HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:
Rocador was built in 1966 to a traditional narrow-beam design for use on the inland waterways of England and Wales. Dobsons Boatbuilders, established in 1887 have a good reputation for building quality craft and Rocador is of carvel planked mahogany, copper fastened to steamed and sawn oak frames. She has a slightly raked straight stem, transom stern and hard chine bilges with a long keel configuration. Steel strap floors.The shallow draught of less than 2ft allows use on the extensive canal network and smaller rivers.
Rocador was purchased at the Olympia London Boat Show in 1966 and named after the new owners Majorca holiday hotel. During the first season she cruised throughout the River Thames, River Stort, River Soar and canal network of the Midlands to Llangollen. At the 1967 Inland Waterways Association Rally in Leicester Rocador’s owners were awarded the John Player Challenge Trophy for the best commercially built vessel under 30ft.
In 1973 Rocador was sold and moved to the River Wey near Weybridge where in new ownership she remained through the 1980’s before being moved to Broxbourne on the River Lee for nine years. In the early 1990’s the original Morris Vedette petrol engine was replaced with the current 30hp Perkins diesel. In 2005 Rocador was sold and moved to the River Thames. The current owner purchased the vessel in September 2012 after commissioning a full survey report. The intention was to use Rocador as a liveaboard on the Grand Union in London. Plans have now changed and after some re-fitting work the vessel is being offered for sale.
Traditional accommodation with varnished mahogany joinery and white enamel paintwork.
Twin berth foreward cabin.
Heads compartment with chemical wc. Vanitory unit with inset basin and lockers below.
Centre Cockpit with helm to port. Folding canopy.
Aft cabin with port side dinette converts to a double berth.
Galley with fitted sink, gas cooker and lockers.
30hp Perkins 3 cylinder diesel, shaft driven three blade propeller. Calorifier providing domestic hot water supplies. 240 volt shore-power system. Vented gas bottle locker.
BROKERS NOTE:
A characterful, classic 1960’s canal and river cruiser offering comfortable accommodation with the benefit of a modern diesel. Offered at an exceptionally low price for a quick sale. Great Central London liveaboard.
Lying: London
Viewing: Through the brokers
Guide: SOLD