Harking back to the Frolic days, Classic Boatworks has recently introduced the Phantom launch designed by Andrew Wolstenholme for John Caschere. A shapely 26ft GRP hull she aims to satisfy the need for a stable electric or diesel 12 person passenger launch as well as offering the option of a bespoke cabin tailored to suit a private customer's requirements. For example this particular launch has a small aft cabin with a toilet compartment on one side and a sink on the other, with the bulkheads having practical fold down tables which will be used for serving drinks and nibbles to the passengers. She will be operating from a new restaurant cum wedding and conference centre on Rollesby Broad.
There is also a version of the Phantom 26 with a larger day cabin suitable for private entertaining and the occasional night on board - a sample specification is available on request.
However the possibilities are infinite each boat being open to individual interpretation.
The other GRP open boat built by Classic Boatworks is an elegant beaver stern launch of some 29ft 6ins
known as the Sapphire launch. With a GRP reproduction the customer benefits from a modern low maintenance hull coupled with varnished wooden decks, interior and cabin where appropriate.
