Jonik
Now on the pontoon at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Jonik is a 24ft (7.3m) motor launch built in Fowey in 1934 by Percy Clemens. He used silver spruce and teak to build her, and his craftsmanship is said to have been excellent – it’s sobering to think that he worked without either power tools or electric light.
Perhaps even more amazingly, Jonik is the Museum’s only historic boat in use that is fitted with an inboard engine – though the original Thorneycroft Handybilly petrol engine is now in the Science Museum in London.
Jonik was used by original owner John King for family pleasure trips on the River Fowey and was donated to the Museum in 2001 by the grandson, Richard King, who also donated £5,000 for her restoration. Cornish boat builder, Maurice Hunkin restored the boat to her former glory.
Arguably one of the most beautiful boats in the museum collection, Jonik takes to the water every spring and summer for the season. She is actively used by the Museum, and can often be seen during special events, such as taking guests out on race days during Henry Lloyd Falmouth Week.