A rare motorised canoe

Bearing the Thames Vintage Boat Club plaque no. 47 this is indeed an exceptional craft and probably the most exceptional of all the canoes I have ever sold.

Minnie Shoo Shoo was used right up to 1973 as a hire boat firstly probably in Goring at the Hobbs yard and then in Staines. Fortunately she was saved from the bonfire in 1981 by the venerable Fred Bourne who was so instrumental in organising the early Thames Traditional Boat Rallies. He named her Unktahee probably in response to her American Indian styling.

Fred fitted new steam timbers, new decks, coamings, panelling, flooring and the engine box.

The carvel construction is of Honduras mahogany on oak. with mahogany, ash and spruce on the decking. The interior and external varnish is in lovely condition having been maintained by Henwood and Dean.

In 1985 the HP Gaines Universal engine was overhauled before being replaced in 1993 when she was sold to Colin Ashby, a man of great taste and owner of many fine wooden boats. Mr Ashby had a Ford 1600cc Watermota installed by Woottens.

With her beautiful shape and shallow draft of just 1ft3ins she is a real arrow in the water.

She was sold to the current owner in 1996 and he has used her until the last couple of years.

The boat has been recently recaulked and antifouled prior to launching for a new customer with all recent maintenance by Henwood and Dean boatbuilders.

Seating is essentially two benches with deep cushions facing either side of the central engine box (useful table). The forward bench can be flipped so that all the passengers can be facing forward. There is also ample room for casual seating for a couple more in the forward cockpit area and luggage space aft of the driver and passenger bench seating.

Lockers are located below both decks.

A new owner would be advised to consider an engine rebuild or a replacement electric propulsion system as the engine has not run for a while. However the hull itself is in excellent condition.

Minnie Shoo Shoo has a bespoke trailer which is included in the sale. Available for viewing ashore close to our Henley office.