Our Boats
Our Flagship - Bernadette II - 2 + 2 Berth
30ft of classic Bates Star Craft.
Built in 1952, at the time cost the same price as two semi-detached houses!
Says a lot – good design, quality materials and fittings, handmade by craftsmen.
She initially was part of the ‘Bates’ hire fleet, how long she was engaged as such, is not known, but she has obviously passed through a number of private hands since then!
However, she has been well maintained throughout the years, with modifications along the way.
As you can see, we have now done away with the canvas at the rear of the boat, and replaced it with a solid wooden roof – gives her the feel of a lot more space!
To bring her in line with current BSS standards, we paid attention to many areas, entirely replacing the saloon windows, additional water tanks, a 1000w inverter, a new fridge, and additional worktop space and storage in the galley.
Bernadette has a new engine, relocated to mid ships from the cockpit, so more maintainable, and a new combined control. A new bow thruster has been fitted instead of the jet thruster that she had previously.
We have also fitted a new cooker and sink in the galley. New mattresses have been fitted to the forward cabin and memory foam toppers are available for the saloon berths.
Central heating has been fitted, with radiators in the forward berth, head and saloon.
On board:
- Shore power – 240v, USB sockets
- Shower, flush toilet, wash basin, bathroom cabinet
- Gas oven & hob
- Full set of cooking utensils, crockery and cookware, toaster, kettle, cafetiere,glasses
- T Towels, washing up liquid and wash-ups
- Tea, Coffee and Sugar. essential spices if you like to cook!
- Sauces – ie: Heinz tomato & brown, chilli, Lee & Perrins, mustard, soy, mayonnaise….
- Hair Dryer
- Bedding, towels and pillows
- Cleaning materials
- Buoyancy jackets
- Picnic chairs and table
- Mooring stakes and hammer
- Board Games – a selection of DVD’s are available
- We also include a TV with internal DVD and a Stereo DAB radio
Rubette (aka Ruby) 2 Berth 28 ft x 9ft - Wooden - Hand built from mid hull upwards, by Jeff.
She is a well travelled boat! She was moored on the Medway, then we brought her up to Benson, probably about 12 years ago now? Kept her at Benson for 3 or 4 years, then took her back down to Kent, then across to France. After a year or two there, we cruised her to Holland. Eventually, via Belgium, she came home.!
A 2 berth boat, with half cockpit and half living space. A new bow thruster has been fitted, and she has been repainted and varnished. Rubette has a diesel hob in the galley, with plenty of cupboard space, and a decent size head. A practical and comfy boat.
Everything provided as with Bernadette ll,
Mistral - Day boat / Overnighter / Fishing boat
16ft Wooden Clinker – Norman Dallimore was commissioned by the Yachting Monthly, back in the 1950’s, to design a sailer / motor / fishing vessel. Mistral is the result! She is a day boat, but can also be used as an overnighter. The side seats can have pieces added to make single berths. We have had cushions made to double as ‘mattresses’ to sleep 2 people. The inboard engine has been boxed in, and a stainless steel plate added to the top to put a single burner camping gas hob on. There is a cool box, kettle and covered multi functional pan provided, as are plates, cutlery, mugs and a folding washing up bowl! For use as an ‘overnighter’ she also has small porta loo. There is a tent type cover for sleeping on board.
Lovely little boat that can take you to places bigger boats won’t go, and you will see the river from a different perspective!