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Used Open Launches & Dutch Sloepen

The fact that the British Isles are just that-isles-has made their history a watery one. Conrad wrote in Heart of Darkness about the Thames, "crowded with memories of men and ships it had borne to the rest of home or to the battles of the sea."Today the Thames and Britain's other waterways, from the Scottish Lochs to Windermere and the Norfolk Boards which were once the blood vessels of the nation, are now the scene of more gentle pursuits. Leave the battles of the office (or home) behind and join the lucky few by taking to the water. And what better way to explore your new found freedom than in an open launch. Termed by their Dutch makers as a "sloep".

There are many manufacturers in Holland of this style of craft and we at Val Wyatt Marine now offer you a leisure craft that is the ideal boat for a day or weekend trip, These Slopen have a few hidden talents that will, see you enjoy your trip in comfort and not a little style. They are effectively two boats in one. With canopies off they look like a large dinghy-nice for a sunny day but rather exposed in any other conditions. But with their cabriolet hood, with roll-up front window and sloping rear tarpaulin in place, these Sloepen resemble much more a small cruiser. So they do not have a cabin, as such, but most models have a toilet in the bow under the sun lounger that can also becomes a bed, Some even have an optional stove and sink, and a cool box which can also be specified as a powered refrigerator. So, as long as you're all friends, you can get along quite nicely in a Sloepen for even an overnight trip. Especially the larger models. Sizes are generally from 4 to 8 mts in length.

The design of the boat really does promote an intimate atmosphere on group jaunts. The helm is right at the rear in the centre, with additional seating all around the hull. This faces inwards but, as it's effectively a curved bench, can be used just like a settee at home and sat on at any angle. If you want to turn to look out over the water it's just as comfortable as facing into the boat. For the pilot, you're in prime position, with an excellent view of the whole hull ahead of you, as well as of your guests. The only part of the boat behind you is the swim platform if fitted and in some models a large stowage locker.

Out on the water the Sloepen can be pretty nippy. There are two main hull forms , a displacement hull usually powered to 40 hp inboard Diesel engine and giving speeds of up to 8 knots and a semi planning hull form with power from above 50hp which can get to speeds up to 17-20 knots making the style of craft ideal for coastal applications. All are very responsive to steering inputs on the large wheel this due to the full length keel as part of the design which also on some models has a skeg protecting the Propeller to the rudder.

All-in-all, with prices of Used Sloepen from around £15,000,and New from around £25,000 with a larger range of options available, the Sloepen is the perfect craft for social fun on the river or makes a safe craft for family use at sea. All used Sloepen that we offer are fully factory checked and where necessary reconditioned. Their condition is therefore as New.

We represent Interboat see WWW.INTERBOAT.COM who have been established since 1995 in Loosdrecht and Zwartsluis in Holland . Interboat are considered the Slopen to aspire to and are amongst the only manufacture to complete the whole production process themselves. They offer hand laid Grp, Solid Teak Cockpits and a 10 year warranty. However if their prices are slightly out of reach then we now have this amazing selection of pre-owned craft available to discuss.

Viewings can be arranged at Interboats' Loosdrecht Showrooms where over 40 craft both New and Used are on display in Modern heated Showrooms which are only 30 minutes from Schipol Airport. So make a weekend of it , we can arrange your flights and accommodation if required, And have you met and taken back to the Airport.

A Slopen makes an ideal modern day replacement to a classic or lake craft without the associated maintenance cost . We look forward to your enquiries.A large selection of Client owned craft are now available to view at Wargrave to assist your decision in the correct choice of Sloepen.

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