1947 Ex-US Navy Motor Whaleboat Mk1 (Project)

• Wood carvel construction
• Cedar on oak, copper nail fastened
• Believed to be a US Navy Motor Whaleboat Mk1 reportedly built by Kelly Boatworks, Charleston, South Carolina c. 1947
• Double ended design
• Transom hung rudder
• Aft cockpit
• Air draft approximately 1.98m (6ft 6in)
• Wheelhouse/cockpit cabin extended and re-clad in marine ply
• New toughened glass in wheelhouse

• No Engine
• Shaft drive and propeller remain in situ
• Wheel steering

• 2 berths in 1 cabin (can be re-instated)

• New roll up side windows and removeable stern covers (New 2023, OK Smart covers, Stalham)
• Single bowroller
• Pulpit rail

Ideally suiting a DIY boat builder or similar looking for a winter project.
Fully stripped back with many planks already replaced, the bulk of the hard work has already been done although some re-planking remains above the waterline.
Appropriate wood has already been sourced and is available with the sale and with her being fully stripped back it’s easy to see what work remains, providing a blank canvas for restoration.
Her stem has been replaced and her wheelhouse cabin extended with the windows now being all new toughened glass. She further benefits from brand new (2023) smart covers enclosing the rest of the cabin meaning her interior stays fully dry along with anyone working on her on a wet day!

Built for the US Navy, this craft was of classic design and built with high quality materials and workmanship. She was originally built as an open boat probably by Kelly Boatworks in Charlston, South Carolina circa 1947. The Naval Historical Center in Washington estimates about 26,000 of these boats were built in wood between 1927 and the late 50’s, when a GRP version was introduced. Less than 100 survive today, mostly in museums and almost exclusively in the US.She was later restored by a boatbuilding charity in Plymouth as a charity boat taking children on day trips before being converted to a weekend cruiser in the 1980’s with the addition of a cabin.

With her unusual and attractive double ended design, and with a potentially interesting history warranting further research, this is certainly a worthy project for someone with the required skills and time. Currently lying ashore and available for inspection.