She can best be described as an Eastern European version of a Riva (a fast little motorboat) probably built for the lakes outside Berlin in the former East Germany in the vicinity of Kopernick. Her lines are exceptional and what would have been a smelly Wartburg 3 cylinder 2 stroke engine has been replaced by an electric propulsion unit most of the elements of which were renewed last year (details and invoices available). How do we know about the origins ? A piece of newspaper was found on board from the early sixties and an overseas visitor to the Thames Traditional Boat Festival immediately identified her as having been built on a lake outside Berlin. Perhaps a new owner will succeed in finding out more of this attractive little boat's history.
The hull construction is carvel pitch pine, painted cream with varnished mahogany decks. Internally she has a mahogany planked floor. The seating is covered in hard wearing Leatherette. Nina is powered by a 48 volt 18kw permanent magnet electric motor capable of pushing the boat onto the plane. However at high speed the batteries will not give you kind of autonomy which gentle cruising at river speed will guarantee. However the motor, motor controller, charger and all other electrical components are new and the trailer has been completely overhauled including new stub axles so this represents a very attractive package for a new owner.
Since arriving on the Thames she has had two owners one of whom is your favourite coffee drinking actor with a riverside des res close to Henley on Thames, the most recent a couple who have a Vintage transport company based around Wallingford.
Whether you are looking for a private dayboat or a wedding charter boat Nina could suit you. She presents well and with her trailer is useful for storing at home for occasional use from a slipway or of course for mooring at the bottom of the garden should you be a lucky riparian owner.
The sale includes the trailer and a current BSS certificate required for inland waterways registration in most parts of the UK.