Derek Castle rescued cleaned up and varbished this 1920s or 1930s 14ft two-man skiff made by Skentlebury’s complete with copper stamp and serial number – he found it being used as a floating tool box and paint container in a corner of a workshop.
Derek has promised some photos of the boat on the water when the weather improves!
She’s larch on oak with a keel that has been adapted with a half-inch round brass bar for taking the beach – the narrow bar helps to make her easier to drag.
Two components that haven’t been restored are the line-controlled rudder and the reclining back rest.
‘We spent along time cleaning her out – some restoration work had been carried out prior to this point, but she had never been tidied up! Once I had her home many hours were spent rubbing her down and applying 10 coats of Le Tokinois varnish.
‘Since then she has spent some time doing a little light fishing on the Tamar. During these times I was pleasantly surprised by the number of boat owners who passed favourable comments… These days boats like this tend to stand out as being just that little bit different, and have a character that modern boats just don’t have.’
Derek’s reason for getting in touch is that he’s now selling the boat and wonders what he should be asking for. Can anyone advise please?
She could, of course, come along to the Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally between 27th and 30th July 2012.
Could you put me in touch please?
This from my wife Julie’s Skentlebury source:
‘The varnish on this boat is pretty so the price might stretch to £1500.’
Gavin Atkin