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RELCRAFT 23FT FAST INLAND /ESTUARY CRUISER


nabbers
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Needs to sell quickly as River licence about to run out.   Bargain at £4000 tell your friends!

Relcraft are a UK manufacturer of boats with a reputation for excellent design, build and quality of mouldings and materials and well known for their  John Maxham designed fast cruisers. The advanced hull with its deep V and concave chines create stabilising rails when the boat is cruising at high speeds making this a comfortable and economical cruiser for river lake and estuary, equally at home at a sedate speed on on the canal.

There follows an accurate description, the good points massively override the bad, but we want you to have an accurate picture of what you are buying:

Caprice was built in 1987 and it is a tribute to the quality of workmanship of the builders that she retains all her original gelcoat to hull, decks and roof and it is in sound condition, so many boats from this era have been badly painted, but this one is all original, meaning if you do want to change the colour of the deck, it can be done with minimal preparation using modern marine paint, otherwise, a  little TLC by the new owner will revitalise the shine and the boat will look stunning. A tour around the hull shows some minor damage from knocks and scrapes accrued over the years, but there is nothing of major significance and all easily repairable. There is a mast for the marine radio, bilge pump, horn, an anchor chain winch and the hauser pipe and ample robust deck fittings, cleats etc.  A step/bathing platform a the stern.   An amply proportioned and very flat coach roof makes an inviting place to soak up the sun on lazy day cruises. The hatch on the foredeck may need replacing as it is looking tired and has been resealed several times. Navigation lights are fitted.

 The canvas work forming the spacious awning over the ample sized cockpit was replaced with stunning new blue canvas work by 'The Canvas Man' at a no expense spared price of £1600 in 2018. The cockpit has high sides to keep your children safe and full standing height,  two swivel seats that are removable and folding and  recently re-covered in blue and white vinyl.  Aft is a bench seat that would benefit from replacement from a cosmetic viewpoint although  the existing fitment is sound.   The cockpit makes a great undercover entertainment area which can also be opened to the sunshine through removable panels if required.   A full array of metres and gauges, ignition switch,  selector for the twin batteries, steering wheel and forward, neutral  and reverse controls are mounted to the starboard helm's position.  Also fitted is a COBRA 2 way marine radio with GPS capability.   Under your feet is the hatch to the engine, reportedly original to the boat, a marinised diesel Ford Transit engine which starts easily and is very quiet, but powerful and powers the boat via a sterndrive.  The engine had a new fuel pump and fuel service in March 19, spares are cheap and easily acquired although this is strong reliable unit with comparatively few operating hours.

 Down two steps through the companionway in to the roomy open plan cabin, with standing height and to port is the heads with a porta potty and basin in its own cubicle.  Opposite is an ample sized locker with hanging space for clothes or waterproofs. Again to port is a large U-shaped seating area with a table that drops to form a double berth, opposite on the starboard side midships is the galley which has an immaculate  two burner gas hob, as new oven, 2 way fridge  and S/S sink and cold pumped water,  everything works as it should. Moving forwards is V-berth accommodation with an infill to form a second double berth so accommodation is for 4 people in the cabin with room for more in the cockpit.

The cabin is in all honesty perfectly comfortable and functional, but a little tired looking. The wooden fittings  are original and solid, but would benefit from varnishing and updating.  You can enjoy this boat as it is, or enjoy the project element and  a simple internet search tells you there is room for profit in the future if you upgrade things steadily in the meantime as boats of this class with modernised interiors, regularly sell for up to £8000.

Collection and payment:  The successful bidder must undertake to collect the boat before the end of November and pay by cash or PayPal.  There is the free use of a slipway at the home marina or direct access to the River Ouse to remove the boat.

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