1909 Edwardian Day Launch

CONSTRUCTION: Archangel redwood on oak with teak superstructure

YEAR: 1909

DIMENSIONS: LOA 32′ 0″ (9.8m), BEAM 7′ 0″ (2.1m), DRAFT 2′ 7″ (0.8m)

COLOUR: White hull with varnished superstructure

INTERIOR: Steering position forward, plus large day cabin, separate toilet compartment and aft sitting out area

ENGINE: 32 hp Beta diesel (new 1998, and very little used)

EQUIPMENT: Internal: The vessel has a fixed canopy which covers both the forward section and the stern section. The steering position is forward, with full engine controls – plus soundproofed engine box – being located centrally. Going aft, there is a large day-cabin with upholstered settee (understood to convert into a double berth if required) to starboard and a range of cupboards and drawers to port. Amongst other things, this includes a small galley facility with a small, portable cooker. Going aft again, there is a large sitting out area – sheltered by the aforementioned canopy – off which is located the toilet compartment. This has a Portapotti chemical toilet. External: The vessel has oil-powered brass running lights and roll down canvas curtains all round.

It is worth recording that special attention was paid, when the diesel engine was ordered, to the question of noise and vibration (engine to run well within its capacity, engine mounts to be flexible, constant velocity joint aft of gearbox so as to allow maximum movement of the engine on it’s A/V mounts, thrust bearing at head of shaft so as to ensure propeller thrust not transmitted to engine mounts, engine box to be heavily sound-insulated above, round and below, specially designed air intake plenum chamber to minimise noise, careful routing of the exhaust system, new propeller designed to absorb engine power and generate minimum noise, etc., etc.): it’s a quiet boat!

REMARKS: We understand the boat has been professionally maintained for some 50 years during which time she has become extremely well known – and much admired – on the Norfolk Broads. As a result, she has not only appeared on television, but was also used to convey Royalty during a visit to Norwich. She exudes character throughout and is in pristine condition with beautiful paint and varnish-work, lots of highly polished brass (some of it cast especially for this boat) and copper, and period upholstery. Details of her history are known.

OUR OPINION: Princess Margaret is quite unlike anything we have handled before. She is a boat that is intended for entertaining rather than serious cruising and one can see that she is superbly well designed for this purpose. As such, she is probably unique.