Boatbuilder bids farewell to electric punt from Eighties

AN electric punt from the Eighties is up for sale.

The boat, named Voltaire, was built in 1988 by Colin Henwood, founder of boatbuilders Henwood & Dean in the Hambleden Valley, with the intention of promoting the benefits of electric propulsion.

Designed by his business partner Robert Dean, Mr Henwood says the punt benefits from “silent, clean and pollution-free running”.

He said: “She did a great job as ambassador for electricity back in the day when there was a glimmer of interest, a resurgence from the 1890s when the Thames was home to many electric boats.

“When we took people out on it, they couldn’t believe that you could go along the river in silence and that there was no noise whatsoever.

“As a consequence, we rebuilt many electric boats and it generated a huge amount of interest.”

The boat, which has mahogany sides, a plywood bottom and a teak frame, was used by the family for more than 30 years and was taken on picnics, camping trips to small islands in the river and to Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Festival.

Colin said: “Evening trips up the Hennerton backwater with a glass of wine and a tasty sandwich became a summer standard. We put a small fridge on board stocked with a few beers and bottle of wine so anyone could spontaneously take advantage of a beautiful day.”

About 20 years ago, the boat travelled to France to help Boris Proutzakoff, who used to work for the company, establish his boatyard near Angers on the Loire River. Colin recalled: “We spent a few luxurious days exploring a tributary and spotting huge water rats living in the river banks.”

The name Voltaire is a pun on the word “volt”, referencing the electrical power used to run the boat. Colin said: “There is nothing erudite or intellectual about it, it’s just a nice name for a boat.”

He is selling the punt because he has not used her for several years since he sold the boatyard and moved away from this area. Colin said: “When we have these
wonderful things, we need to use them. It’s not something you can put in your living room. Beautiful boats should be on the river, not in storage — my whole life has been about that.

“I am very sorry to see it go but I will be very happy to find someone who will love it as much as we have. It’s the end of an era.”

Colin started Henwood & Dean in 1983 to rebuild and restore Thames launches and sometimes built new boats.

Six years ago the business was sold to Tony Knights, a former apprentice at the company, and Dan Wood, whose company 3D Marine helped transport the boats in and out of the yard.

Colin now owns a workshop at the Long Wittenham, where he restores boats. He is currently restoring an 100-year-old launch and said: “My heart has always been in my hands.”

For more information, email colinhenwoodboats@gmail.com