The Boy John
FOR SALE
Gentleman’s Launch by Jack Powles
The Boy John is a well crafted, 20 foot long, 6 foot beam, gentleman’s launch which, after research by the respected river boat historian Neil Garside of Wargrave, is believed to have been constructed by the Broads based Jack Powles yard at Wroxham in the late 1940’s.
The launch was the subject of an extensive 600 hour restoration during 2005/2006 before being acquired by the present owner. The Boy John has been overwintered in dry storage and fettled by Henwood & Dean of Hambleden in 2006, 2007 and 2008. During dry storage over the winter of 2009-10, the owner has undertaken a thorough six coat hull repaint and other maintenance work including rebuilding the front windscreen to an open slipper launch style. The launch has been freshly anti-fouled each spring and is ready to slip for 2011.
The hull is painted to the waterline in dark Britannia Blue and is set off by an ivory cove line with varnished mahogany stem and transom. The “strawberries and cream” varnished deck in alternate maple and mahogany planking is supported on new oak bearers installed during the restoration. Chrome deck fittings include navigation lights, air vents, Ensign mount and cleats. The interior of the cockpit is dark varnished mahogany with a cream painted, anti-slip, marine ply floor.
The Boy John is powered by an economical, 1.5 litre, marinised BMC diesel with a Borg-Warner transmission. G-Mech, marine engineers of Henley , have serviced the engine and cooling system each autumn and spring for the past 5 years. A new Jabsco water cooling pump was fitted in 2010. The engine compartment has an automatic fire extinguisher.
The launch was professionally rewired during its restoration and has a battery cut-off key for safety and security. A full set of black on white instruments was installed in a new dashboard together with an automatic electric bilge pump. The cockpit has discreet lighting fitted for evening trips and a concealed FM radio and CD player with speakers.
A full-width upholstered bench lies across the rear of the cockpit which, with a pair of Lloyd Loom style chairs forward, provides comfortable seating for four/five. Small folding canvas seats can accommodate two more passengers. A three-quarter length, lightweight, roll-up canvas hood was made by Carters of Caversham in June 2010. It provides shelter during rain or from intense sunshine, and the sand colour complements the launch nicely.
The launch inventory includes boathook, anchor, safety throw line, two fire extinguishers, numerous fenders, assorted mooring lines, folding paddle, flagstaff and Red Ensign.
The Boy John has a Boat Safety Certificate issued in April 2010 valid for 4 years, and an Environment Agency Thames licence will be provided for 2011.
The launch is ready to cruise immediately and notable forthcoming Thames based events include the Henley Royal Regatta, Her Majesty’s Swan Upping, the Henley Music and Arts Festival, the Beale Park Boat Show, the Traditional Boat Rally, the Rewind Festival, and the Henley Town Regatta.
The Boy John is currently ashore near Henley-on-Thames for easy viewing.
£17,500 o.n.o.
Telephone: 07933 773055 E-mail: rgw@usa.com
Photographs: http://tiny.cc/trxwm
