1927 21ft Thames Launch Project

• Wood carvel construction
• Original builder unknown
• Owned by same family since new!
• Previously professionally maintained/serviced by Banhams of Cambridge and Honor Marine, Totnes, Devon
• Last afloat approximately 1970
• Dry stored since

• James (Petter) Universal petrol inboard engine (last ran approximately 1970)

• Launching trolley (condition unknown)

Barn find!!! This Thames Launch requires full restoration, having last been afloat and in commission some 50 years ago and having been owned by the same family throughout her nearly 100 year life! She appears to be a very worthwhile project and will undoubtedly be a very attractive launch once renovated.

A little history… Regretfully the original builder of this launch is unknown. She was commissioned as a pre-wedding gift to the owner’s late father-in-law (a WWI veteran) by his then fiancée, and it’s understood that Sir Henry Segrave (British racing driver and land speed and water speed record holder) commissioned a second launch to be built to the same design. She was kept afloat in a boathouse on the Little Ouse at Brandon, Suffolk for many years. During the early 1950’s there was a great deal of flooding locally on the Great Ouse and subsequently a flood control scheme was put in place which resulted in a fall in the water level in the boathouse. Unfortunately a consequence of this was that the launch thereafter sat for much of her time in soft mud with her waterline exposed at times which sadly lead to the development of rot there. The launch was eventually transported by rail to Devon where Honnor Marine (then at Totnes) proceeded to sheath the hull in fibreglass in an effort to resolve the problem. This sheathing is now deteriorating and peeling off in places, but the owner isn’t aware of any other areas of rot in the hull (although absolutely no guarantee is given and prospective buyers are encouraged to make a thorough inspection of the vessel themselves). The engine casing has at some point been damaged (the owner doesn’t know when or how) and the condition of the petrol engine is unknown (although the owner recalls that the bores had very little wear back in the 50’s and the launch has been little used since). The launch was clearly a much-loved and cherished vessel and the owner fondly recalls how her varnishwork used to positively gleam, reflecting the face of the onlooker! It’s with regret that she is now looking for a new lease of life and custodian due to the passing of time.

Viewings of this special launch are welcomed and offers are invited. Lying near River Dart.

DELIVERY: The trailer pictured is NOT included in the sale, but it is understood that UK delivery could be arranged if required and subject to negotiation.