1930’s Broads Half Decker

• Wood carvel construction
• White hull with grey antifouling below water line
• Built c. 1930’s
• Builder and designer unknown
• Undergone full and recent restoration 2019-2024. Recent works include:
  • Deck ply and covering replaced
  • Rudder removed and repaired by agricultural engineering firm
  • Keel bolts replaced (stainless steel with upper and internal retaining bolts)
  • All seams re-caulked and made good
  • Full repaint and re-varnish
• Currently ashore (on a cradle, undercover)  and will remain so until sold

• No engine included in sale

• Gaff rig
• Timber mast/spars & bowsprit (all sound and recently re-varnished)
• Mainsail (gaff) and jib in good condition (dry bagged, year and manufacturer unknown)
• All standing rigging and running rigging in good condition

• Open boat with seating to either side and storage under the fore and aft decks

• High & low mast/boom crutches
• Rhond anchor
• Various fenders
• Various mooring warps
• Bilge pump (manual, not fitted)

This attractive classic Broads Half decker has just finished undergoing restoration and is now fully refreshed and ready to go back on the water.

Thistle is believed to have been built for one of the Norfolk Broads hire yards in the 1930’s and was bought by the current owner in 1972. At the time she required extensive renovation, with planks and ribs replaced, and repairs to the decking and wooden superstructure.

Throughout the 1970’s  she was moored, raced and sailed at Coldham Hall on the Yare before coming out of the water in 1979 and being barn stored under cover for 40 years until undergoing a second restoration from 2019-2024.

Her latest restoration has included replacing her deck ply and covering, rudder removal and repair including keel bolts, all seams re-caulked and made good before a full repaint and re-varnish making her stand out as the beautiful classic she is.

After all the works, she is now sadly for sale owing to the age of the owner and is looking for a new home where she can be enjoyed and kept in the manner to which she has become accustomed.

Please note:

She is a non-class vessel and is exempt from the Boat Safety Scheme.

The vessel does not come with a trailer – however, the Vendor is willing to deliver both the vessel and cradle within the Norfolk Broads free of charge.

The photos have been supplied by the Vendor and taken in summer 2025. The picture of her afloat is from the 1970’s following her previous restoration.