Description

An Exceptional Vessel – Structurally Restored and Ready for Fit-Out

Seaswallow is a yacht of exceptional pedigree — a 49-foot steel cutter designed by Robert Clark and built in 1954 at the Van Dam Yard in Holland for the owner of a stainless steel factory. This is not just a boat; it's a piece of nautical history — shaped by master craftsmen and now structurally reborn, awaiting the vision of her next owner to complete the fit-out.

Heritage Materials, Unrepeatable Value

* Hull: Crafted from hand-rolled corten steel, 6mm at the keel tapering to 4mm topsides — a testament to the calibre of materials and craftsmanship embraced at the time, resulting in a hull of lasting strength and elegance that speaks to the enduring quality of mid-century yacht-building.
* Keel: Approx. 4.5 tonnes of encapsulated lead — full-length and integral.
* Decking: The original 1950s marine teak decking has been carefully removed and stored aboard, ready for refurbishment — aged, seasoned, and irreplaceable in today’s market.
* Fittings: Numerous custom stainless steel rigging components, from the commissioning owner’s factory, still in place.

Current Restoration Status

Seaswallow has been stripped back to bare hull and professionally prepared for fit-out:

* Hull: Grit-blasted inside and out, epoxy-coated, foam spray insulation applied internally, and faired externally.
* Deck: Temporary plywood sheeting fitted for work access. Coachroof raised for improved interior space and standing headroom throughout.
* Engine: 2.0L BMC naturally aspirated diesel installed in a new central position, with redesigned shaft exit ahead of the rudder. New cutlass bearing, deep-sea seal, and Hurth 3:1 gearbox with universal coupling.
* Tanks:
* Stainless steel diesel tank + day tank
* Custom polypropylene fresh water and black water tanks
* Hot water calorifier
* Wiring & Plumbing: Initial wiring started using Batt tinned marine-grade cable. Plumbing commenced.
* Interior: Bulkheads installed, defining spaces for:
* Aft pilot berth
* Day heads in saloon
* Longitudinal galley opposite U-shaped saloon
* Midship head/shower with bunks opposite
* Forward double cabin

Rig & Equipment

* Original 68’ hollow spruce keel-stepped mast
* 22’ boxed boom
* Original bronze winches (non-self-tailing)
* New chainplates welded in
* 100m of half-inch chain
* Bow thruster tunnel in place
* Steering via tiller or wheel (buyer’s choice)
* Stored in her own custom cradle
* Hardstanding in Medway, Kent

Why This Boat Matters?

A vessel of this calibre — in both materials and build heritage — reflects a standard that would command a significant investment were it to be commissioned today. Just the corten steel, lead ballast, and marine teak alone represent a considerable outlay in terms of today’s raw material value, before even accounting for the hundreds of hours of skilled labour already invested.

Seaswallow is ready for her next chapter — an inspired fit-out that honours her pedigree while tailoring her to a new owner’s needs. For those seeking a wonderful opportunity to bring a true classic back to life, she is a once-in-a-generation project.

Viewing

On hardstanding in Medway, Kent. Viewings by appointment. Vessel sits in her own custom cradle.?Original teak decking stored aboard.

Specifications

Accommodation

Equipment

Engine(s)

2lt BMC