1970 Classic 22' Varnished Motor Launch

Wooden Ships Comments on this 22′ Varnished Motor Launch

Built for a local doctor by a cabinet maker and kept on the River Dart its entire life. Launched in 1970, she was used regularly for river cruising and coastal fishing trips until the Doctor retired and handed her to the Sea Scouts. She changed hands twice since then and had a refit which included replacing the old Stuart Turner with a modern Beta diesel.

The present owner bought a large trailer for her and launches each time he uses the boat, the rest of the time she is kept ashore in a shed and is well protected.

This is a very eye-catching and unusual boat with a good turn of speed. She also has a water tight deck giving her a self draining cockpit which is a big advantage.

An elegant hull shape makes her easily driven, plus she slips along at a gentle cruising speed of 5 knots with virtually no wake, a big advantage when used on rivers and lakes.

• Length Overall: 22′
• Beam: 6’3″
• Draft: 2’4″
• Towing weight: Approx. 2 tons

• Strip plank mahogany planking all edge glued on widely spaced oak timbers. Gloss varnish finish.
• Laminated keel. Large grown knees for extra strength.
• Solid mahogany transom.
• Varnished transom hung mahogany rudder with tiller steering.

• Varnished sapele laid foredeck over plywood subdeck. Wide side decks in solid mahogany, an aft deck and a foredeck giving covered storage forward. Foredeck recently replaced.
• The weather deck is water tight and built just above the water line in order to make the boat self draining, an interesting and unusual feature in a boat of this type.
• Varnished mahogany engine box in the middle of the boat with a similar smaller box aft of this creating a storage locker.

• Beta Marine 13hp 2cyl diesel installed new in 2001. Single lever control of a mechanical gearbox to a centreline stainless shaft and a 3 blade bronze propeller with a high pitch.
• Engine refitted with head skimmed, new gaskets and a full service in 2024.

• Stainless fuel tank under the aft deck with a water separator fuel filter.

• Single 12v battery new in 2024.

• Double axle galvanised road trailer
• Fenders
• Warps
• Boat hook
• Ratchet tie down straps