43ft 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.
Construction
Planked in 2 layers of mahogany, the first is laid diagonally with fore and aft planking over the top. White lead and calico between the layers of planking.
All copper rivet fastened to steam bent oak frames with ash stringers
Hull is sheathed in copper plates below the waterline
Laminated mahogany beam shelf and deck beams.
Composite deck structure of marine plywood sheathed in epoxy glass cloth then overlaid with teak. The teak is glued to the subdeck so there are no fastenings through deck that could lead to rot
Stainless steel stanchions with a varnished mahogany capping rail
Marine plywood superstructure sheathed in epoxy glass cloth with aluminium framed windows.
Machinery
2 x Perkins 6354 6cyl 145hp turbo charged diesel engines
Borg Warner Velvet Drive gearboxes to stainless shafts with fixed 4 blade counter rotating bronze propellers. One gearbox has failed and needs replacing.
Engines have had a full professional service in 2023, full invoices to show this work are available.
4 x steel fuel tanks in the engine bay with a total capacity of 250 gallons (1125 litres).
6 x 6 volt 100ah batteries giving 12 volt to the ships systems.
4 x 6 volt 100ah batteries to power the anchor windlass.
Charging from 2 x 70 amp engine alternators and through the installed shore power system.
2 x water tanks with total capacity of 100 gallons (450 litres)
Calorifier for domestic hot water connected to one main engine. Also has a 240 volt immersion coil.
Accommodation
6 berths in 2 separate sleeping cabins.
Headroom.
Saloon: 1.85m
Aft cabin: 1.74cm
Galley: 1.78cm
Fore cabin: 1.85cm
Very smart and comfortable interior with recent upholstery in a rich burgundy
Eberspacher Hydronic diesel fired cabin heating system throughout the interior.
Sliding door either side into the wheelhouse with the helm position to port and chart desk to starboard
The deck saloon is at the aft of the wheelhouse with an L-sha[ped settee to p[ort around a varnished mahogany saloon table. Settee to starboard that could be used as an occasional berth if needed
Central companionway going aft into the aft cabin. Seating and a desk to starboard at the base of the companionway.
Heads compartment to port with a Jabsco manual sea toilet which discharges into a waste tank. Hand basin and full height shower with hot and cold pressurised water.
The cabin has 2 single berths with varnished teak joinery. Fitted chest of drawers against the aft bulkhead. Varnished cabin sole made from sweet chestnut.
Going forward from the wheelhouse down a centreline companionway into the port side galley.
Techimpex 2 gas stove with oven and grill. Single stainless steel sink with hot and cold pressurised water. Top loading 12 volt fridge compartment. Good amount of work surface space and storage lockers.
Opposite the galley is a heads compartment with a Jabsco manual sea toilet which discharges into a waste tank, hand basin and shower.
The forecabin has 2 single berths plus 2 pipe cot berths above that can be pulled out. Storage space below the berths. Smart joinery in varnished hard wood with varnished sweet chestnut sole boards.
Access to the chain locker in the bows.
Equipment
Sestral steering compass
Simrad CR40/50 chart plotter/radar
Simrad AP21-22 autopilot
Simrad RD68 DSC VHF
Hummingbird depth sounder
Clock and barometer
Lofrans Cayman 88 electric anchor windlass
CQR anchor plus chain
Mooring warps
Fenders
Installed search light, chromed
8 x auto electric bilge pumps
2 x Kent clear screens
Bunk and berth cushions
Eberspacher Hydronic cabin heating system
2 x Jabsco manual sea toilets with waste tanks
Techimpex 2 burner gas stove with oven and grill
Top loading 12 volt fridge
Calorifier tank for domestic hot water
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Classic Yacht Brokerage 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.
