / 120kg (with rig and oars)
Posted on June 3, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Robertsons of Sandbanks Motor Launch
Built by Robertsons of Sandbanks, Holy Loch in 1955.
Possibly built as a tender to one of the large yachts built on the Clyde but exact history is unknown.
Used on the Thames by the present owner, she carries a BSS certificate valid until July 2025.
She has been sat ashore for a coupe of seasons and the hull has started to dry out with her seams showing. The boat will require work, possible re-caulking and certainly pulling out and replacing the paying compound.
She has a good engine and road trailer so will be a perfect hobby project for the right person. Being offered at an attractive price as the owner wishes to see her in good hands and being refitted.
Length 14’6″
Beam 5′
Posted on June 3, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this John Kerr Rowing Skiff
Professionally built by John Kerr Boatbuilder around 2000 to a Phillip C. Bolger design. Believed to have been built by Kerr for himself as his last ever boat when he was suffering with lung cancer, hence the name of ‘Hope’.
Bolger was a prolific yacht designer from Gloucester, Massachusetts with many designs that came off his board.
It is understood she was built with a sprit rig but that is not with her currently. The rig is not quite complete and will need to be thought through some more. She has a dagger board and casing that was built into the boat originally.
An eye catching skiff, perfect for lazy family days on the river. Able to be rowed by one or two people in comfort giving her flexibility. Complete with a heavy duty galvanised road trailer.
Length 17’10”
Beam 4’6”
Posted on May 14, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Fairlie Yacht Slip Motor Launch
Built in 1960 at the Fairlie Yacht Slip, one of two tenders commission by Dr Innes Lumsden for his converted ex. Admiralty trawler.
Bought by the current family in 1978, she has remained with them on the west coast of Scotland ever since.
An elegant boat, unusual for a launch of this size with forward mounted wheel steering and a small windscreen.
The aft seating area is sheltered by a large sprayhood on a folding metal frame which successfully protects the passengers in the back from spray, wind and rain.
Complete with oars and road trailer that has new wheel bearings and hubs, plus straps and lightboard.
Length 12’
Beam 5’
Posted on May 12, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Clifford Adams Motor Launch
Built by Clifford Adams of Looe as a passenger ferry running across Looe harbour. Built to commercial standards and operatred successfully until being sold into private ownership.
These Clifford Adams boats are known to be well built substantial launches and this is no exception. The very generous beam and bluff bows with good buoyancy make them excellent sea boats, stiff and stable while being able to take some chop.
Interestingly the engine is mounted very far aft in the boat, a feature built into her to make more space for paying passengers, but this is also a benefit as a private boat giving a large open space with seating around.
A good solid and substantial launch for sensible money. Flatbed triple axle trailer available by separate negotiation.
Length 20’
Beam 7’8″
Posted on April 25, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Iain Oughtred Wemyss Skiff
Iain Oughtred Wemyss Skiff built from a kit supplied by Jordan Boats. First launched in 2021.
More information can be found on the Jordan Boats Web site:
https://jordanboats.co.uk/product/wemyss-skiff/
She was built by the owner, one of a string of boats he has built or fitted out over the years, all completed to a very good standard. The only reason this boat is being sold is that the owner is nearing completion of a larger sailing dinghy and needs the space for the new boat.
The Wemyss Skiff was built a smaller sister to the ever popular St Ayles Skiff and is a very versatile and easily used rowing skiff. Capable of being rowed with one or two rowers, with or without a cox, plus space for a passenger in the bows in calm waters, this boat offers a lot for her 16’9” length.
The moveable thwarts fitted to the boat mean rowing positions can be adapted for the number of rowers required.
Recently painted up, complete with cover, road trailer and oars, this is a ready to go skiff package in lovely condition.
Length Overall 16’9”
Beam 4’9.5”
Posted on April 23, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this 14′ Clinker Motor Launch
Built by Pasco and Sons of St Just in Roseland, Cornwall in 1964.
Refitted in previous ownership with new garboards, replacement engine and some new steamed oak timbers. Current owner during the course of the last winter has refurbished the engine and hull with repairs where necessary and new paint and varnish throughout.
Complete with a recently serviced road trailer and cover, the boat has been recently painted and antifouled with a new propeller shaft fitted. With a newly serviced and nicely running Bukh engine she is ready for the coming season.
Length 14’
Beam 6’
Posted on April 8, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this Bantham Motor Launch
Clinker motor launch believed to have been built at BAntham village, south Devon. As long as can be remembered she has been berthed on the River Avon next to Bantham beach and maintained locally.
A pretty boat with a nice sheer line. She has a good quality Lombardini 11hp diesel engine plus an auxiliary outboard.
Length 16’6”
Beam 6’7”
Posted on April 8, 2025 by Wooden Ships -
Wooden Ships Comments on this 22′ Varnished Motor Launch
Built for a local doctor by a cabinet maker and kept on the River dart its entire life. Launched in 1970, she was used regularly for river cruising and coastal fishing trips until the Doctor retired and handed her to the sea Scouts. She changed hands twice since then and had a refit which included replacing the old Stuart Turner with a modern Beta diesel.
The present owner bought a large trailer for her and launches each time he uses the boat, the rest of the time she is kept ashore in a shed and is well protected.
This is a very eye catching and unusual boat with a good turn of speed. She also has a water tight deck giving her a self draining cockpit which is a big advantage.
An elegant hull shape makes her easily driven, plus she slips along at a gentle cruising speed of 5 knots with virtually no wake, a big advantage when used on rivers and lakes.
Length Overall 22′
Beam 6’3″
Draft 2’4″
Towing weight Approx. 2 tons
