1974 Nelson 45 for Sale – 45 ft – Fleetwood, E23, United Kingdom

RARE OPPORTUNITY

An ex-Royal Navy officer training Nelson 45
now extensively renovated and turn-key for adventure.

Can be managed by a sea-faring couple. 
Potential for training 
or start-line vessel for yacht races.


£125,000.  Offers invited

The Royal Navy's Dartmouth College purchased several Nelson 45 GRP twin engined diesel (non-turbo for reliability and simplicity) boats to train officer cadets, the captains of the future.

Designed by Peter Thorneycroft and fitted out by Watercraft, the Nelson 45 is a classic design produced over many years - users include H M Customs and Harbour Authorities taking Inspectors or Pilots to and from large merchant and cruise ships.
By comparison, the Royal Navy's Picket Boats (this is number 4) had a quieter life being run by professionals to train cadets being the officers of the future. 

In 2014, still with the Dartmouth College, an MoD-funded re-fit saw the installation of Perkins-Sabre M130C engines and PRM gearboxes driving through counter-rotating propellors.  Also, many new navionics were installed.

Now in civilian ownership this Nelson 45 - re-named Stoic - has been extensively improved and upgraded into a comfortable motor cruiser.

NB This is not the frequently-found DIY conversion.

A team of proven contractors worked to a plan and budget and after 53 weeks, one week behind schedule, launched Stoic which that had gained a new lease of life. 
Below decks the accommodation was substantially renewed/upgraded to provide comfort with many modern refinements. 

Stoic is capable of being 'off-grid' for several days without needing to start an engine to top-up the batteries due to the 3 kw inverter and lithium batteries.  (No gas on board this vessel).

The extensive list of improvements during the recent refit of this Nelson 45 includes new: bow-thruster; electric windlass; two electric heads, a shower; a holding tank; batteries and inverter; etc.  The existing hot water and heating system was refurbished.

A classic motor boat of proven pedigree with many new 'mod cons' to make life enjoyable.  

Little used since that re-fit in civilian ownership, Stoic needs nothing, everything works as it should, and is ready to slip her moorings to enjoy safe passages, turning heads when coming into port on her next adventure.

Afloat and ready to enjoy.  Recent Survey available.

From the bow going aft.

The fore-cabin has been extensively re-furbished compared to the cadet officer days.  Out went the spartan naval bunks and sea-toilet to be replaced by a double bed on the boat's centre-line with, to starboard, an en-suite electric head, hand-basin and shower.  
A new holding tank was also installed, to be appropriate with modern standards.

The large engine room has been extensively improved and modernised and is well equipped with an Eberspacher hot water heating unit and hot water tank with an electric immersion element when connected to shore-power.

The bridge (above the engine room) is very presentable, has a commanding view, and has all the boat's controls to hand, including for the recently installed electric windlass and bow-thruster.  There are extensive navionics.

Aft of the bridge and down some steps is a very useful cockpit/open area which, as  in the pictures, is under the new blue canopy.

Aft of that space is the light and airy aft cabin with has been extensively re-worked with significant seating, the addition of a modern galley to port and an electric heads and hand-basin to starboard.  
There is a central dinette table.  All is done well, and to modern standards.

Aft of that cabin there is another useful deck area with significant storage underneath.