The Rampart Boatbuilding Company needs little introduction as one of the best known motor-yacht yards in England. Established just after the First World War at Bitterne Manor, Southampton by George Desty the yard soon became famous for their range of production motor-yachts. Ramparts continued until the early 1980’s as one of the last South Coast yards to be still building wooden boats. The Rampart 48 with its elegant and stylish lines and generous well finished accommodation is a highly successful medium displacement vessel of traditional construction with great sea-keeping qualities proven over many years service in both UK and foreign waters. With provision for 6/7 persons the design is ideal for extended cruising, exploring the Dutch or French waterways or for permanently living aboard.
‘First Sterling’ was built for Mr R L Tillett of Guildford a member of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club who kept her on a mooring in the Beaulieu River. In 1960 he sold ‘First Sterling’ to Leonard Carver. In 1963, being a member of The Royal Motor Yacht Club Leonard moved the vessel to Poole. In 1970 the executors of the Carver Estate sold ‘First Sterling’ to Robert & Doris Freeman of Parkstone. A few years later they sold the vessel to the Mr & Mrs D Smallwood of Wolverhampton who moved ‘First Sterling’ up to moorings at the Severn Motor Yacht Club near Worcester. In the 1980’s Mr & Mrs Hatchett of Droitwich Spa became the vessels fifth owners, they cruised extensively on the Severn navigation and in the Bristol Channel. During the 1990’s ‘First Sterling’ spent some time in France before returning under the present ownership to the South Coast once more.
Carvel mahogany planked hull, copper fastened to steam bent rock elm timbers. Long straight keel, round bilges, slightly raked straight stem, transom stern, sheathed decks, painted mahogany superstructure.
Re-furbished under the present ownership and maintained in excellent cosmetic condition throughout. The light and spacious accommodation finished in an attractive Art Deco period style making this a very pleasant vessel for living aboard or Mediterranean cruising.
Spacious saloon with upholstered settee berths, built in drawers and lockers with deco style handles, original moonstone bulkhead lights, sideboard and double doors leading to spacious aft cockpit with full all-weather canopy, locker seats, grating sole and access to stern lazarette. Access from the saloon leads to the full width galley with built-in Hille Range three burner gas cooker and oven, Electrolux fridge, Ranni gas fired water heater and stainless-steel sink unit. Range of pantry and crockery lockers. Steps up to centre wheelhouse with upholstered seating and dinette to starboard, helm to port with hydraulic steering and auto pilot, morse engine controls, Raytheon radar/scan, Garmin GPS 72, Vision 07G, Sestrel clock and matching barometer, engraved ships bell, chart table and locker, sliding side deck doors. Steps down to lobby with doors leading off to heads compartment with marine wc. Separate washroom with space for shower if required. Generous open-plan fore cabin with full size double bed, built-in chest of drawers and lockers. Skylight.
Twin Perkins 65hp diesel engines. Four new batteries. 240 volt and 12 volt systems.
Brokers Comments:
A well maintained and lovingly cared for Rampart 48 conveniently located on the South Coast for cruising to France and the Med. Classic Yacht Brokerage have known the vessel for twenty-five years or more and would recommend an early inspection to those buyers seeking a desirable post-war classic motor-yacht. Recent exterior re-paint making this an extremely smart example.
Viewing: By prior appointment through the brokers
Guide Price: Sold
Lying: Afloat, South Coast
