Arabella – 28′ Barrel Back Diesel Motor Launch - SOLD

She is a beautiful 28′ Barrel Back Motor Launch. Designed by Nelson Zimmer, as the Bermuda 28 Runabout, and built by master boatbuilder Reggie Goodbody on the shore of Lough Derg, Ireland. This Gentleman’s Launch has all the classic looks and charm of an original 1930s American Barrel Back, but having only been built in 1999 and with less than 240 hrs on the original motor, she also boasts the reliability of a modern craft.

In my book this means, you get the best of both worlds! Old and New together…

At 28′ long, this is a big boat and she can carry up to 10 passengers. Her 200HP Volvo Penta Turbo Diesel motor means that she has enough power to run up to speeds in excess of 25 knots, and her long, slim, hull means that she handles choppy conditions and open water with aplomb.

Whether you’re looking for a classic wooden launch to slip along the Thames or the Shannon, or something that can cope with crossing large lakes or open bays (whatever the weather), Arabella will do the job comfortably and in style.

Arabella would make an excellent private boat for picnic trips and sunset cruising, but her large hull, with 3 cokcpits, and her economical and reliable diesel motor, means that she could also serve double duty as a commercial operator.
I’m sure she could have a busy career as a charter craft for wedding parties or hotel excursions if you decided to have her earn her keep.

The quality of the construction is top notch. She has been solidly built with American oak framing,
Colombian pine stringers and mahogany planking. The hull bottom has been epoxy coated and the keel reinforced with woven roving, making this a very durable and solid boat. Mr Goodbody opted for diesel power in the shape of a Volvo Penta TAMD41P 200HP turbo diesel motor, which was brand new in 1999 and has only run 240hrs. This unit is matched up to a 1.5 : 1 Hurth gear box and is swinging a 14×23 bronze propeller. She is incredibly easy on fuel and is equally happy to plod along at 4 knots or thunder across the lake at 25 knots. The entire power train is like new and alone is almost worth the asking price of the boat.

This boat is truly unique. She is a conversation piece that turns heads wherever she goes. When first constructed back in 1999 she was featured in ‘Afloat’ magazine and on RTE Irish Television, in a show named ‘Out of the Blue’.

Of course she still looks the part today, but she would benefit from a fresh coat of varnish to get her back to pristine condition. The price reflects this need for a little cosmetic work (mainly confined to the deck). The boat is very seriously for sale and the owner is willing to listen to offers.

The boat was built and owned by Reggie Goodbody until 2012. Since then she has been in the possession of the current owner, so this is only the second time that the boat has been made available for sale.

With the poor weather recently we’ve been struggling to get a chance to take this boat out on the water, but as soon as things clear up a bit we’ll be shooting a full water test video and walk-around review of this boat. If you like the boat and you want to find out more about it, please sign up for VIP access here and we’ll let you know as soon as the video review goes live.

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To get the full low down on the boat please watch our full length video tour – It’s 43 minutes long – just sign up for FREE VIP Access to see it.