OPEN BEACH BOAT BUILT BY LOWER

20 foot built at Newhaven Marina C1990's

By Chris Young

This vessel was built by Newhaven Marina Holdings in the early 1990's on the lines of a traditional Sussex beach boat (of the Lower style) for the purposes of exhibiting at the Port Solent Work Boat Show.

Photo:This is an internal view of the fitting out of this 20ft clinker-built type of construction showing internal oak timber frames together with the lower oak floor frames which had been fitted in the bottom of the hull.

This is an internal view of the fitting out of this 20ft clinker-built type of construction showing internal oak timber frames together with the lower oak floor frames which had been fitted in the bottom of the hull.

From the private collection of Chris Young

Photo:Stern view showing the counter stern of the 20 ft beach boat.

Stern view showing the counter stern of the 20 ft beach boat.

From the private collection of Chris Young

Photo:Bow shot of 20ft beach boat on keelway following completion of planking and internal fitting out with traditional grown oak knees and associated oak timber frames etc.

Bow shot of 20ft beach boat on keelway following completion of planking and internal fitting out with traditional grown oak knees and associated oak timber frames etc.

From the private collection of Chris Young.

This page was added by Ginny Smith on 15/05/2008.
Comments about this page

Just to add to this item, I think I'm right in saying this boat has been the last traditional clinker beach boat built in the time honoured fashion in Newhaven, and as far as I know no similar vessel has been produced to date. Therefore this could become a sad date (circa 1990's) as many craft of this type and style were built and launched locally, predominantly by R.Lower & Sons , R. Mitchell, Boatbuilder , Edgar Moore, Boatbuilder, and Cantells Yard where one of the Eastbourne pleasure beach to Beachy Head cruise boats ('William Alchorne') was built in the clinker style with elliptical stern. Ironically I have just been asked to quote for repairs to a timber built Mitchell 23, which was one of the very first timber boats that R Mitchell, Boatbuilder produced in the 1960's .

By Chris Young
On 02/05/2009

The refit to a Mitchell 23, named ROGUE , built by Mitchell & Street (Circa 1972 ) is now nearing completion at Newhaven Marina, following a complete renovation including new engine, new bulkheads, decks, hull planking, engine box and timber frames steamed into location in time honoured fashion, plus an extension to wheelhouse including a new roof, etc . The vessel is going to be relaunched early in 2010 following this extensive refit which also included a new electric / electronic package. So this locally built boat will be back in Newhaven Marina to continue to give service in the new year, for an owner who is enthusiastic to prolong the life of these traditionally built craft.

By chris Young
On 01/01/2010

I am the very proud owner of a Meeching Beach Boat which was built on Denton Island. The 16' craft which is of heavy GRP construction with a steel keel has been fully renovated and in pristine condition. Having owned boats of many types and sizes over 45 years I can honestly say that she is the best sea boat I have ever owned.

By Peter Reynolds
On 13/09/2013

My grandfather Fred 'Tinker' Novis  from Eastbourne had his boat Waverley built here we had her about 47/48 used as pleasure boat in summer & fishing boat out of season, he also had small rowing boats of Eastbourne beach, don't know where they were built, have photos.

Wonder if you could upload and share your photos with us on our website ?

John -- Editor 

By Sue Cherry
On 05/11/2023
Add a comment about this page

If you're already a registered user of this site, please login using the form on the left-hand side of this page.