Houseboat 43ft

Discover the charm and history of this unique houseboat!

Constructed with durable steel and featuring a coach roof and superstructure constructed from heavy-gauge box-section steel tubes and clad in bespoke fibreglass panels. A superior and much more costly construction method than many others.

The previous owner invested many hundreds of hours carrying out a full restoration of the vessel in 2012 and 2013. He replated the entire lower hull during this period and completely refitted the interior, and the current owners purchased the vessel in 2014.

Five years ago, she was removed from the water and sandblasted underneath and repainted. Then she had her upper superstructure extensively remodelled again to incorporate the rear entrance vestibule with a walk-in door and more double-glazed windows. The outside was skinned in an all-new bespoke fibreglass cladding and marine plywood / GRP flat roof. The interior was also refitted with new plywood panelling. She was also thoroughly insulated throughout with Celotex foam boards, with a total spend cost of nearly £15k. There are numerous photos available to prospective buyers detailing the various stages of this construction.

While the boat's history remains a little unclear, the previous owner believes she was a military boat, possibly used during the Normandy landings for transporting troops and cargo. Some documents support her military origins, and the hull design suggests she was built for speed. As for her exact age, there is no supporting evidence, but there is evidence to show her engines were new in 1940, so an estimate of the year she was built is 1939.

Now transformed into a tranquil houseboat, all original steering gear, engine, and associated components have been removed, with the hull outlets plated over and welded. This vessel is a blank canvas, ready for you to customise to your style and taste. The media work on the listing showcases its excellent internal condition. The exterior needs some maintenance and cleaning.

She benefits from plumbing and electrics fitted throughout. The galley has abundant storage space and under-counter space for white goods with a washing machine already installed. The bathroom/heads benefit from having a macerator toilet plumbed in and a full-size corner shower unit. The forward cabin is very spacious, again with lots of storage space, and the converted anchor chain locker provides yet further storage space.

The windows on this houseboat are all double-glazed UPVC windows. There are a few of the window panes which will need replacing as the seal between the two panes of glass has failed and condensation is now trapped between them.

The hull appears to be in overall good condition, but there are some areas where rust is beginning to show through her paintwork and will need some attention.

Currently, the boat is moored on land in a boatyard and permanently connected to mains water and electricity, with access to amenities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. The current owner has been reassured by the marina management that this liveaboard dry mooring where the boat is currently located is transferable to the new owner, subject to the marina's standard vetting process.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable piece of history, ready for a new chapter in its journey!

These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.