We have paid a deposit

[Gumpy]

You know how it is, you set a list of ideals that you need for a boat and then go looking for one. Having looked at a few boats over the last two weeks at places as far apart as Southampton and St Ives and many places in between, not to mention the loads that we discarded on the internet we finally have put a deposit on a boat.

Our list was as follows
Diesel, Hot and cold running water, shower, able to do tidal stuff in moderation.
What have we bought its:
Petrol, cold water only, no shower, and also about the only tidal stuff I will do in it is down as far as Brentford.

Ah you ask what is it?

Well its 39years old and this is it

SWMBO just took one look and said that's the one, interior is in pristine condition and the bilges look like the day they were laid. Had a trial this afternoon and its very nice. So have I made a wise choice for the Thames? Its a narrow beam one so ditch crawling is an optional extra.

Looks like if the survey is good we will keep it up on the Great Ouse until later in the year and then bring it down to the Thames either then or next spring.

 

[boatone]

SWMBO likes it - great!! Whatever goes wrong now it can't be your fault 'cos she said she liked it!

You'll be able to really explore the whole of the upper Thames 'cos it will get under Osney Bridge and let you get right up to Lechlade.

You can never make a mistake buying a good condition Freeman - resale will be easy when you decide you want something bigger - as you most likely will in time.

Only downside for me is the petrol but there's lots of 'em. Finding riverside fuel availability will be a bit of a pain in places.

Enjoy.

 

[Loggo]

Classic - cannot go wrong. Genuinely a boat you will love

Just take a spare fuel can along

 

[Gumpy]

You can never make a mistake buying a good condition Freeman - resale will be easy when you decide you want something bigger - as you most likely will in time.

Don't forget I already have the "something bigger" in the shape of the 60ft Duker Barge. The Freeman is because we/I need something to go boating on at weekends for fun. Cervinia although great for me wasn't SWMBOS cup of tea as living life at an angle is not for her.

 

[No Regrets]

Nice. Pre 1973 with the stepped hull, and those lovely little eyebrows!

Which engine? Sea Tiger? (Ford X-Flow)

 

[Gumpy]

Nice. Pre 1973 with the stepped hull, and those lovely little eyebrows!

Which engine? Sea Tiger? (Ford X-Flow)

Yes its a Ford Xflow so I assume the tiger

 

[MoodySabre]

Cervinia although great for me wasn't SWMBOS cup of tea as living life at an angle is not for her.

You've sold the Snappy and moved from Bradwell?

 

[No Regrets]

OK, if it's Marinised by Watermota, it's almost certainly a Sea tiger, and the crossflow was around in the late '60's so most likely, especially in a Freeman!
The smaller version, still crossflow but 1100cc was a Sea Wolf.

Has it got the J Type gearbox with bands? If so, remember not to use Auto gearbox or modern oils in it, or gear oil, stick to plain SAE30.

Love to see more piccies!!

 

[Gumpy]

You've sold the Snappy and moved from Bradwell?

Neither as yet.

I need to find a buyer for Cervinia, will be drafting an add for Apolloduck this week

SWMBO just wasn't getting on with the sailing so we decided to do something on the water nearer home.....

 

[Gumpy]

OK, if it's Marinised by Watermota, it's almost certainly a Sea tiger, and the crossflow was around in the late '60's so most likely, especially in a Freeman!
The smaller version, still crossflow but 1100cc was a Sea Wolf.

Has it got the J Type gearbox with bands? If so, remember not to use Auto gearbox or modern oils in it, or gear oil, stick to plain SAE30.

Love to see more piccies!!

Its the banded gearbox, some more Pics

 

[No Regrets]

Remember to run the blower then...

Worth thinking of chucking new Cap, Rotor and leads on, just to cut down the chance of stray sparks...

Looks a nice proper vessel that!

 

[rr_123]

So have I made a wise choice for the Thames?.

I think that you have bought absolutely the very best boat for the Thames!

R

 

[Ian45]

What a lovely example. Our first boat was a Freeman 22 mkII and we had so many happy hours cruising the Thames with her.

Our one had a superb interior but I spent many hour renewing window rubbers, rubbing strake, chrome bits and many other items but it looked lovely.

Boatone is right about petrol not being available too easily but having bought another petrol boat last year I just carry a 20 litre can whenever I visit the boat and it works for me.

Although we now have a Sealine I still have place in my heart for Freemans and can't help but stare as they cruise past.

Hope you enjoy every minute.

 

[Alpha22]

Looks like a lovely example. We too had a 22 as our first boat. Fun times.

Don't forget to stop by at http://freemancruiser.12.forumer.com/

Lots of help and advice........

PS. That would be at L H Jones at a guess?? Look out for us on the Ouse, Freeman 30 with a cloud of smoke behind it...... say hello....(We have no friends)

 

[TrueBlue]

Heavens, that interior looks palatial!

Those Freemans ooze character; from your description and nothing else

You should be well served with that giant (relatively) emporium at Moulsford.