Verity

PRICE: £87,500
James Taylor of Chertsey
Verity

James Taylor of Chertsey
1906
42ft
Diesel
8ft

An exceptional historical gentleman's launch, Verity was built in 1906 by James Taylor of Chertsey (later of the Taylor Bates partnership). She is certainly one of the oldest motor launches on the River Thames according to Bill Rose. Her first owner was Dame Nellie Melba who may have intended to give it to the Prince of Wales. At a soiree on her lawns at Marlow she walked his Royal Highness down to the river where he is said to have been delighted with the boat until he spoted the French Renault engine under the engine hatch !. Subsequently Meakes of Marlow stored the boat where she was lifted into the rafters during WW 1 in order to make space for more pressing boat construction. I 1922 Neville Chamberlain, then Prime Minister, bought her and called her "Limply Stoke" of Pangbourne. After a less salubrious period during the sixties on the Basingstoke canal she was bought by the Turk family in 1979. 10 years later the Austin engine was removed and a 1925 BMC 6 cylinder engine was installed. Although still available for a new owner if required, she now runs on a Perkins D50 hp diesel.

Verity is constructed of mahogany on oak with teak covering boards and teak cabin superstructures. She has teak and mahogany laid decks with interior panelling, doors, bulkheads and windoes. There is a charming original toilet basin in copper and brass with a porcelain interior and a spring swing flap. The interior porcelain is decorated with painted blue flowers.

She has lovely deep blue velvet buttoned cushions, new curtains and a forward canopy. There is plenty of space both in the cabin and the cockpit for entertaining 12 people. On the starboard side there is a small galley opposite the heads and leading to a cosy aft cockpit.

For full protection and winter storage there is a full length cover in two parts.

Current BSS certificate and EA licence until December 2007.

Who will take on the honour of owning this fascinating boat for the next decades of her history ? If you might be interested and would like to see some more photos or to organise a viewing, please call us on 01491 578870.

This text is protected by copyright.
Unauthorised use is illegal.