Synonymous with lazy days and the pop of champagne corks, taking a trip on an elegant slipper launch is the perfect way to enjoy the river.
History
The first slipper launch was designed and built by John Andrews at his father’s boatyard in Maidenhead in 1913. Incorporating a steering wheel and gearbox, for easy manoeuvrability and handling, it was stylistically similar to the British sports cars of the day with its distinctive shape, he called it 'Merk' after Mercedes. John went on to establish his own boatyard, Andrews Boathouses of Bourne End, in 1925.
Restoration
The slipper launch radiates elegance with its quintessential lines, distinctive sloping stern, timbers finished to a super high-gloss and chrome fittings reminiscent of art deco. We are passionate about craftsmanship, quality and beauty and take great pride in restoring each launch to a 'Concours Standard', conserving a piece of the heritage of boating on the Thames. Nothing but perfection is acceptable.
New Builds
Every new slipper launch that we build is crafted with the highest quality materials and fittings following the original lines and design. Attention to detail and quality take precedence. Flawless painting, varnishing, gilding, plating and trim all accentuate the true beauty of these launches.
Boats For Sale
| Boat Name | Copper Slipper |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrew's of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1954 |
| Length | 30ft |
| Beam | 6'6" |
| Draft | 1 foot 9 inches |
| Decking | Mahogany and Maple 'Strawberries and Cream' |
| Hull Colour | Oxford Blue painted mahogany with copper flecked varnish |
| Propulsion | Daimler V8 2.5 litre petrol engine with bow thruster |
| Seating | 8 including a rear horseshoe seating arrangement |
| Boat Name | Natsumi |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1959 Built for exhibition at the 1960 London Boat Show |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 5ft9 |
| Draft | 1ft9 |
| Hull Number | 444 |
| Decking | Mahogany with obeche cockpit cladding |
| Hull Colour | Oxford blue painted mahogany |
| Propulsion | BMC Vedette 950cc petrol engine No 9P/V1189 |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in cream marine leather with Oxford blue contrast piping |
| Boat Name | Espadon |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1963 |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 6ft |
| Draft | 1ft6 |
| Hull Number | 461 |
| Decking | Mahogany and Obeche |
| Hull Colour | Oxford blue painted mahogany |
| Propulsion | BMC Vedette 950cc petrol engine |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in cream marine leather with blue piping |
| Boat Name | Casablanca |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1936 |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 5ft6 |
| Draft | 1ft9 |
| Hull Number | 151 |
| Decking | Sapele and maple |
| Hull Colour | Cream painted mahogany |
| Propulsion | BMC Vedette 950cc petrol engine |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in burgundy marine leather |
| Boat Name | Romani |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1934 |
| Length | 30ft |
| Beam | 6ft6 |
| Draft | 1ft |
| Hull Number | 113 |
| Decking | Sapele and Iroko |
| Hull Colour | British racing green painted mahogany |
| Propulsion | Ford Water Mota |
| Seating | Helm and stern bench seating with two occasional child seats upholstered in cream marine leather with green piping |
| Boat Name | Adelaide |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1956 Built for exhibition at the 1956 London Boat Show |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 6ft |
| Draft | 1ft6 |
| Hull Number | 400 |
| Decking | Khaya and Yellow Cedar |
| Hull Colour | Customers choice to be decided. |
| Propulsion | BMC Side Valve Vedette 1000cc petrol engine |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in marine leather to customer's design and colour choice |
| Boat Name | Ina May |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1953 Ina May was first launched in 1953 and was originally named 'Red Hot'. |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 6ft |
| Draft | 1ft6 |
| Hull Number | 355 |
| Decking | Khaya and Yellow Cedar |
| Hull Colour | To be decided by the client. |
| Propulsion | Traditional petrol or an electric conversion can be fitted. |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in clients choice. |
| Boat Name | Eulalia |
| Original boatbuilder | Andrews of Bourne End |
| Year of build | 1957 Eulalia, meaning 'sweetly speaking' in Spanish was originally called 'Cowslip' on her launch in August 1957. |
| Length | 25ft |
| Beam | 6ft |
| Draft | 1ft6 |
| Hull Number | 411 |
| Decking | Mahogany |
| Hull Colour | TBD |
| Propulsion | BMC OHV Vedette petrol engine |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in marine leather to customer's design and colour choice |
| Boat Name | Saunterer |
| Original boatbuilder | F. Maynard, Chiswick |
| Year of build | 1922 |
| Length | 27ft |
| Beam | 5ft10 |
| Decking | Carvel planked cedar on oak frames |
| Hull Colour | Customer choice. |
| Propulsion | Side valve Morris Vedette will be fully refurbished. |
| Seating | Bench seating upholstered in customers choice of material and colour. |