Tuesday 17 May 2011

Boat for Sale, The Lovely Debbie McGee




I have hummed and hawed over this for a long time now. Debbie and I own a lovely (and that is not just the name) old wooden boat called The Lovely Debbie McGee, named after the 'nickname cum catchphrase' that grew during our years of making The Paul Daniels Magic Shows for BBC TV.

Speaking of that I watched, yet again, the Two Ronnies TV show being repeated and once again wondered why the Beeb never repeated the incredibly popular magic shows, that had very similar ratings.

Any road up, as they say where I come from, back to the boat. She's a beaut and you may be wondering why I want to sell it. No real reason, we just fancy a change. If it sells, fine, if it doesn't, fine.

So what is she about? The Lovely Debbie McGee was built by the Val Wyatt boatyard in 1930/31 using, I think, oak and mahogany, and is canoe shaped. Amazingly, she is still berthed just a few hundred yards from where she was built.

The power comes from batteries and as she is electric, it's great to simply glide along almost silently and when fully charged runs for 8 to 9 hours, which gives you a good day out on the river.

Yes, she comes with a boat trailer, cushions, picnic baskets that I had made to fit, awning and is licensed for the River Thames for this year. She also has an up to date Boat Safety Scheme certificate.

Six people can easily sit in comfort for trips on the water.

Serviced and maintained by Paul Brownjohn of Henley she has never given me any problems. We unplug the charge lead, get in, switch on and off she goes.

I am looking for offers over £11,000 and offers below that will not be considered. Also, oddly perhaps, I have to like you before I will sell this cherished boat to you.

I hope you understand that last proviso... the money isn't everything.

If you have any questions.... just ask them via the comments section on this page.
7.9m long and the beam is 1.3m

10 comments:

Pete Biro said...

How are we going to get from your digs to the Henley Regatta if you sell her? (We may or may not come, will let you know.) Bryan is working to put a crew together.

A Magic Life said...

I said we fancied a change, not that we would be boatless.
You can row, can't you? :)

Robert said...

I've seen both Debbie McGee's and the real one has a beam that's a great deal less than 1.3 metres!

Anyway, £11,000? It's a steal at that money!! Gillian Nahum at Hambleden Boat Sales and Charter is asking £25K for "Melodie". OK, she's got her 8% commission built into the price but still . . .

A Magic Life said...

Robert... I know it's a steal... you should buy it and make a profit!

Robert said...

Sadly, I'm selling my own boat as we have recently moved away from the river which is why I have been watching boat prices!

I trust you will insist any new owner changes the name?

Pete Biro said...

OK, YOU CAN SELL IT... we are not coming to the Henley. :(

Robert said...

Update please Mr D..

I've had no luck with my own sale thus far so after reducing my price [to be more in line with yours!] I am advertising again over the next 5 weeks to coincide with the Beale Park Boat Show next week - 10, 11, 12 June - and Henley Royal Regatta at the end of June.

A Magic Life said...

Robert, I put it on eBay and it sold in one week. I confess I used one of their weekends where there is no charge to list, enabling me to put a high start price.
BTW, if you read this... this weekend is another free listing! Yes, they do take a percentage of the sale price.
What are you selling?
PD

Anonymous said...

Hi

did you know your boat is for sale in norfolk?

id bring it back to henley if i had a little more mooring

do you think electric boats are good on the thames?

A Magic Life said...

To Simon... electric boats on the Thames? There should be nothing else! Beautifully quiet.