Snipe
On the open market for the first time in nearly 20 years Snipe with her distinctive shape, varnished teak hull and spacious interior is ideal for entertaining. The forward cockpit is open to the elements and neatly furnished with new striped cushions while the interior has its original leather cushions, galley area with large fridge, copious storage and a capacious head on the starboard side.
Snipe travels silently thanks to her electric system aided by a large generator below the forward deck. More details to follow shortly. Currently moored on the Thames for viewing after a revarnish in winter 2022/23.
Having spoken to Rupert Latham who refurbished the boat in the early two thousands he reminded me that Snipe was deployed on the French canals in WWI with the important job of transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals. The letters W and D are clearly engraved on the transom with an upended arrow between the two letters. History indeed.
This is what I wrote when the boat was last on the market :
Snipe is a handsome 40ft river or lake launch with a large cabin and was built circa 1900 of carvel teak planking on oak timbers. She features a straight oak stem, round bilge bottom and wine glass transom . Her decks are varnished teak to match the hull and cabin sides. The aft cockpit seats four while the cabin itself has ample seating capacity as well as a free standing varnished table with cutlery drawer. The galley area and a separate toilet compartment are situated at the aft end of the cabin. The forward cockpit seats eight comfortably alongside the helm position. A generator is situated under the forward deck. The hull is carvel constructed with teak planks copper clenched and roved to 1 1/2 x 3/4" steam bent oak timbers.Above the waterline the seams between the planks have been splined with teak and epoxy glued. Below the waterline the seams are caulked and puttied. The cabin structure is manufactured with iroko sides with oak beams supporting softwood tongue and grooved cabin roof planks. The tongue and grooved roof is covered with 2 layers of 4 mm marine grade plywood epoxy glued and the outer convered with epoxy and scrim. It is understood that the hull structure was subject to major restoration work between 1984 and 1987 and is all in sound condition. Subsequently the boat has a professional major refit completed in 2002 when the 6 kw 72volt propulsion unit was fitted with a 320 amp hour battery pack, a high frequency battery charger and a Panda 6000 diesel generator. The installation complies with IEE regulations and the Boat Safey Scheme. There is a 240volt water heater and a toilet with holding tank.
A regular visitor to Henley Royal Regatta and to the ensuing Music and Arts Festival Snipe has been a much loved Thames based launch.
