Boat Overview
A fabulous example of this modern classic. Designed and built by The Steam and Electric Launch Company (latterly Creative Marine) in 1994, and fitted with an almost-silent, super-efficient Nexus N132M motor. Owned from new by a local businessman and kept in tip top condition by way of storage in a boathouse on Windermere, and regular maintenance both in terms of the woodwork and electrics by a dedicated team of professionals.
Other notable owners of the very popular Frolic 31 include the world famous musical producer Cameron Mackintosh, who owned the very first Frolic 31 - "Salad Days". Built from a mixture of GRP and varnished solid woods, and styled to create a luxurious and nostalgic feel reminiscent of the "golden age" of boating, Orchard Belle will not disappoint her next owners.
Whether you're considering family days out on Windermere, entertaining guests, sightseeing trips, or river boating, Orchard Belle will provide you endless days of fun and enjoyment for many years to come.
Interior Features
She is equipped with a full-height heads compartment ... or perhaps it would be more appropriate to refer to this as a "Water Closet" as it is a space adorned with traditional styled bathroom furniture not dissimilar to that which you might have expected to find on luxury vessels in the 1800's. There's also a sink and 2-burner stove, a fridge, stereo system, curtains, well cared for upholstery, and huge windows bathing the internal space in natural light.
It's hard to emphasise how beautiful the woodwork is on this beauty of a boat. She really needs to be seen in person to appreciate how good she really is. All of these observations are clearly high level and so a survey is always recommended in order to establish the true condition of any boat, but as first impressions go Orchard Belle scores as close to full marks as is possible in our opinion.
Running Gear
- Galvanized steel rudder blades welded to 1.25" stainless steel rudder stock with gun-metal rudder tiller arm keyed to stock.
- Galvanized steel skeg bolted to keel with rudder gudgeon plate to receive rudder toe bearing.
- Teak spoked steering wheel to helm with Morse D290 helm driving shrouded cable to tiller kit attached to tiller arm under aft deck.
- Access to tiller connection by trap door in aft cockpit.
Electric Propulsion Motor
The marinised Nexus N132M DC motor has been designed for marine application. The low revolutions and high torque eliminate the need for any form of reduction gear or belt drive to the propeller shaft. The motor, situated below the cabin floor, is direct drive to the shaft. The motor is thermally protected by a thermally controlled cooling fan drawing cool air via ducting. The fan only operates after the motor has reached its normal operating temperature at full load.
Motor Specification - Motor type: DC series wound.
- Power: 4 kW.
- Rating: Continuous.
- Voltage: 72.
- Insulation: Class H.
- Weight: 60 kgs.
- Mounts: 4 x R & D rubber mounts for minimum noise and vibration.
- Coupling: R & D coupling insert with motor/shaft half flanges.
- Fan: Auxiliary mounted 12 volt continuously rated motor fan operated by integral mounted motor thermal switch and low current relay.
- Maintenance: Annual inspection of motor brushes. Motor bearings sealed.