'Dobbin' is a 28ft cutter designed by Jim Bickford of Exmouth, a naval architect who specialised in fishing vessels and small yachts. She was built by his neighbour Ron Lavis in 1973 for Jim's own retirement. With a long keel, 4ft draft and weighing 6 tons, Dobbin is very robustly constructed in strip planked iroko on oak frames. Saloon and heads have good headroom providing a light and spacious interior. The engine is a 2 cylinder 18hp Volvo. The underwater planking was Kevlar sheathed when the present owners bought her, 7 years ago from Jim Bickford's daughter and son-in-law.

Dobbin was extensively modernised by experienced shipwrights, first at Rossiters in Christchurch and more recently at Dolphin Quay. The gallery, saloon and navigation areas were rebuilt, she was rewired, full shorepower fitted, all electric fittings renewed and a holding tank fitted. Later a furling jib was fitted and the baby stay used for a small but effective staysail, the spray hood and clear dodgers complete the protection of crew and it all works perfectly!

Dolphin Quay's application of copper antifoul 2 years ago sees her making 6 knots under power or under sail with the right wind. For this season the standing rigging was replaced and 2 new batteries fitted. The owners have used her extensively and are genuinely sad to be moving on from Dobbin to a larger craft. They have carefully maintained her using only the best materials and skilled craftsmen.

Offers over £20,000 considered.

Please contact Peter and Jean Coles (01243) 820496, (07784) 302269 or (07776) 458970 for full details.