Nigel Irens 31 ft LDL Motor Launch, 2017

Clara Belle, formerly Wilhelmina, is a beautifully considered 31 ft motor launch, designed and built by the renowned Nigel Irens in 2017. She was refitted to a very high standard in 2022, including the addition of teak decking and conversion from her original diesel engine to electric propulsion.

She was originally created as a test vessel for Irens’ LDL, Low Displacement / Length ratio, hull form, an innovative concept developed around one simple question, how much power do you really need? The result is a striking, elegant and highly efficient launch, capable of covering impressive distances using remarkably little energy.

With her slender, easily driven hull, timber construction and unmistakable Nigel Irens styling, Clara Belle offers something genuinely different. She is a modern wooden boat with classic sensibility, low running costs and a wonderfully purposeful appearance. She would make a superb family day boat, coastal weekender, efficient river or estuary launch, or an eye catching superyacht tender.

Clara Belle is a rare and very appealing launch, combining innovative design with traditional timber boatbuilding. She has already proven herself on longer passages, including coastal cruising around Devon and the South Coast, and has achieved excellent efficiency.

Originally powered by a modest 25 hp Beta diesel engine, Clara Belle has since been upgraded with a state of the art 48v electric propulsion system. This conversion feels entirely in keeping with the spirit of her design, quiet, efficient, low impact and beautifully suited to her lightweight, easily driven hull.

Her design allows her to move smoothly through the water without the heavy fuel consumption, noise and vibration often associated with conventional motor boats. The electric conversion further enhances this, making her an especially attractive option for anyone seeking a refined, low carbon and low wash launch.

The cockpit is generous, deep and sociable, with U-shaped seating around the aft and side sections, comfortably accommodating family and guests. The helm is positioned to starboard, with good visibility and a pleasingly simple, practical layout. Her teak decking and carefully detailed cockpit finish give the space warmth, elegance and practicality.

As part of the refit, the former engine and fuel tank box arrangement was reworked to suit the electric conversion. These central cockpit boxes are lined with teak, creating a more polished and practical feature within the cockpit, with the feel of a long central table and useful social space.

Clara Belle is also fitted with a JBL marine stereo system with Bluetooth, adding to her appeal as a relaxed and sociable day boat. A sunshade umbrella is included, providing useful shade for warm days afloat.

Below, the cabin is light, attractive and well laid out. The saloon has long settee berths to port and starboard, pretty slatted timber hull lining, useful storage lockers overhead and a warm, simple finish throughout. There is a small galley arrangement, a Dickinson cabin heater, further storage forward and an electric marine toilet in the forepeak.

She feels very much like a clever boat, not over complicated, not over powered, but beautifully balanced and purposeful.

A further special feature is that Clara Belle comes with full design and construction drawings, together with images documenting her build. For a boat created by one of the UK’s great yacht designers, this archive adds lovely provenance.

Key Features

Name: Clara Belle

Former name: Wilhelmina

Designer and builder: Nigel Irens

Year: 2017

Refit: 2022

Type: 31 ft LDL motor launch

Construction: Yellow cedar epoxy strip-plank

Length overall: 31 ft 2 in / 9.5 m

Beam: 8 ft 4 in / 2.55 m

Draft: 1 ft 8 in / 0.5 m

Displacement: Approx. 1.8 tonnes

Engine: 48v electric propulsion system

Previous engine: 25 hp Beta diesel

Location: United Kingdom

Construction and Finish

Clara Belle is built in 14 mm Alaska Yellow cedar strip-plank, sheathed externally with GRP. She has a grey painted hull, cream painted deck, bronze deck fittings throughout and teak decking added as part of her 2022 refit. The overall result is distinctive, elegant and quietly modern.

Cockpit and Deck

The cockpit is large, deep and sociable, with U-shaped seating to port, starboard and aft. The helm is positioned to starboard and is simply laid out, with practical controls and excellent visibility.

The deck features bronze fittings, cleats and fairleads, a large forehatch with bronze-framed deadlights and a 10 kg Rocna anchor with chain.

Accommodation

Below, Clara Belle has a light and attractive saloon with long settee berths to port and starboard, slatted timber hull lining and useful storage lockers overhead. The accommodation is simple, practical and full of character, with a cabin heater, additional forward storage and an electric marine toilet in the forepeak.

Mechanical and Electrical

Clara Belle’s original 25 hp Beta diesel engine has been replaced with a modern 48v electric propulsion system, giving her quiet, clean and efficient cruising.

The electric conversion includes the electric propulsion motor, dedicated battery installation and associated drive equipment. The system is well suited to her lightweight LDL hull, allowing her to move smoothly and quietly through the water with minimal wash, reduced vibration and low running costs.

She is fitted with hydraulic steering, Raymarine depth and speed, VHF radio, compass, fenders, braided docklines and boarding ladder.

She is also wired for Raymarine autopilot, although the autopilot itself is not included.