Herbert Woods Delight Class for sale in Stalham United Kingdom

Boat Overview

Huge price reduction

This classic Herbert Woods Delight class boat is an incredible example of restoration. It is one of the most stunning restorations I have ever seen.

Survey Information

A full pre-purchase survey was conducted in October for the current owner, which was nearly faultless. This survey is available to the new owner.

Ownership History

This impeccable boat has been cared for by her previous owners' family for 19 years before being sold to the current owners last year. The current owner has not used the boat since purchasing it and will no longer have the opportunity to do so, allowing me the privilege of re-selling her. She is one of only 12 ever made by Herbert Woods, one of the oldest boat builders on the Broads.

Construction and Restoration

Built between 1930 and 1933, the previous family owners believed the actual date to be 1933. This remarkable vessel has survived WW2 and has undergone a complete multi-year restoration by Colin Buttifant of Swallowtail Boatyard in Ludham, being re-launched in 2005 with a new Nanni diesel engine.

Condition

This boat is presented in an exhibition-quality state. It is impossible to believe that she was not built last year, as she is totally unmarked and impossible to fault. The wood gleams with warmth and attention to detail that only a professional boat builder can provide. This level of workmanship is rarely found in boats today.

Usage and Maintenance

The previous family owners used her regularly on the Broads and always kept her under cover in a wet boatshed. I brought the boat to her current location and conducted one training trip with the current owner, which is all she has done in that year. She remains moored under cover in a boatshed.

No expense has been spared to maintain her incredible condition, which is evident everywhere, including under the floors and the inner hull.

Unique Features

This boat is the best and most evocative example of a classic wooden Broads cruiser of this type and size. If you dream of taking to the river to recapture the bygone heyday of British boating, this is your opportunity to acquire a genuine standout vessel of her generation. She draws crowds wherever she goes, admired by passers-by as a true object of beauty and desire.

Technical Details

• Class: Herbert Woods Delight
• Hull: XI
• Built: Between 1930 and 1933
• Restoration: Fully restored by Colin Buttifant, Swallowtail Boatyard, Norfolk
• Berths: 3 (2 parallel bunks in the rear cabin, 1 in the forward cabin)
• Galley: Equipped with hot and cold water via a stainless steel sink, gas cooker with oven, grill, and 2 rings
• Heating: Both cabins have heating
• Last Antifouled: Winter 2019

Mechanical & Electrical

• Engine: 29HP Nanni 3-100HE diesel inboard engine - 2005, last serviced 2017
• Plumbing and gas systems: Renewed 2005, new Par Max 2.9 water pressure pump 2016
• Bilge pump: 12V auto bilge pump new 2019
• Heating: Webasto cabin heating - 2005
• Lighting: Traditional 12V cabin and cockpit lights - 2005
• Batteries: New 90ah platinum starting battery - 2020, new 110ah platinum domestic battery - 2020
• Filters: Oil and fuel filters replaced 2019

Sale Information

The previous family owners sold the boat due to bereavement, and the current owner intended to use her, but those plans never materialized. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a quality historic vessel.

This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire such a stunning vessel, and she is sure to sell to the first viewer as there is nothing not to like.

She has a current valid Boat Safety Certificate to 24/03/2025.

These boat details are subject to contract.

Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

Register with Boatshed to see 110 extra photos of this Herbert Woods Delight Class.

This Herbert Woods Delight Class has been personally photographed and viewed by Stephen Biggs of Boatshed Norfolk.