by
Stuart M Roy
Naval Architect and Surveyor
Stuart M Roy
Naval Architect and Surveyor
YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES
WHERE IS “FRECKLE”? - LATEST NEWS 13th MARCH 2005
Do you know the whereabouts of “Freckle”?
Is she still afloat? What happened to her?
Let me know and claim a reward for the information - and also make her elderly first owner very happy.
Is she still afloat? What happened to her?
Let me know and claim a reward for the information -
Lloyds Register Number:
Built:
Designer:
Builder:
Dimensions:
Original Engine:
Built:
Designer:
Builder:
Dimensions:
Original Engine:
183874 (Port of Registry - Ramsgate)
1958
Kenneth M Gibbs
Kenneth M Gibbs, Shepperton-on-Thames
LOA 27.5ft, Beam 9ft, Draught 3ft
Lister 2 cylinder diesel 7hp
Kenneth M Gibbs
Kenneth M Gibbs, Shepperton-
Lister 2 cylinder diesel 7hp
Click here to see a Review from The MOTOR BOAT & Yachting - May 1959
“Freckle” was built in the spring of 1958 at the Shepperton-on-Thames yard of her designer, Kenneth Gibbs. Unlike most Thames-built boats of her time, she had a sweeping sheer, reminiscent of an MFV, but was built from plywood to a hard chine form. The substantial freeboard forward allowed her designer to give her a long full-width coachroof which provided a very spacious saloon with the steering position and engine controls mounted on the forward bulkhead. The original engine was an air-cooled Lister LD2M diesel of just 7hp.
A report published in The Motor Boat & Yachting in May 1959 commented on Freckle's seaworthy hull, simple but strong construction and the two large sliding hatches at the fore end of the saloon, which when opened allowed "sun and air to sweep right through the craft and give almost the impression of an open cockpit".
In her first two seasons, she cruised on the south coast and proved to be a very practical and economical family boat, normally carrying a Fairey Marine hot-moulded dinghy on the top of the coachroof. The only problem came from the dry exhaust, which originally emitted from the hollow mast about two metres above the deck, often leaving sooty marks on the decks. Once the exhaust had been re-routed to the waterline, the aft deck could then be safely used for sunbathing.
The first owner of “Freckle” is very keen to know what happened to her. It is thought that she was based on the River Thames or River Wey in the early 1960s, but all information relating to her history from 1960 to 2004 would be of interest.
A report published in The Motor Boat & Yachting in May 1959 commented on Freckle's seaworthy hull, simple but strong construction and the two large sliding hatches at the fore end of the saloon, which when opened allowed "sun and air to sweep right through the craft and give almost the impression of an open cockpit".
In her first two seasons, she cruised on the south coast and proved to be a very practical and economical family boat, normally carrying a Fairey Marine hot-
The first owner of “Freckle” is very keen to know what happened to her. It is thought that she was based on the River Thames or River Wey in the early 1960s, but all information relating to her history from 1960 to 2004 would be of interest.
“Freckle” in Chichester Harbour, 1958
With valuable assistance from John Malpass (who gets the reward), “Freckle” has been tracked down to Lechlade on the River Thames where she is afloat and still in sound condition.
Owned for the last 19 years by professional boatbuilder David Murphy who has used her both as a much-loved family home and for cruising, Freckle now has a 20hp Kubota diesel instead of the original 7hp Lister and the subsequent BMC diesel.
The fact that Freckle is afloat after 47 years must be due to the excellent original construction by Gibbs and the restoration work performed over the years by the current owner, who has completely re-planked the hull and decks, as well as converting the interior to his own requirements. Although her hull is clearly recognisable, the superstructure and internal arrangement is now that of an aft cockpit motor-sailer, instead of a forward-drive cruiser.
Owned for the last 19 years by professional boatbuilder David Murphy who has used her both as a much-
The fact that Freckle is afloat after 47 years must be due to the excellent original construction by Gibbs and the restoration work performed over the years by the current owner, who has completely re-
Original Request for Information on this web site January 2005.......
On finding Freckle, it was a surprise to learn that she was currently for sale - details were seen on the excellent site www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk under motor sailers.
And yes, her elderly first owner is delighted that she is still afloat and has been much enjoyed over the years.
And yes, her elderly first owner is delighted that she is still afloat and has been much enjoyed over the years.
“Freckle” at Lechlade, March 2005
Me!
