Restoration
of
JOLLY BRITT
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Jolly Britt
A restoration fit for a Queen!
The Jolly Brit was formerly one of two jolly boats carried aboard Her Majesty's much beloved Royal Yacht Britannia, which was sadly decommissioned on 11 December 1997
BOAT NAME: Jolly Britt
BOAT TYPE: Jolly Boat
BOAT LENGTH: 27ft
BOAT CONSTRUCTION: Carvel Mahogany on Oak
BOAT BUILDER: R. A. Newman & Sons
BOAT YEAR: 1953
AMERICAN ICON
Christopher Smith started making Chris Crafts in 1874, they soon became cultural icons of the new world. Chris Crafts continue to be a leader in American boat building today.
Casino Royale is a vintage 1930's design.
CLASSIC CHRIS CRAFT
Found abandoned and near unrecognisable after several conversions, this classic Chris Craft required special attention to restore her to her former beauty.
It was her unique hull shape the only remnants of her former classic heritage.
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What are
CHRIS CRAFTS
VINTAGE AMERICAN BOATING
Iconic American Boat Building since 1874 . Classic Chris Crafts are synonymous with the bygone era of style and luxury, Chris Craft have carved out a heritage which boat enthusiast everywhere can relate to.
It was with this heritage, a drawing and a rotting hull with some distasteful modifications sitting abandoned that Casino's new owners fell in love with and committed themselves to her restoration
Restoration
A YEAR IN THE MAKING
2013 I 2014
Casino Royale was stripped out completely, in fact, the whole of the hull had to be replaced, as did many ribs. New Iroko boards were cut and bent to form the hull and the design of the interior was developed. The windscreen is a reproduction of a vintage Chris Craft design and is constructed from Mahogany.
After much investigation, our client's preferred option was for an electric propulsion system which would provide absolute quiet fume free cruising, over traditional diesel.
Restored
CASINO ROYALE
2014 I PRESENT DAY
This project was completed in the year of the highest floods seen at the yard for over 100 years, as the floodwaters receded the day came to slip Casino Royale into the water only a year after she was almost sent to early gave.
Casino Royale had become the working title of the project as this boat had no name, the owners had become fond of this title and whilst they were welcomed to find a new name they were thrilled when their investigations showed no Thames boat had been registered under that title.
This Chris Craft finally had her new identity hand-painted in silver leaf with the iconic Chris Craft logo Casino Royale shines brightly against her deep mahogany transom.
The owners wanted the best party craft on the river and Casino Royale does not disappoint, with a large open space stern cockpit upholstered in burgundy leather and a couple of swivel seats for the pilot and co-pilot. The cabin included a good-sized bed in the bows, a galley and a small heads.
The perfect River cruiser
THE CLIENTS
JOURNEY
Casino Royale Restorations
TESTIMONIAL
“Casino Royale is the most beautiful boat on the river!” That is what we have been told many times since she was renovated from a sinking hulk by Stephen and his team.
We were looking for a boat, but did not quite know what sort. However, we saw a wreck in Dennett’s yard which had the most fantastic op line and bows on profile. The sad sight we saw was a rotten old hull, listing to one side, with no deck, no motor and no owner.
Michael had previously repaired a punt upstairs in the workshop, so we had good reason to visit in August. Stephen had a vision for a magnificent party boat – and that’s just what he built.
We agreed to go ahead in September, with a price and a launch date. If you remember the year of the really bad floods, they were in the winter of 2014. Despite this, Casino Royale slipped down the ramp into the river in March 2014 as planned.
The plans (well, drawing) were modified to suit our requirements and the real Chris Craft style of the boat. The lines were kept to match the original shape, but the facilities inside were much more modern, including a proper head, large fridge, hydraulic steering, sound system and LED lights, both cabin an navigation.
Stephen is a really good woodworker and boat builder, his team includes really good support for varnishing and mechanical components. Stephen also introduced us to the Thames Electric Launch Company who sorted out the entire drive train.
In a sentence, we got what we wanted, when we wanted it and at the price, we had agreed, with no surprises.