Wooden Motor Launch Boat for Sale

• Price: £12,345
• Location: Salcombe
• Year: 1950
• LOA: 17'0" (5.18m)
• Colour: white
• Beam: 6' 7'' (2.00m)
• Berths: 0
• Keel: Long keel
• ID no.: 171677

• Heating: Na
• Engine Make: Beta
• Horsepower: 10hp
• Drive Type:
• Fuel Type: Diesel

Broker Remarks

Petrel is a charming 17ft traditional clinker-built wooden motor launch with long-standing local history in and around Salcombe. She presents as a classic West Country style launch with attractive sheer, Varnished brightwork and an inboard diesel.

This is a genuine restoration project with a clearly identified scope of works — an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable wooden boat enthusiast seeking a rewarding rebuild.

She is offered for sale strictly as seen.

Priced to reflect project status and open to sensible offers.

Overview

• Length Overall: Approx. 17ft
• Construction: Clinker-built wooden hull
• Engine: 10hp Beta inboard diesel
• Steering: Tiller
• Cover: Full overall cover (very good condition)

Construction & Condition

Petrel is of traditional lapstrake (clinker) construction, fastened in the conventional manner. Inspection has identified the following works required:

• Removal of mahogany capping to access hull timbers
• Removal and replacement of broken timbers
• Installation of new steam-bent oak timbers, copper fastened with nails and roves
• Renewal of split planking in multiple areas (approx. 10 metres across five planks)
• Repair to port forward stringer
• Replacement of mahogany capping

As with all traditionally planked wooden vessels, annual maintenance and pre-season hull rehydration are necessary to prevent shrinkage and seam movement.

Recommended (Non-Essential) Improvements

• Renewal of keel band and keel bolts
• Replacement of foredeck ply and mahogany coaming
• Installation of additional floors to enhance hull stiffness

This clearly defined scope provides a structured roadmap for restoration.

Machinery

Fitted with a 10hp Beta inboard diesel engine.
The engine ran when last afloat; however, its current mechanical condition is unknown.

A full inspection and comprehensive service are strongly recommended. Engine removal and refit should be budgeted for as part of the restoration programme.

Cosmetics

• Exterior varnish requires complete stripping and refinishing (recommend six coats to brightwork)
• Topsides to be prepared and finished in gloss
• Interior to be prepared and painted
• Interior brightwork to be re-varnished
• Sole boards to be painted
• Interior to be fully reinstated following structural works 

Summary

Petrel represents a classic small motor launch with genuine character and local provenance. While professional restoration costs would exceed commercial return, she offers an outstanding opportunity for:

• Wooden boat enthusiasts
• Skilled hobbyists
• Owners with workshop facilities
• Those seeking a manageable, traditionally constructed restoration project 

Disclaimer

This vessel is offered as a restoration project and is sold strictly as seen. No warranties or guarantees are given or implied in respect of hull, machinery or equipment.

Petrel is a charming 17ft traditional clinker-built wooden motor launch with long-standing local history in and around Salcombe. She presents as a classic West Country style launch with attractive sheer, Varnished brightwork and an inboard diesel.

This is a genuine restoration project with a clearly identified scope of works — an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable wooden boat enthusiast seeking a rewarding rebuild.

She is offered for sale strictly as seen.

Accommodation

Mechanical and Rigging

Inventory