A Swedish classic Milja is the ideal runabout with a certain whiff of Venetian taxi about her combined with a comfortable forward cabin suitable for sleeping at least two people.

She was built in Stockholm in 1951 just one of 4 fast launches built to this design. She is the last remaining original. The hull is Honduras mahogany on oak and Merbau was used for the topsides. She was completely stripped down to bare wood during covid times when the owner imported her to the UK. A group of skilled enthusiasts applied some10 layers of varnish resulting in a unique and beautiful boat with lovely lines. The engine is a petrol powered Mercruiser 5.7 litre with 260bhp. She is a planing boat and has a top speed of about 35 knots but there is no reason that a smaller engine could not be fitted or a larger rudder and smaller propellor which would make her easy to handle on inland waterways with a speed limit. A brand new custom made canvas was fitted this year which when removed opens up the aft cockpit area completely. It matches the smart cushions in the cabin and seating areas.

Milja has many appealing factors and with her beam she feels much longer than 29ft. The space on board divides up into three main areas, the sleeping area in the bow with a portapotti below one of the seats, a midships cooking and eating area where the helm position is also located, and the aft cockpit separated by a glass partition hence the similarity to a Venetian taxi launch. The sink with sliding draining board is a model of Swedish efficiency and ingenuity. No space is wasted as the double skin lining opens to reveal bottle, plate and built-in glass storage. Clearly the influence of the Scandi mid twentieth century craftsmanship is here shown at its best and you can see how contemporary brands like Nimbus still make these fast cruiser type boats today. The commuter launches which were so popular in the USA also have some influence in terms of design on these smaller cruisers which are ideal for ideal hopping as well as weekend cruising.

BSS valid to 2028. Viewing is at Lechlade by appointment.