Keith Nelson 40ft V Class Aft wheelhouse
Ref: 178 'Valour'
Keith Nelson 40ft V Class Aft Wheelhouse Configuration
Length: 12.54 m
LWL: 11.69 m
Beam: 3.6 m
Draft: 1.2 m
Specification:
Built 1971 at the Keith Nelson yard, Bembridge. She was a commissioned Trinity House Order, the GRP Hull, Deck all moulded to the highest specification, which were extremely robust for their service duties.
Her service life was from 1971 to decommissioning 1995 when purchased by the present owner, from British Associated Ports. The owner sadly now wishes to sell after a most enjoyable 20 years.
Peter Thorneycroft developed the 40ft Class V Nelson and in his own words, I got this absolutely right, the sleek pretty lines, low freeboard and tough build made them the most famous Pilot boats afloat. Their sea keeping ability in extreme gale conditions made them the favourite vessel to be at sea in, some of our most extreme Trinity House locations, kept one in reserve for use in the toughest weather conditions.
Their stories abound, 'Valour' is reputed to be one of the first arrivals at the overturned ferry disaster of Hook of Holland, picking up some 130 persons or out at the Nab in tremendous force ten conditions.
Machinery:
Twin Cummins V504 Marine diesels naturally aspirated, driving through self change MRF gearboxes to handed propellers. Mathway fixed linkage, rod & bevel box steering to twin rudders. Teleflex engine controls & trim tabs fitted.
Fuel tanks are stainless steel by three with a total of 600 litres, giving circa 400 miles range @ 19 kts.
Seacocks removed & replaced as necessary winter 2016/17 and other general service requirements, she is pictured for the current 2017 season.
Electrical:
Main engines run 24 Volt Alternators with dropped down to 12Volt for some auxiliaries. Batteries by four giving 24Volt, fitted master switches
Solar panels are fitted
Navigation:
Furuno Radar 8050D
Furuno GPS
Autohelm Depth & Speed
VHF Sailor RT144
Wynn rotating Screen wipers with variable speed control
Radar Reflector permanently mounted on mast
General:
Main Anchor Danforth, kedge anchor CQR both on chain & line.
Lift raft and two lifebuoys
Wheelhouse & cockpit cover
Wheelhouse:
The all weather, clear view wheelhouse is a major feature of the famous Peter Thorncroft design. Twin seats for the crew and a berth.
Cabin:
The classic destroyer configuration of the engines placed amidships, which are bypassed to access the fore cabin berth with cushions, giving four single berths or may convert into double.
Webasto Diesel heating.
Galley & sink with 60 gall fresh water in stainless steel tank.
Separate compartment with marine Baby Blake sea toilet.
Summary:
'Valour' is a delight to handle and current owner has used her frequently single handed, a true ship with no bad vices. She has mainly been used in the Solent and occasionally for Yachting Duties as a committee boat or viewing platform for the Round the World & other events, being a vessel totally at home around the Needles entrance & outside the Solent.
She is moored at Fort Blockhouse in Portsmouth for viewing which is a closed Naval Establishment so accompanied inspection only.
The purchase price is open to sensible offers for this historic famous craft, which would make wonderful go anywhere cruising vessel or return to duties such as a Committee boat or Private Harbour launch with a nasty sea-state outside.
