1937 Hornby of Wallasey Motor Sailer Boat for Sale in Henley on Thames
Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdomon the market since 19 days
Price on request
HS
Henley Sales and Charter
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About
Boat OverviewLavinia B is a vintage motor sailing vessel with a rich history. The current owners have conducted extensive research into her past.Specifications
Year Built: 1937
Hull Number: 408
Construction: Pitch pine on oak
Historical BackgroundInitially, there was hope for Lavinia B to qualify for the prestigious ADLS for Dunkirk Little Ships. She spent most of her early life in Suffolk and Essex before moving to Shotley Point to avoid the blitz. During this time, she was used for aircraft spotting 5 to 10 miles offshore, reporting to Clacton Observer Corps.In the mid-1960s, a plywood box was added to increase headroom in the forward cabin. A sympathetic restoration has since removed this addition, reinstating the foredeck along with the original tabernacle, mast, spars, and rigging. A suit of sails is included in the sale, allowing her to be used for sailing once again.Ownership HistoryThe boat was built for Olive Blanch Lavinia Gilbey, wife of Vincent Gilbey, a member of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club. The original Certificate of British Registry (Blue Book) shows that Olive owned the boat for 21 years before selling it in 1959 to Ivan Gammage. Ivan sold it in 1966 to David Polley, who retained it for only one month before transferring ownership to Peter Benham. Peter kept the boat for 3 years before passing it on in 1969. The Blue Book ends here, and registration lapsed. Lavinia B remained in the Shotley area until 1990, changing hands several times, including owners John Halls, Pat Spalding, Sean Rae, John Bolton, Maria Stripe, and Vernon North.Restoration ProcessDavid's initial plan was to enlist help for the restoration. After some delays, he partnered with Trevor, leading to significant progress. They focused on returning the boat to its original configuration, using as much of the original pine timbers as possible. The hull was strengthened with new oak ribs, while the original planking remained sound. The cockpit was extended by moving the midships bulkhead forward, allowing for more seating while maintaining 6ft berths. The Victory Blake toilet was restored and located under the forepeak, along with the chain locker. The original forward beam was retained, while other beams were replaced and reinforced with marine ply.
Engine DetailsThe original engine (Brooke Marine) was missing, prompting the search for a small, economical marine engine. A new Kubota diesel engine (662cc, 3-cylinder) was found and marinised early in the project. The engine features a raw water pump connected to the cooling water circulation pump drive pulley, with a small heat exchanger for efficient cooling. Additional components included a flywheel housing cover, drive plate, and a second-hand gearbox.Awards and RecognitionThe restoration was carefully documented, with photographic and descriptive text available for interested parties. Lavinia B earned runner-up rosettes at this year’s Thames Traditional Boat Festival in two restoration classes: The Freebody Trophy for best amateur restoration The Bill Gardham Trophy for restoration of all motor cruisers
Both awards were won, losing only to the overall winner of ‘best in show’.Viewing InformationFor those interested in experiencing Lavinia B, appointments can be made to view her on the Thames near Chertsey, under her canvas winter cover and gleaming in the winter sunshine.
This 1937 Hornby of Wallasey Motor Sailer is listed for sale in Henley on Thames, Berkshire, England. With a 22ft layout and used condition, this boat is suited to buyers looking for power options in this location. View full details, photos and specifications for reference RB502836 on Rightboat.
Year Built: 1937
Hull Number: 408
Construction: Pitch pine on oak
Historical BackgroundInitially, there was hope for Lavinia B to qualify for the prestigious ADLS for Dunkirk Little Ships. She spent most of her early life in Suffolk and Essex before moving to Shotley Point to avoid the blitz. During this time, she was used for aircraft spotting 5 to 10 miles offshore, reporting to Clacton Observer Corps.In the mid-1960s, a plywood box was added to increase headroom in the forward cabin. A sympathetic restoration has since removed this addition, reinstating the foredeck along with the original tabernacle, mast, spars, and rigging. A suit of sails is included in the sale, allowing her to be used for sailing once again.Ownership HistoryThe boat was built for Olive Blanch Lavinia Gilbey, wife of Vincent Gilbey, a member of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club. The original Certificate of British Registry (Blue Book) shows that Olive owned the boat for 21 years before selling it in 1959 to Ivan Gammage. Ivan sold it in 1966 to David Polley, who retained it for only one month before transferring ownership to Peter Benham. Peter kept the boat for 3 years before passing it on in 1969. The Blue Book ends here, and registration lapsed. Lavinia B remained in the Shotley area until 1990, changing hands several times, including owners John Halls, Pat Spalding, Sean Rae, John Bolton, Maria Stripe, and Vernon North.Restoration ProcessDavid's initial plan was to enlist help for the restoration. After some delays, he partnered with Trevor, leading to significant progress. They focused on returning the boat to its original configuration, using as much of the original pine timbers as possible. The hull was strengthened with new oak ribs, while the original planking remained sound. The cockpit was extended by moving the midships bulkhead forward, allowing for more seating while maintaining 6ft berths. The Victory Blake toilet was restored and located under the forepeak, along with the chain locker. The original forward beam was retained, while other beams were replaced and reinforced with marine ply.
Engine DetailsThe original engine (Brooke Marine) was missing, prompting the search for a small, economical marine engine. A new Kubota diesel engine (662cc, 3-cylinder) was found and marinised early in the project. The engine features a raw water pump connected to the cooling water circulation pump drive pulley, with a small heat exchanger for efficient cooling. Additional components included a flywheel housing cover, drive plate, and a second-hand gearbox.Awards and RecognitionThe restoration was carefully documented, with photographic and descriptive text available for interested parties. Lavinia B earned runner-up rosettes at this year’s Thames Traditional Boat Festival in two restoration classes: The Freebody Trophy for best amateur restoration The Bill Gardham Trophy for restoration of all motor cruisers
Both awards were won, losing only to the overall winner of ‘best in show’.Viewing InformationFor those interested in experiencing Lavinia B, appointments can be made to view her on the Thames near Chertsey, under her canvas winter cover and gleaming in the winter sunshine.
This 1937 Hornby of Wallasey Motor Sailer is listed for sale in Henley on Thames, Berkshire, England. With a 22ft layout and used condition, this boat is suited to buyers looking for power options in this location. View full details, photos and specifications for reference RB502836 on Rightboat.
