28’ Classic Wooden Motor Cruiser Liveaboard Project, Boat, Yacht Etc...

For sale is my beloved boat ‘Hesperus’ an ongoing project now looking for a new and enthusiastic owner. I purchased him in 2010 and spent several happy years living on board, but fast forward a decade I’m now married, with a mortgage and a baby, and the ongoing restoration has simply ground to a halt, and realistically I know it’s time to say good bye... The hull dates from the 1950’s and was built by Harry Feltham in Old Portsmouth probably as an open workboat, before being converted into its current form in the 1990’s with the addition of the swept deck, and plywood coachroof and wheelhouse. The hull is traditionally built mahogany clinker planking on steamed oak frames, with solid oak keel and backbone. It was in a sorry state when I purchased him, having been neglected by the previous owner, including sinking twice! But with a lot of tlc I brought him back to life.
However a short planned lift-out in 2013 for a few essential repairs has turned into an 8 year one, as gradually I realised a full restoration was needed. I have done a lot of work already including epoxy sheathing the entire deck and superstructure, with new cappings, toe rails and hatch surrounds. I’ve made new hatches, shot blasted and primed all the windows, and am currently in the process of rebuilding the keelson and other planking repairs. However there is still a lot of work to do... This is a very versatile boat, measuring 28 feet long with a 9 feet wide beam and shallow draft of 2 feet 6 inches. It has a large central wheelhouse, v-berth with galley and heads down below with plenty of head space inside, and large open cockpit at the back, so made the perfect Liveaboard.
It has beautiful lines and with effort could be made into the fine gentlemen’s motor cruiser he once was. I have collected over the years many period bronze fittings, which will be included in the sale, but it will new need a new propulsion system, electrics, plumbing, and a lot of paint! Any potential buyer would also either need a knowledge of wooden boats, or willing to pay for the expertise of someone else. The boat is currently ashore in Emsworth, Hampshire and sheeted up for the winter, with storage fees paid until the spring. The marina is happy for any new owner to continue storing the boat, it’s also a very beautiful part of the world!
If you fancy a challenge and think Hesperus could be the boat for you don’t hesitate to contact me at email for more information and photos, many thanks...