1938 Scottish Gentleman's Motor Yacht

Bethamar is a distinguished 43ft Scottish motor yacht, built in 1938 by James Adam & Sons of Gourock, near Glasgow, to W.G. McBryde’s well-regarded “Plate 28” design from Forty Designs of Motor and Sailing Yachts.

She is listed on the National Historic Ships UK Register, certificate number 3543, and carries the weight and dignity of a vessel with genuine maritime significance. Requisitioned during the Second World War, her service on the Clyde remains undocumented, adding another intriguing layer to her story.

Bethamar was originally built for Kenneth McLeod of Renfrew and was registered at Greenock in 1938. She later passed through several long-term custodians, including Norman Sharpies of York, Anthony Merrington of Chiswick, and Phil Stoltz of Weybridge, before being acquired by her current owner in 2010. Her name was changed to Shianne for a period before being returned to her original name, Bethamar, when registration was transferred to the Isle of Man.

Her construction is exactly what one would hope for in a yacht of this period. She is built with 1-inch mahogany carvel planking on oak frames, giving her strength, presence and quality. She is now powered by twin Leyland TD38 diesel engines, replacing her original paraffin engines and giving her significantly more power and practicality for modern cruising. She cruises at approximately eight knots and has been upgraded thoughtfully, including hydraulic steering with a Rymarine autohelm, redundant heads converted into an extended galley with a large cool box and integrated deck light, and a Reflex stove with a coil providing central heating fore and aft.

The accommodation is generous and well arranged. Bethamar has been modernised to include a forward cabin with separate wet room and heads, a main saloon, galley and aft cabin. The saloon is a particular highlight, warm, original and full of atmosphere, with the unmistakable character of a 1930s gentleman’s yacht. She feels spacious, comfortable and considered, with the sort of interior that invites purposeful time aboard rather than simply day use.

What makes Bethamar especially appealing is that she has not merely been preserved, she has been enjoyed. Over the past decade, her current owner has cruised her extensively around the west coast of Scotland, the Inner Hebrides, Skye and across the Minch to Barra. She is offered with a map showing many of these passages, a wonderful personal record of a yacht that has given her owner over ten years of adventure.

Having known the vendor personally, and his friends, I know Bethamar comes with more than specification and paperwork. She comes with stories, memories and the confidence of a boat that has been properly used and loved. She is not being presented as an ornament, but as a capable and characterful motor yacht for someone who wants to continue cruising, exploring and enjoying life afloat.

Bethamar is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial pre-war Scottish motor yacht with excellent provenance, recognised historic status, practical upgrades and a beautifully atmospheric interior. She has presence, purpose and charm in equal measure, and she deserves a next custodian who will appreciate her history while continuing to use her as she was intended.

KEY FEATURES

Built: 1938

Builder: James Adam & Sons, Gourock, near Glasgow

Designer: W.G. McBryde, “Plate 28” design

Length: 43ft

Construction: 1-inch mahogany carvel planking on oak frames

Engines: Twin Leyland TD38 diesel engines

Cruising speed: Approximately 8 knots

HISTORY 

Historic status: National Historic Ships UK Register, certificate number 3543

Registration history: Originally Greenock, later Goole, now Isle of Man

Wartime history: Requisitioned during the Second World War, service on the Clyde undocumented

SPECIFICATION 

Accommodation: Forward cabin, separate wet room and heads, main saloon, galley and aft cabin

Heating: Reflex stove with coil providing central heating fore and aft

Steering: Hydraulic steering with Rymarine autohelm

Galley: Extended galley with large cool box  room and integrated deck light