20ft clinker motor launch up for sale

Boatbuilder Nick Smith is selling this 20ft motor launch, Bamboo Viper, which he built for himself in 2004, on eBay.

Nick served a four-year traditional boatbuilding apprenticeship at Edgar Cove Ltd, Salcombe, Devon, 1976 to 1980, and has been building and restoring wooden boats ever since. He says his boats all show a distinctive Salcombe influence.

The boat is in top condition, as he has spent six weeks refurbishing her earlier this year, including taking the engine out. She’s been on his mooring at Christchurch for the last two months, with the cover on, when not in use.

She is fitted with a 15 hp Yanmar 2YM twin diesel inboard, and the price includes a purpose built galvanised and braked road trailer.

An outstanding new build from traditional boat builder Nick Smith

Introducing… boat builder Nick Smith’s latest head-turning build, Isla, a motor launch with a strikingly harmonious cuddy.

For comparison, some of these shots also show the 16ft Mona Louise, which came out of the workshop back in July.

Next time you find yourself saying ‘they don’t make ’em like that anymore’ – well, some do. Thanks for the photos fella!

Contact Salcombe-trained Nick via his website.

Nick Smith motor launch Mona Louise emerges glistening into the light

The pretty 16ft West Country-style motor launch Mona Louise has emerged from Salcombe-trained traditional boat builder Nick Smith’s workshop.

Intheboatshed.net has been following her progress  as she’s been built over the past few weeks.

He hasn’t got much more to say just now – after 1088 man-hours working on one boat and especially all that varnishing I’d guess he’s likely been near speechless for the last couple of daysHowever, Mona Louise will be on show at Wooden Boatbuilders Trade Association stand at the the Southampton International Boat Show, and no doubt he will be very pleased to talk with anyone interested in discussing the boat.