A 30ft Freebody Slipper Launch (1996)

Few boats embody the timeless elegance of the Thames quite like a slipper launch — and when that launch is a Freebody build, you know you are looking at something special.

The slipper launch design first appeared in 1913, created to bring the sleek comfort and style of the motorcar to the river. With their distinctive stern profile and graceful sheer, these launches quickly became synonymous with relaxed luxury on the Thames.

Peter Freebody & Co. has carried this tradition into the modern era, building some of the finest examples ever launched. With over 300 years of boatbuilding heritage behind the Freebody name, each vessel reflects a legacy of craftsmanship, tradition, and understated refinement.

“Laughter” is a superb example. Built in 1996, she measures 30ft with a 6ft 3in beam and is constructed from mahogany on oak — a classic pairing of strength and beauty. Her rich mahogany decks and brightwork gleam, perfectly complemented by smart blue leather upholstery, a striking colour combination that enhances her classic lines. Beneath her polished decks lies a Ford Watermota Sea Tiger 1100cc engine, delivering smooth and reliable propulsion ideally suited to elegant cruising.

Luxurious, practical, and steeped in heritage, Laughter is not just a boat — she is a piece of living history, hand-built by one of the most respected names on the Thames.