Take a moment to pause and imagine life on board, surrounded by the countryside and river - it could be bliss! Especially as this boat could come with her own riverside berthing, complete with lawn and large flower bed, by separate negotiation.
This Richard Dunston Work Boat is believed to have been built for the Ministry of Defence and based at Portsmouth naval dockyard and used to ferry Royal Navy staff around the harbour and bases located there until 2003, when she was apparently sold to a dive company and converted to a dive vessel until she fell into private hands in 2018.
Now she has been converted to attractive and comfortable accommodation . Her forward accommodation consists of a large area, now used as a laundry, with its own en suite composting toilet - this was previously a kitchen, then a bedroom - the equipment has been removed, leaving behind the washing machine and lots of storage space.
Her bridge is pretty much as it always has been, with lots of vintage touches and great views over the locale.
In her after accommodation, you'll find a really well appointed and large saloon, kitchen, toilet and bedroom - the decor has been really thought about and it really feels like a nice and cosy place to be - of note is the feeling of sturdiness and strength throughout the whole boat. Her last survey, in 2020, attested to her hull thickness being not far off what it was designed to be at build.
Down below, we have a large engine room, with a working V8 Dorman diesel and lots of other associated plant. Two other compartments also house her steering gear, plus more storage.
Investment so far includes a central heating system, a refitted kitchen, a full 24V electric system with inverter and solar panels - her owners say that they live off grid during the summer, with generator use for an hour or two day over winter.
All in all, she feels like a very good conversion from industrial to private use, whilst actually retaining her potential ability to either work, or continue as a moveable boat.
Subject to agreement with the vendors, you may be able to keep her where she is and rent her privately for £600 pcm, or purchase her AND the mooring for £125,000.
These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.
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This Richard Dunstan Workboats RMAS Waterbus (Snub Nose) Class has been personally photographed and viewed by Tim Kingston of Boatshed Eastbourne.
