Thursday 10 June 2010

River Bank Boats at Beale Park

GRP rowing skiffs tend to be big, heavy and tub-like because they are usually designed as hire boats, but the new 16ft skiff from River Bank Boats on display at Beale Park is slim and elegant. The hull shape was copied from a 1936 original, updated with flotation fore and aft, and it is nicely finished in hardwoods. It cries out to be rowed by a chap wearing flannels and a boater, steered by a gel under a parasol. At £2800 plus VAT it is not particularly expensive given all that varnish.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Chris, I'm sure you must have the blazer, boater and parasol.... what about the gel?

Steve S

Chris Partridge said...

Volunteers please form an orderly queue....

Anonymous said...

looks not dissimilar to my vermont fishing dory- made by Adirondack Guide Boats in the the US. My boat is 15ft and kevlar/cherry wood- weighs 70lbs and goes very well. I use her mainly for fishing in the Thames Estauary and up to North Foreland. As long as its not too lumpy she'll get out to the sea forts- about 5 miles off Whitstable. Thoroughly reec for anyone who wants a light, car toppable quick rower- and on inland waters/harbours you can stand in her to fly cast...

Richard said...

Looks like you are really enjoying some great weather

Chris Partridge said...

Hi Anon - you haven't got some pictures of your jaunts out to the sea forts have you? It would make an interesting post.
Drop me an email!
Chris