Our Boats
Our flagship - Bernadette II - 2 +2 berth
30ft of classic Bates Star Craft.
Built in 1952, at the time cost the same price as two semi-detached houses!
Says a lot – good design, quality materials and fittings, handmade by craftsmen.
She initially was part of the ‘Bates’ hire fleet, how long she was engaged as such, is not known, but she has obviously passed through a number of private hands since then!
However, she has been well maintained throughout the years, with modifications along the way.
To bring her in line with current BSS standards, we paid attention to many areas, entirely replacing the saloon windows, additional water tanks, a 1000w inverter, a new fridge, and additional worktop space and storage in the galley.
Bernadette has a new engine, relocated to mid ships from the cockpit, so more maintainable, and a new combined control. A new bow thruster has been fitted instead of the jet thruster that she had previously.
We have also fitted a new cooker and sink in the galley. New mattresses have been fitted to the forward cabin and memory foam toppers are available for the saloon berths.
Central heating has been fitted, with radiators in the forward berth, head and saloon.
On board:
- Shore power – 240v, USB sockets
- Shower, flush toilet, wash basin, bathroom cabinet
- Gas oven & hob
- Full set of cooking utensils, crockery and cookware, toaster, kettle, cafetiere,glasses
- T Towels, washing up liquid and wash-ups
- Tea, Coffee and Sugar. essential spices if you like to cook!
- Sauces – ie: Heinz tomato & brown, chilli, Lee & Perrins, mustard, soy, mayonnaise….
- Hair Dryer
- Bedding, towels and pillows
- Cleaning materials
- Buoyancy jackets
- Picnic chairs and table
- Mooring stakes and hammer
- Board Games – a selection of DVD’s are available
- We also include a TV with internal DVD and a Stereo DAB radio
Claudette lV
A Johnsons 30. Built in 1965
Claudette is now a seasoned member of the ‘fleet’.
Designed by Arnott Fowler, who was well known for many boat designs of the time, at various Norfolk yards.
A lot of the work has gone into her, and the results are just how we wanted her to be. We have managed to keep most of the mahogany interior, but painted the ceiling white to give her a light and airy feel – the oak beams have been kept too. She is painted and varnished inside and out. She has had a bow thruster fitted and there are new appliances, alongside existing features, and warm air heating. Claudette has everything on board that Bernadette has. Claudette has a ‘forward helm’ position, and the roof of the saloon goes back leaving the saloon completely open. Jeff has fitted a mechanism that makes it really easy to retract. Claudette is proving to be a very popular addition!
Everything provided as with Bernadette ll.
Rubette (aka Ruby) 2 Berth 28 ft x 9ft - Wooden - Hand built from mid hull upwards, by Jeff.
She is a well travelled boat! She was moored on the Medway, then we brought her up to Benson, probably about 8/9 years ago now? Kept her at Benson for 3 or 4 years, then took her back down to Kent, then across to France. After a year or two there, we cruised her to Holland. Eventually, via Belguim, she came home.! Again, a 2 berth boat, with half cockpit and half living space. A new bow thruster has been fitted, and she has been repainted and varnished. Now at Benson and a popular member of the fleet.
Everything provided as with Bernadette ll.
Henriette (aka Moorhen) Refurb finished and available for hire!
A 22ft classic wooden (mahogany) cruiser built in 1948 – one of only 6 built in Norfolk by Moore & Sons. Named Moorhen initially, she still has her original name plate on board. Small but with plenty of room aboard, very well thought out.
Henriette sleeps 2. We have fitted a new engine, new floors, new cooker, bow thruster and new fridge. Refurbished head – adding shower and new loo.
A lovely classic little cruiser. Everything you need in a 22ft space. She has good headroom, so even if 6ft and a bit, you will be fine! If a boat could have ‘ambience’ she has it!
Mistral - Day boat / Overnighter / Fishing boat
16ft Wooden Clinker – Norman Dallimore was commissioned by the Yachting Monthly, back in the 1950’s, to design a sailer/motor fishing vessel. Mistral is the result!
She has been kitted out as a day boat / overnighter. The side seats can have pieces added to make single berths. We have had cushions made to double as ‘mattresses’ to sleep 2 people.
The inboard engine has been boxed in, and a stainless steel plate added to the top to put a single burner camping gas hob on. There is a cool box, kettle and covered multi functional pan provided, as are plates, cutlery, mugs and a folding washing up bowl! For use as an ‘overnighter’ she also has small porta loo. There is a tent type cover for sleeping on board.
Lovely little boat that can take you to places bigger boats won’t go, and you will see the river from a different perspective!