36ft Broads Cruiser, (Cabin Cruiser, Project Boat, Wooden Boat)

Local Buyers only please... I am selling my beloved Herbert Woods Broads cruiser. She is 36 feet long and has six full size berths with surprising headroom in the main cabin and plenty of cupboard and wardrobe space throughout. Accommodation comprises a cabin at the bow with a pair of 6'6 berths. Behind that is the galley and separate bathroom followed by a large main saloon whose two bench chairs convert into wide 6'6 berths. Steps up into the wheelhouse and there are steps down to a further large cabin at the stern which has a separate toilet and washbasin.

The wheelhouse itself has a pretty unique mechanism where the wheelhouse sides can be made to drop into the body of the boat allowing the wheelhouse roof to slide onto runners on the rear cabin. The wheelhouse sides can then drop all the way down into the engine compartment so that they disappear completely. This boat has been with me for 26 years and has undergone extensive restoration in that time. But due to work and other commitments I find that I no longer have the time to continue the work. All those years ago I began by ensuring the hull was sound and then moved on to the Topsides.

The cabin sides and wheelhouse sills were rebuilt using the last Brazilian Mahogany available in the UK. This was a huge undertaking over a couple of years and I have photos of most stages. The engine was rebuilt into a replacement block and converted for indirect cooling which allows hot water to be generated for galley and shower/bath. (Yes...a bath!) The boat also has blown air gas central heating. More recently the cabin roofs were repaired, all soft timber was removed and the T&G and any beams I replaced were faithfully copied.

The wheelhouse roof was completely rebuilt to the original design and all were coated with a glassfibre mesh which is painted and has the same appearance as traditional canvas. The decks were repaired and I again removed any soft timber and sealed the surface with a product called 'Altro' (used in swimming pool flooring) which has been very sucessful. I had begun paint stripping and cabinet work in the interior and was planning to varnish throughout, but then a change of lifestyle (and expensive divorce settlement) got in the way! I now find that through other commitments I do not have the same amount of time to spend on the boat. My work now keeps me busy in the summer and the boat is in need of someone else's love.

I have not attempted to spruce up the boat so that any buyer can see exactly what condition she is in... nothing is hidden. The topsides should still be in good condition... roof, cabin sides and deck were most recently worked on and should simply be in need of some paint and varnish. The hull topsides have not been painted for about 5 years and have a few areas of cosmetic damage from the sun and other river users. There is some re planking and rib replacement needed around and below the waterline hence the low price. Also one short floor beam needs replacement which will be simple when the boat is out of the water.

This is an ideal project for someone who can put the boat on the hard and do his own planking. I am really hoping to find a fellow enthusiast who will be able to complete my work. Prospective value had I completed the project was quoted at around £20,000 by the last boatbuilder to work on her. However I am told that her fully restored sister boat is for sale in Norfolk at £100,000. Registered at Lloyds in 1930 I attach photos of the original brochure so you can see the original internal layout.

The forward toilet is now a shower area with a mini bath, otherwise the layout is similar to the brocure's plan. I have added some photos shot around 2005 which show the wheelhouse in its hidden position. These photos were taken after the first phase of restoration with original cabin woodwork varnished up. Lots of extra rubbing strakes etc as I was dead scared of scraping the new paintwork! These photos, clearly labelled 'Approx 2005' must not be taken as indication of her present condition, but do show how she will look with some TLC.

The slipway photos show the shape of the submerged hull. Typical Herbert Woods design rising to an almost flat bottomed stern. The boat creates very little wash as a result and is extremely manoeuvrable. The Brochure claims that she can turn almost in her own length and this is true, using the paddle wheel effect the boat will rotate at her centre point and I have turned her in the narrowest of channels. There are more photos of my part of the restoration and the present interior which can be emailed to you.

Now, many will have seen this boat sell within hours a few weeks ago. The reason that she appears back on classifieds board is that local boatyards on the Thames will no longer crane wooden boats out, they will only lift glassfibre or steel. My buyer needed to transport her by road and sadly this was not possible as a result. Bidding must be limited to those that live on the Thames or a tributary where the boat can travel to her new home by water. Maybe a boatyard further away will be prepared to use a crane but in all fairness to an old wooden boat she should be drawn out by trolley.

I will not accept bids unless a plan for moving the boat is in place and prospective buyers should contact me and view before bidding. No blind bidding please! I am freelance and there are times where I cannot immediately answer questions, please be patient with me, I will get all questions answered. I will help with preparations to move the boat and some of this work can be done on my mooring. But I really need the boat to move on before Autumn sets in, otherwise it will be like having an ex girlfriend living next door!

The engine starts and seems to run well and I will give her an oil change before the sale. Please bear in mind that the boat has hardly moved in years and no guarantee is offered or implied regarding the engine, gearbox or other mechanical gear. Likewise the full condition of the hull is not known or guaranteed. The boat is well known in my area and has been advertised locally so I reserve the right to close the auction if an independent buyer appears. I will try to answer questions as they come along without displaying your messages; * Draft approx.

2 feet 6 inches * Air Draft estimated at 6 feet 8 inches, water to top of metal mast mounting remembering that the wheelhouse and windscreen are designed to disappear. * Not interested in a swap! I have owned this boat for almost half my life and need to be boat free for a while before I perhaps get something smaller. * Original light fittings are in place. Modern wiring and switches.

* Yes 240V sockets in main cabins fed from RCD and shoreline. * Space for 3 large batteries under wheelhouse floor. Wired so that any battery can feed lighting and fridge or start engine. Again this lovely old Boat is priced with with the cost of repairs in mind. Please call me on phone if you would like to view or need further information.

The boat is moored on the Thames in West London.