M.V. Seacrest: Admiralty Harbour Launch Converted to Liveaboard

M.V. Seacrest measures 16.06m LOA with a 3.18m beam and a 1. 29m draught, dimensions that determine tidal access, mooring requirements and the suitability of Brentford’s river berths where she currently dries out on her original bilge keels.

Overview at a glance

Built between 1910 and 1920 As an Admiralty harbour steam launch, the vessel retains classic lines in a double-diagonal Burmese teak hull on oak frames. Converted for private use and repowered with diesel, she combines historical provenance with practical liveaboard accommodation and a proven short-let record via VRBO (#1820836).

Key specifications

Construction, condition and recent works

The hull remains a traditional double-diagonal Burmese teak layup on sturdy oak frames, with the original bilge keels allowing the vessel to dry out each tide. The deck was sheathed with fibreglass in 2017 and the last full survey was completed in June 2019. Repainting and routine systems work have been carried out since that survey. A steel ballast weight of 5. 5 tonnes was added in 2021 to improve seakeeping when underway.

Machinery and systems

Propulsion is provided by a marinised Ford D Series 2712E diesel with a Bowman exhaust manifold and heat exchanger, linked to a hydraulic Borg-Warner gearbox. Electrical systems are configured for year-round living, and the vessel holds a current Boat Safety Scheme certificate.

Accommodation and liveaboard layout

M.V. Seacrest offers a practical three-cabin layout suitable for a family liveaboard or short-let guests:

• Main cabin: double berth
• Fore cabin: single berth
• Aft cabin: Adaptable — currently cleared for guest cabin or office

The saloon and galley provide comfortable communal spaces with full galley facilities. Bathroom arrangements include a bath with shower fitting and a Separett waterless composting toilet, chosen for low-odour liveaboard operation.

Mooring, income and tourism potential

Moored opposite Kew Gardens в Brentford, West London, the vessel has been operated as a short-let holiday property, generating documented income through VRBO. Mooring is transferable by separate arrangement with a private landlord but is not included in the sale price. For travellers and visitors, a houseboat like Seacrest offers a unique overnight experience — blending maritime heritage with easy access to London’s cultural attractions.

Highlights and provenance

• Admiralty provenance: genuine Harbour Service launch
• Possible build by Philip and Son of Dartmouth (to be confirmed)
• Classic teak construction with original bilge keels
• Modern stability improvement via steel ballast (2021)
• Ready-to-go three-cabin liveaboard layout and proven short-let income

Viewing, documentation and price

Available for viewing by appointment at Brentford. A provenance file, survey details and maintenance records are available on request. Asking price: £75,000. Contact: Mark Scorer +44 7973626036 or [email protected].

Practical checklist for potential buyers

1. Inspect current survey and confirm condition items noted in June 2019.
2. Verify mooring transfer terms with the private landlord.
3. Confirm propulsion and gearbox service history for the Ford D Series engine and Borg-Warner gearbox.
4. Assess long-term liveaboard systems: electrics, heating and composting toilet maintenance.

For visitors and short-break travellers seeking something different in West London, Seacrest illustrates how maritime heritage can be repurposed into authentic accommodation. GetExperience provides options for booking local tours and river experiences near Brentford; the platform supports full and secure payments with voucher confirmation issued afterward and allows users to submit requests for customised tours or excursions that match personal preferences. On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices — convenient, transparent and perfect for planning complementary cultural activities during a stay aboard a historic vessel. Book now GetExperience.com

Summary: M.V. Seacrest is a rare surviving Admiralty harbour launch of circa 1910–1920, converted to a three-cabin liveaboard with a marinised Ford D Series diesel, fibreglass-sheathed deck (2017), and added steel ballast (2021). Located opposite Kew Gardens in Brentford and proven as a short-let, she combines historic construction with practical systems and a transferable mooring option (separate agreement). Whether considered as a home, holiday rental or unique tourism offering, key considerations include survey review, mooring terms, and machinery checks. From travel experiences and museum tours with live guides to eco-friendly wildlife safaris and luxury adventure travel experiences, pairing a stay aboard a vessel like Seacrest with curated local excursions can turn a simple overnight into a memorable adventure.