1910 Ernest Woods River Cruiser Project

• Wood carvel construction
• Larch on oak
• Purchased as workshop project in 2015 and substantially restored 2015-2017 and since, including:
  • 11 x new larch planks
  • Several new frames and floor timbers
  • New bronze keel bolts
  • New stainless steel stemhead fitting
  • New 4mm marine ply and fibreglass decks, over-painted in colour to match original lino
  • Hull repainted
  • Exterior brightwork re-varnished with long lasting Coelan
  • Interior and bilges repainted/re-varnished
• Lifting cabin roof (new canvas side panels by Jeckells, included but not fitted)
• Wintered ashore annually 2017-2021, afloat winter 2021/22
• Generally moored in wet shed during season since 2017

• No engine fitted or included in sale

• Gaff rig
• Wood mast/spars (new boom April 1999, new gaff July 2002)
• Mast/spars believed serviceable but will require inspection and re-varnishing
• Mainsail with integral topsail
• Self tacking jib
• Sails believed to be in good serviceable condition
• Traditional wood blocks
• No lead counterweights included in sale

• Interior currently stripped out
• Previous interior panels, drawers, etc. in mahogany and pine all re-varnished/repainted in preparation for refitting
• Previously configured as 3 single berths (one extending under foredeck to port) plus space for chemical toilet (not included in sale)
• Good sized cockpit with lockers, one of which previously housed the vessel’s stove (not included in sale)
• Full lifting cabin top with new canvas side panels (Jeckells, not yet fitted)
• Headroom with the cabin top raised approximately 6ft (aft) sloping down to approximately 4ft 6in (forward)

• All-over cover (requires repair/new zip)
• Cockpit tent
• Pair of awning rails
• Quant pole
• 2 x paddles
• Mast crutch
• Clock and barometer
• 12V auto bilge pump
• 12V battery
• Mudweight
• Various mooring warps
• Various fenders
• History folder

Originally built in 1910 by Ernest Woods at Cantley, “Beetle” (previously known as “Elf” and sister to “Honey”) was once a much loved vessel (and in fact, was offered for sale by us back in 2002 as such) before falling on hard times. She was – thankfully – rescued by the current owner from a fate that we don’t mention out loud (!) and has subsequently been the subject of a substantial professional structural restoration totalling some 700 hours and with works completed including 11 new larch planks, some new frames and floor bearers, new bronze keel bolts, new decks and the stripping out and re-varnishing of the interior bulkheads and fittings. What remains to be done is the refitting of the interior, new upholstery, re-rigging, new auxiliary motor (either an outboard or perhaps the installation of an environmentally-friendly electric propulsion system) and cosmetic finishing. With regret the vendor acknowledges that he’s unlikely to find sufficient time to complete the restoration, nor is he likely to get sufficient future use from “Beetle” to justify further expenditure, and satisfied in the knowledge that he has helped to save this little piece of Broadland history for future generations, he is now looking for a new custodian to complete the refit and to get “Beetle” out sailing again!

With the hard structural work done, this project offers a great opportunity for someone to complete a restoration which, for the most part, is within the capabilities of someone with good DIY skills and lots of enthusiasm!

A good new home is sought for this Edwardian Broads yacht and all sensible offers will be considered.

Please note: This vessel is at present exempt from the Boat Safety Scheme (having no systems installed currently that fall under the scope of the scheme). The vendor is selling in the
course of business and is registered for VAT.

MOORING: It’s understood that a mooring may be available for this vessel if required (southern Broads).

Video: Launching Beetle (2017)