1950 Bemister Aries Class Half Decker & Trailer - £2,500

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 : H.S. Bemister Ltd. of Christchurch, Hampshire
LOA : 4.27m (14ft 0in)
Beam : 1.8m (5ft 11in)
Keel : Centreboard

Construction

• Wood clinker construction
• Exact year of build unknown
• Mahogany clinker planking, seats and cockpit coamings
• Transom hung rudder
• Lifting (centreboard) keel
• Last afloat 2020

Rigging & Sails

• Fractional Bermuda Sloop rig
• Wood mast/spars
• All required standing and running (believed complete)
• Mainsail
• Jib
• Sail area 13.3 sqm

Mechanical & Electrical

• 1.5hp Stuart Turner inboard petrol engine
• Manual (hand) start
• Forward and reverse gears

Equipment

• Boat Safety Scheme certificate to 2024
• Snipe single axle road trailer
• Manual bilge pump
• Overall cover (good condition)

Remarks

A great option if you're looking for an all-purpose vessel for some family fun afloat this summer! Suited to both coastal and inland use, this classic half decker, understood to be an Aries class, was built in Chichester, Hampshire, in the 1950s and was purchased by the current owner on the east coast a couple of years ago. She was afloat and in commission (on the Broads and without her rig - motor launch style) in 2020, and is now offered for sale due to lack of time and space. She requires a repair to the deck (new covering, believed sound under) and a repaint of her hull, ideally both pre launching, but temporary repairs could be accomplished, thereby enabling almost immediate recommissioning for this season, postponing the works to next winter. Offering lots of scope for use as either a motor launch, tender or sailing boat, she's a pretty little craft which will quickly become part of the family! As will I'm sure her vintage inboard engine, a 1.5hp Stuart Turner (ah, fond memories...!) which with it's classic appearance and near-cult following, compliments this little half decker perfectly!

The Aries class of half deckers were originally built by H.S. Bemister for Christchurch Sailing Club. Designed with a broad beam and full hull form for high initial stability, and enabling one to walk around the side decks when moored, and to work on the foredeck in safety, they proved themselves to be good little sea boats, sailing well and relatively fast (capable of 5 knots) for their size. With a lifting centreboard keel, they are well suited to the shallow rivers of our east coast and the Norfolk Broads.The vendor sadly isn't a sailor, and so the condition of the sails and rig are unconfirmed at present, but they are included in the sale.

The sale also includes a good Snipe trailer, enabling storage, repairs and maintenance to be carried out at home if space and DIY skills allow.