HERO – a Victorian electric launch with skipper Exquisite Restoration of Unique electric launchHERO is an exceptional Victorian electric launch. She was built by Andrews of Maidenhead in 1898 and is one of the finest and very few surviving electric Thames launches of the Victorian era. In the twentieth century, then fitted with a steam plant, the boat appeared in The Onedin Line and King Edward VII television series.The 34ft (10.36m) hull is carvel constructed of teak on oak frames with mahogany decks. She is once again powered by electricity and has over the last few years been fully and meticulously restored to original condition by Classic Boatworks in Norfolk and must be one of the most beautiful renovations this boatbuilding team has completed to date. The proprietor of Classic Boatworks, Rupert Latham, is an expert in electric propulsion and therefore the right person to be involved in the rebuild of such an historic boat. Indeed Hero is featured in the late Edward Hawthorne’s book, ‘Electric Boats on the Thames’.
The 4kW direct drive motor and deep cycle gel batteries are housed under the cockpit floor providing ample and comfortable seating for up to 10 passengers.There is an awning in off white designed to keep off sun or rain. The seating consists of an aft seat made of mahogany with a cane seat back, 1 x Lloyd Loom chair for helm, 2 more Lloyd Loom chairs forward of the helm position and all round bench seat forward for 4 + passengers.Please ring us at 01491 578870 to inquire about prices for charter. The boat is ideally suited to luxury wedding transport in Marlow or Henley on Thames. Call us about special packages for Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival of Music and the Arts.DetailsCategories: ChartersLuxury BoatSkippered charterSpecial EventsWeddings Location: Henley on Thames, Medmenham, Hurley and Marlow Passengers: 8-10 plus skipper Rates: Call the office Options: Skippered charter only - Henley Royal Regatta and Music Festival Builder: Andrews of Maidenhead Year of build: 1898 Length: 35ft Beam: 5ft 8in Propulsion
Dimensions: Length: 23 ft. (6.7m) Beam: 6 ft. (1.7m) Built by Will Hide, in 2012 at the Lyme Regis Boatbuilding Academy with an epoxy coated hull and Sapele deck. She has a Lynch Axial motor powered by two switched sets of four 12volt Trojan 115aH batteries. This gives her 6-8 hours cruising at about 5kph. Included in the sale is a full length cover, canopy, fenders and two Lloyd Loom chairs. A trailer is also included but should be considered a yard trailer. It has not been used on the road for three years and at very least needs new tyres and the brakes overhauled. She is available to view at The Thames Boathouse. Mobile: 07768 133 366 As you can see from the photographs I am a rather good looking lady, some say exceptional for my age. In 1960 I was given a petrol engine but in 2008, whilst being fully restored (see below), a new electric propulsion system was installed. At present I am located near Sonning on Thames and normally afloat for 3-4 months each year with covered dry winter storage.
Provenance: Built 1910 by Bonds of Maidenhead, only 3 owners. Construction : Mahogany on oak frames, planking below the waterline mainly oak Passenger capacity 6 Adults Seating configuation: Central seating can face inwards or towards bow and stern Power: 48V, 180Ah system with 12v lighting, instrumentation and peripherals Motor: Ametek 4.5 kw Controller: Curtis, Model No.1244 Batteries: 8 x 6v, PC185 supplied by Powercell, new in 2014 On Board Charger: HFK 48v 30A supplied by Powercell, new in 2014 Trailer: 4 new tyres in 2014
Upholstery: Blue, new in 2012 Boat Cover: Supported on hoops and extends to the waterline to protect the varnish Documentation: Full documentation of all propulsion components is available In 2008 the hull was completely overhauled - stripping to bare wood inside and out and then recaulked, followed by a full painting system below the waterline. The rudder plate and stern gear were sand blasted; a new keel band was installed together with a new propeller and shaft. The flooring configuration was replaced throughout in reclaimed Douglas Fir. Above the waterline the hull was completely hand scraped to remove sun damage due to bleaching and finished with an Epifanes 8 coat high gloss varnishing system with 5 coats inside. In 2012 the external hull received a further 6 coats of Epifanes High Gloss varnish. There are numerous photographs of the boat and restoration project available.
HAIDA was built in 1994 by PJS boats, 18ft x 5ft. Cedar strip, sheathed exterior, mahogany veneer planking interior, mahogany / bevelled glass engine cover. Converted to electric in 2010 using a 48 volt 1.5 KW SEM motor & 200 amp/hour deep cycle batteries, on-board 20 amp charger & Victron battery monitor. [Always dry stored on axle stands when not in use and battery charge maintained] Full history in EBA news summer 2011 and Water Craft magazine Nov/Dec 2011. The boat comes with full inventory, new road / mooring cover, canopy as shown above, boat safety certificate from June 2015. Twin axle trailer, overhauled professionally in Sept. 2014. [New sealed wheel bearings and AL-KO damped brake coupling fitted]. Seats 4 in luxury around table, length 28 ft beam 8ft draft 12 ins Nav lights, fridge, bilge pump, pop up flush mooring cleats, complete with all lines and fenders 4 Lloyd loom type chairs and teak table Cruises at 4 mph for 10 hours on a charge 4kw combi electric outboard
24 x 2 volt batteries approx 500amphours capacity Complete with weather cover on stainless frame and clear Windows and launching trailer not road legal and top weather cover Built new in 2004, stored unused until 2013, new batteries fitted and light use for 3 summers winter dry storage Construction 6mm marine ply and hardwood frames On board charger just plug in to domestic supply Great condition you will not be disappointed this boat is great fun! Located near Huntingdon Cambs, could arrange trial on river Ouse prior to purchase Why not stay at Hide Cottage? Quiet riverside holiday in the 3000-acre Upper Thurne Nature Reserve on the Norfolk Broads. Classic solar powered electric boat boat for hire or bring your own and moor at the cottage with external power and slipway available. Turn your unwanted items into cash. EBA Members Ads cost just £10 for the first month (additional months: 1x month £5.00, 2x months £7.50, 3x months £10.00)