Wooden Ships Comments on this Percy Mitchell Motor Launch
Built by Percy Mitchell of Mevagissey although the year of her build is not known. Bought by the present shipwright owner in a poor state and rebuilt to her current gleaming condition. First launched after the rebuild in 2022.
Using historical photos of other Mitchell boats, the topsides were raised forward to increase the internal volume, and a complete new wheelhouse built.
Wooden Ships Comments on this Percy Mitchell Motor Launch
Built by Percy Mitchell of Mevagissey although the year of her build is not known. Bought by the present shipwright owner in a poor state and rebuilt to her current gleaming condition. First launched after the rebuild in 2022.
Using historical photos of other Mitchell boats, the topsides were raised forward to increase the internal volume, and a complete new wheelhouse built. A new Vets 33hp diesel engine was fitted with all new systems and wiring.
The hull needed some plank and frame repairs but was generally fairly sound.
This launch has been finished to a very high standard and is perhaps the ideal family boat for summers afloat. Her large aft cockpit is very spacious and safe with good lockers and seating. The wheelhouse provides excellent shelter and very well proportioned so looks incredibly elegant. The accommodation forward comprises a compact double berth, heads compartment and galley, enough for weekends aboard but also a warm dry space if the weather turns while afloat. The galley has a gas stove, sink and a fridge to keep the beers cold.
She has a brand new Vetus 33hp diesel providing smooth reliable power, this boat is capable of coastal passages and can cruise happily at 6 knots.
An absolutely stunning and elegant motor launch in superb condition, thoroughly refitted to a professional standard and ready for next summer.
She comes with a twin axle road trailer and using a suitable vehicle, can be towed on the road making for easy and cost effective winter storage.
Length on Deck 26’
Beam 9’
Draft 2’6”
Construction
Carvel planked in mahogany all copper rivet fastened to steam bent Canadian Rock Elm timbers.
Some new shifts of planking in the topsides using larch.
Oak back bone with an external galvanised steel keel shoe, newly fitted.
Oak floors across the centreline.
New raised topside planking in oak with bronze portholes.
Foredeck in straight laid teak epoxy glued over a marine plywood subdeck. The ply was sheathed with epoxy glass cloth and the teak glued over the top to ensure no water ingress into the ply.
Varnished oak covering board and a centreline teak forehatch.
Oak Sampson post on the foredeck with bronze fairleads and bow roller.
Open backed wheelhouse made in solid varnished oak with large glass windows. Sheathed plywood wheelhouse roof with grab rails and solar panels.
Aok Sampson post either side at the aft end of the wheelhouse serves as a midships mooring point.
Large aft cockpit with a varnished oak capping rail all round, scrubbed larch sole boards and a laid teak aft deck. Large storage lockers either side double as comfortable thwarts.
Large bronze cleats and bronze fairleads on the aft deck.
Engine box in solid varnished oak with a teak lid. Protected inside with sound and heat insulation.
Helm position to port with a locker/thwart to starboard inside the wheelhouse.
Centreline door into the forward accommodation
Transom hung balanced rudder with new hangings. The bottom pintle is held by the aft end of the galvanised keel shoe.
Machinery
Vetus M435A602A 33hp 4 cyl diesel installed new in 2022 with minimal hours.
Mechanical gearbox with stainless shaft to a centreline fixed 3 blade bronze propeller gives 6 knots cruising speed.
90 litre stainless steel fuel tank under the aft deck with a water separator filter.
3 x 12 volt batteries of 115ah, 102ah and 100ah for engine starting and domestics. Charged from the engine alternator or from the 2 x 100 watt solar panels.
12 volt switch panel hidden under an oak panel by the wheel.
Teleflex steering system.
110 litre plastic water tank.
Accommodation
Sitting headroom under the foredeck, joinery fitted out in varnished oak with larch sole boards.
Compact double berth to port with varnished oak T&G front. Varnished oak shelf outboard.
Galley to starboard with a single stainless sink, 2 burner gas stove with oven and grill and a 12 volt Isotherm fridge under the counter. Varnished oak joinery with various lockers.
Varnished oak door on the centreline into the forepeak heads compartment. Jabsco manual sea toilet discharges directly overboard. Copper hand basin to port with pressurised cold water.
