Historic Victorian steam launch
This stunning and unique varnished teak steam launch was built at the turn of the 20th century by a well known Thames boatbuilders. She is perfect for entertaining with an absolute 'wow' factor or This is one of the best remaining examples of the builder’s craft and will certainly impress.
This is one of the best remaining examples of the builder's craft which has enjoyed the benefit of a wealthy and indulgent owner in recent years. He has entertained on her both privately and for luxury charter. The operating VAT registered company can be purchased with the boat at no extra cost for a prospective buyer who might wish to operate the boat commercially and thereby qualify for retrieving the VAT included in the purchase price. Windsor Belle comes with a full inventory of galley essentials to complement the style of the boat.
Beginning from the stern there is an excellent catering facility in the aft well just forward of the counter stern and with easy access to the saloon area. In my mind this saloon could be fitted out for a client with easy chairs and casual tables, rather like a gentleman's club. Off the saloon are two identical heads with decorated porcelain bowls. Moving forward up a few steps and into the main area of the boat you come to the boiler and engine room where the stoker and engineer work below. The engine room combines the magnificent steam equipment with a modern electrical system for lighting, fridges etc. A detailed specification is available for the steam enthusiast. As with all steam boats there is a plentiful supply of hot water into the patented copper urn in the galley which has a plate mentioning that the fabricators have a royal patent as suppliers of such items to Queen Victoria.
The great thing about Windsor Belle is her various different entertaining areas including the large area around the funnel which is always toasty and a few steps then take you to the forward area of the boat where guests can sit out of the wind to enjoy the views. A second outdoor viewing area sits above the saloon reminiscent of the famous Victorian and Edwardian scenes of ladies and gentlemen under a fringed awning dining on the top deck of regatta houseboats lining the banks at Henley on Thames. Indeed in more modern times Windsor Belle takes pride of place on the moorings for the Henley Festival of Music and the Arts.
Essential information for the steam boating enthusiast is that the steam plant is a coal fired 3 drum Yarrow type boiler built in 2007 which takes just an hour to steam pu and sues about 25 kgs of coal per hour. The boiler drives a Sissons triple expansion engine built in 1986 by Langley Engineering. The operation is simple enough for the boat to be operated by two people. The boiler had its ten year rebuild in 2021 and is sold with a current MCA licence.
The vessel is not suitable for the tidal Thames but would suit a lake or river environment similar to the Upper Thames.
Disclaimer
