The Art of Luxury Issue 58 2023 | Page 56

Synonymous with lazy days and the pop of champagne corks , taking a trip on an elegant slipper launch is the perfect way to enjoy the river

Andrews Boathouses build new slipper launches to the original design , handcrafted and customised to the customer ’ s specification . We carefully select and acquire old slipper launches that we then put through our rigorous restoration process . We strip away the damaged and unsound planking and replace it with selected timbers that have been aged for at least two-years .
From the keel up we restore the hull using the best woods and modern caulking to ensure the integrity of the hull . The hull is made sound and painted in the new owner ’ s choice of colour and , of course , the trademark blue and gold pinstripe is always added before finally finished .
For the interior trim the new owner can select from a wide range of specialist marine facings , up to and including , leather trimmed bench seats with contrasting piping to match the colour of the hull . Even the name of the boat can be laser etched onto the upholstery .
With all of our boats we add the feel of power steering and all the petrol engines have the
reliability of electronic ignition secreted onto the unit which is invisible to the new owner . The whole boat is rewired with marine grade components and finished to an excellent standard which enhances the look as well as the reliability of the boat . We even colour code the new Smiths dials to match the colour of the hull .
For the deck we can either restore it to its original design , or we can introduce beautiful alternatives for the new owner , such as a Pale Yellow Obeche or a Golden Iroko to partner with the traditional Mahogany or Sapele to create the