19/10/2026
This is Trambelle.
She’s a 22 ft 6 in Panther Launch, built at Bourne End by Andrews Boathouses in 1959, one of only three built at this size. Her first name was Charmain. Her first owner wanted a launch for water-skiing, so she was fitted with a Ford Zephyr engine, a bathing ladder and a ski holder. In trials on the Thames she reached 30mph.
She was then taken to the South of France, where the bottom of the hull was badly damaged on rocks. She came back to Bourne End for repairs and a new engine.
In 1978 she was sold and renamed “Hers”, to go with the new owner’s other Panther Launch, “His”. She was sold again in 1985 and became Trambelle.
When she came to us, she had water damage on her deck, and the hull planking was rotten on both sides. Swipe through to see it go from the old deck to the finished gloss.
This is the first of a series on Trambelle. Follow along for the rest.👉
