Slipper Launch Marine Classics
build new slipper
launches. The model shown here is a 22’ (6,7m) boat with
options of
electric, petrol or diesel power.
These slipper launches are made to the same high standard as you can
see in our 'classic' range; but with the traditional river
Thames
slipper launch
lines.
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The
decks are
traditionally planked, in your choice of timbers. The hull is your
choice of
fibreglass or mahogany. The interior has an upholstered seat aft, and a
choice of upholstered,
or the traditional Lloyd Loom chairs forward.
Traditional river Thames style as popularised by Andrews and Parrott launch builders, from the 1930's up to the 60's. These launches are very stylish river and lake craft, and if requested on ordering, can be used in coastal waters. |
The 22’ launch seats
5/6 people, and is priced from
£31,500 to around £39,500 depending on specification.
Other sizes and options are available, please contact us and let us know your requirements. We can custom build any fibreglass or mahogany launch up to around 33 feet (10m). |
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An excellent
opportunity to
commission a beautiful and enjoyable classic launch - an enduring
source of pride and pleasure.
Scroll down for the story of the Slipper
Launch |
| For more on Electric Boats Please contact us for further details. |
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Slipper Launches the brief story |
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The Slipper Launch is a
traditional
river Thames craft. It is a long, thin boat of low freeboard where the
stern
curves elegantly down to the waterline. Slipper launch seating was
traditionally
Lloyd Loom chairs
forward and a rear upholstered bench seat.
The hull is a 'low wash' design to maximise efficiency with the relatively low power originally available. Most slipper launches were open river or lake boats but a few were built with cabins. Slipper Launches were very popular in the 1930's to 1950's, and they are still being built today. The prototype slipper launch was built in 1912 by John Andrews of Bourne End on the river Thames. It was bought by Arthur Whitten-Brown who called it 'Merk'. Brown became famous for the first flight across the atlantic with John Alcock in 1919 in a converted Vickers Vimy bomber. Both of them had spent time as prisoners of war in the first world war after being shot down. |
The
design of the Slipper
Launch emulated motor cars of the period, to
create new 'crossover' interest in boating from the increasing
facination with automobiles. The engines used were mostly petrol car
engines marinized to use in boats. These boats cost the equivalent of several years salary for most workers. Even so they became popular, with many on the river Thames and quite a few boats exported to Europe and further afield. Slipper Launches were not just constructed for private owners, many were built as hire boats for day trips on the river and holidays. Other important builders of Slipper Launches were, from the 1930's Meakes of Marlow, and from the 1960's Alf Parrott at Henley. Quite a few of these boats still exist and are now very collectable, although the restoration and maintenance costs can be very high. Top of Slipper Launch page |