Nelson 34 'Brave Emma'
Length: 34ft / 10.36 m
Beam: 10ft / 2.90 m
Draft: 3.2ft / 1.00m
Displacement: 15440 lbs / 6.109 tonnes
Year of build: 1971 Tyler Mouldings
Design: Cdr Peter Thornycroft. TT Boat Designs, Bembridge.
Type: Nelson 34.
Nelson Background
Tyler Mouldings, Tonbridge, Kent. Tylers were one of the leading GRP moulders in the 1970's and built some of the largest GRP mouldings in the world during this period. Cdr Peter Thronycroft, designer of the famous range of fast Nelson launches, started with 'Grand Espoir', which he raced successfully in the 1960's offshore powerboat races, for-runner of the 34. This successful craft, with it's Sea-keeping was soon noticed by the Customs & Excise, Pilot Launches and other commercial institutions, so a dynasty was born. Their speed stopped the need for Pilot Boats to wait offshore, a centuries old custom, the Nelson launch, could shoot out to deliver Pilots as required.
'Brave Emma' with her wooden hull badging, was built to a commercial specification and enhanced to a gentleman's domestic version, after a period in service. The cabin is spacious, wheelhouse comfortable & useful in the UK variable weather together with the aft open cockpit. Her twin Perkins Diesel Engines makes her easy to manoeuvre and gives a good turn of speed.
Hull & Deck
Hull GRP moulded to commercial specification and deck house foam sandwich to save weight. With a good mix of varnished teak & mahogany to enhance her looks.
The side decks give access to the foredeck, with hand rails and a spacious foredeck for anchoring or dockside mooring. The Wheelhouse has sliding windows at the side, good all round vision.
Cabin & Wheelhouse
Comfortable Helm seat and console to port, usual dashboard fitted with navigation aids:
Plotter - Garman echomap DV colour
VHF- Horizon Eclipse DSC VHF/RT
Compass
Echo Sounder - Nasa Target
Speed - Silva Nexus, log reads 1360 nm
Morse Controls
Windscreen wiper motors, with fresh water washers.
Horn
Navigation lights
Cabin lights
Cigar lighter
Shore power - Sterling Power 24 volt 15 amp battery charger, also 240 volt sockets
Machinery
Twin Perkins Diesels of about 112 HP each, driving through shafts fitted with 20" x 20" three blade propellers. Fitted PRM reduction gearboxes. The main fuel tank is between the engines and an auxiliary fuel tank also. Four Varta 12 volt batteries connected up in series to give a 24volt system, one side designated for engine starting only. Replaced for last season.
Isolator switches with facility for parallel switching together, with dropper for 12volt auxiliaries.
The twin rudders are fitted with Vetus Hydraulic steering and a dash board helm indicator.
The stern has twin Bennett Trim Tabs, position indicator on the helm console
Bilge pumps - Manual and electric auto.
Cockpit & Deck
Bow & stern mooring cleats, usual deck lines & fenders.
Horseshoe Lifebuoy, Danbuoy, boathook
Comfortable seating around the cockpit, sheltered by the wheelhouse underway- cushions to fit.
Anchor with chain & warp
Summary
'Brave Emma' is a smart gentleman's version of the Nelson 34, with large cabin & Wheelhouse for her size. The open aft cockpit is perfect for sitting out and sheltered by the wheelhouse. The little aft deck, is useful for sitting on or climbing in from a dinghy.
Underway the owner says 15/16 knots is a happy cruising speed and has achieved 20 knots, when light and first launched.
She has been much loved and used by the owner, but is need of domestic refurbishment. She is afloat and press the button and go, perfect for the classic enthusiast, wishing a trip through the French Canals or Holland.
Lying: Portsmouth Harbour, afloat. Price: £29.500 ono