For Sale: M.V. Seacrest — Admiralty Harbour Launch

Listed at £75,000 and moored opposite Kew Gardens in Brentford, M.V. Seacrest measures 16.06m (52’ 8”) LOA with a 3.18m (10’ 5”) beam and a 1.29m (4’ 3”) draft; registry SSR 155469 and a current BSS certificate make her immediately viewable by appointment.

Overview and Provenance

Built between 1910 and 1920 as an Admiralty harbour steam launch, M.V. Seacrest is a rare survivor of Britain’s naval auxiliary fleet. Now converted to diesel propulsion and fitted out as a comfortable houseboat, she has operated successfully as a short-let holiday property (VRBO #1820836) and carries a provenance file and a photographic portfolio. Confirmed details of builder attribution (Philip and Son of Dartmouth) remain under research but Admiralty service and harbour launch status are well supported by survey notes and historic records.

Key Specifications

Construction, Condition and Stability

The hull is classic double-diagonal Burmese teak on robust oak frames, retaining original bilge keels so the vessel dries out each tide—an important factor for berthing choices, maintenance and long-term mooring costs. The deck was sheathed in fibreglass in 2017, and the topsides received repainting after the last full survey (June 2019). In 2021 a 5.5-ton steel ballast was fitted to increase seakeeping and longitudinal stability when operating off short berths or in tidal flows.

Survey & Maintenance Notes

• Last full survey: June 2019 (details available on request).
• Deck sheathed with fibreglass in 2017 to reduce maintenance and water ingress risk.
• Repaint and cosmetic works carried out post-survey; ongoing upkeep documented in maintenance records.
• Provenance file assembled; further research ongoing to confirm builder details.

Machinery and Systems

Propulsion is provided by a Ford D Series 4-cylinder 2712E diesel, marinized with a Bowman exhaust manifold and heat exchanger paired to a hydraulic Borg-Warner gearbox. Diesel conversion from original steam gives economical operational capability and makes the vessel suitable for short coastal hops or river cruising under power.

Accommodation and Liveaboard Layout

The three-cabin layout is designed for comfortable liveaboard use or holiday letting.

• Main cabin: double berth, comfortable for couples.
• Fore cabin: single berth, suitable for crew or child.
• Aft cabin: adaptable space currently cleared for guest cabin or office.
• Saloon & Galley: practical common areas with full galley facilities for extended stays.
• Bathroom: bath with shower fitting; toilet is a Separett waterless composting system for smell-free, low-impact operation.
• Heating & Electrical: installed to support year-round living aboard.

Liveability

The vessel’s conversion balances authentic character with practical systems for daily comfort. The composting toilet, electric heating setup and functional galley make long weekends or extended stays realistic without heavy marina overheads. For someone seeking a combination of maritime heritage and modern liveaboard convenience, M.V. Seacrest is a compelling option.

Mooring, Income and Logistics

The boat is currently moored in Brentford and has been successfully operated as a short-let holiday property, generating proofed income via VRBO. Mooring transfer is available by separate arrangement with the private landlord and is not included in the sale, so prospective buyers should account for berth negotiations or alternatives in terms of logistics and cost.

Operational Considerations

• Bilge keels allow drying but require specific berth choices.
• Ballast improves seakeeping for short coastal moves.
• Diesel propulsion simplifies crewing requirements compared with steam operation.
• Mooring transfer is subject to landlord agreement and separate fees.

Highlights and Appeal

M.V. Seacrest offers a mix of historic provenance and practical adaptation: Admiralty harbour launch lineage, classic Burmese teak hull, recent structural and stability upgrades, and an income stream from holiday lettings. For custodians interested in preservation with use, she presents an opportunity to own a piece of naval history while enjoying the freedoms of houseboat life.

Viewing & Contact

Available for viewing by appointment at Brentford, West London. Provenance file, survey details and maintenance records are available on request. Price: £75,000. CONTACT: Mark Scorer +44 7973626036 [email protected]

Why this matters to sailors and charter markets

While not a yacht or a superyacht in size, the preservation and continued use of historic launches like this reflect growing interest in varied maritime experiences—houseboat stays, heritage charters, or intimate coastal cruising. Owners and charter operators increasingly value unique inventory: a vessel with story and character can command bookings in niche markets and complement broader yachting, boating and coastal tourism offers.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

The most important takeaways: historic provenance, durable teak construction, diesel conversion, added steel ballast and proven short-let performance. Experiencing a new location is a multifaceted process—one learns about local culture, nature, the indescribable palette of colors, rhythms of life and unique service aspects; if you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Planning ahead: impact on travel and charter maps

Short-term, the sale of a single historic launch is a niche event with limited global impact. However, trends it represents—adaptive reuse of historic craft for holiday lets and experiential charters—can influence regional tourism offerings, especially in river and estuary destinations where intimate boating experiences are prized. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Summary: M.V. Seacrest is a rare Admiralty harbour launch converted to a practical liveaboard with diesel propulsion, a durable double-diagonal Burmese teak hull, recent deck sheathing and added steel ballast for improved stability. She offers a comfortable three-cabin layout, proven short-let income and the appeal of historic character combined with modern systems. For buyers, charter operators and holiday-makers seeking authentic maritime experiences—whether yacht, boat or smaller charter—the vessel represents an accessible entry into heritage boating. GetBoat.com supports these ambitions with a transparent, global platform to discover, rent, charter or buy boats and yachts, view make, model and rating details in advance, and choose a vessel to suit every budget and taste. Sail your own course.