Felicity, a wooden motor boat with a working life spanning fishing, passenger service, wartime duty and residential use, is being offered for sale in Cambridge. The supplied Facebook Marketplace advertisement gives an asking price of £37,500; the linked Apollo Duck advertisement currently lists the vessel at £37,000.
Built in 1927 by Davis Boatyard in Poole, Felicity began life as an open fishing launch, working for sprats during the winter. In summer she carried as many as 60 passengers on tourist trips around Poole Harbour and the bay.
From Poole Harbour to Dunkirk
During the Second World War, Felicity maintained a link between Brownsea Island and the mainland, carrying supplies for Dutch and Belgian refugees camped on the island. She was subsequently called to Dover for the Dunkirk evacuation and is recorded by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships as a Poole fishing vessel used in Operation Dynamo.
After the war she returned to passenger service in the Solent. A serious fire in 1991 left her on the beach and considered a total loss, but Julian Aldridge restored and relaunched her. The present seller acquired Felicity in 2005, insulated and fitted her out as a comfortable home, and reports having lived aboard for approximately 20 years.
Vessel particulars
- Built in 1927 by Davis Boatyard, Poole
- Pitch pine on oak construction, with later Iroko planking repairs
- 35 feet overall, 9 feet 6 inches beam and 2 feet 8 inches maximum draught
- Shallow-displacement wooden hull with full keel
- Four berths
- Single 80hp Ford Mermaid diesel engine with shaft drive
- 220-litre fuel capacity and 120-litre water capacity
- Navigation lights, compass and echo sounder
- Boat Safety Certificate stated to run until 18 February 2027
The Apollo Duck particulars state that Abbey Boat Builder in Norfolk replaced a number of planks and ribs in 2021. Felicity is described as suitable for coastal, estuarine, Broads or inland cruising, or for continued use as a static houseboat. Her accommodation includes a galley, saloon, forecabin, shower and cassette toilet.
View the Cambridge Facebook Marketplace area where Felicity was advertised, the full Apollo Duck advertisement, or the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships’ list of known vessels.
The asking prices, present condition and equipment details were supplied by the seller or the linked advertisements and have not been independently verified by the Wartime Vessels Association. Prospective purchasers should confirm the current price, availability, ownership, documentation and condition directly with the seller and an appropriately qualified marine surveyor.