1927 Gentleman's Cabin/Saloon Launch - £5,950

Status : SOLD

Lying : Norfolk Broads - Viewing strictly by appointment through Topsail

(Please scroll down to the 'Images' section below for more photos.)

General Specification

Builder : Leo Robinson
LOA : 9.14m (30ft 0in)
Beam : 2.64m (8ft 8in)

Construction

• Wood carvel construction
• Teak topsides
• Partially renovated
• Approximately 2,000 ft new planking
• Many new ribs
• New gunnel one side
• New rudder
• Last afloat 2017

Mechanical & Electrical

• No engine included in sale
• Previously fitted with a Morris Navigator side valve petrol inboard (no longer available)

Accommodation

• 4 large single berths in 2 cabins
• Teak interior previously stripped and re-finished with International Woodskin
• Galley
• Separate heads compartment
• Opening windows in saloon and aft cabin (similar to old railway carriage windows, dropping into a box and being held up by leather straps)

Remarks

Purchased by the current owners as a project, and now for sale due to their relocation, this is a Broads motor cruiser with a lot of history! Believed to have been the longest serving - from 1927 to 1978 - hire boat on the Norfolk Broads, "Romany" was originally built alongside Norfolk pleasure wherry "Ardea" and as a consequence she has many wherry-like features and, somewhat unusually for a Leo Robinson boat, topsides built in teak - thought to be from donor wood from Ardea's build! She proved immensely popular in hire, and hence her longevity within the fleet, with a dedicated following hiring her for multiple holidays, including the celebrated photographer Francis Frith and glimpses of Romany can be seen in many of his local photographs. With much of the required structural works already having been professionally completed, this is a wonderful opportunity for someone with the required skills, time and desire to finish her renovation, the result being not only a beautiful cabin launch, but also an all but unique piece of Broadland boating history.

Due to their relocation, the vendors now seek a new custodian to complete their sympathetic renovation of Romany and to get her back in the water and in commission. Offers will be considered.

PLEASE NOTE: Photos 2-36 show the vessel in April 2019. Photos 3-48 (last 12) show the vessel approximately 3 years ago.