1961 Bates Starcraft
£79,950 inc VAT Boat name: Belle EpoqueBrand: Bates
Model: Starcraft
Year: 1961
Length: 33 ft
Fuel: Unleaded
Engines: 2
Hull: Wood
Condition: Used
Introducing the 33ft 1961 Bates Starcraft, a beautiful, classic cruiser now proudly listed for sale with Boat Showrooms.
Originally named Deirdre Louise, Belle Epoque as she is now known is a fine example of the 33ft Bates Starcraft, featuring an enviable aft cockpit complete with a smart sand coloured canopy cover, which gives a gentleman’s launch type feel to the boat.
A teak hull and decks are complemented by the mahogany wheelhouse and cabin structure. There is straight access from the external area of the boat through the saloon to the leather seating area at the helm. Forward of the steering and passenger seating are the steps down to the contemporary galley to port and a recently replaced heads compartment to starboard. This area then leads through to the forward double v-berth sleeping area with full height hanging cupboards and drawers in the original varnished mahogany finish.
The furnishings are in stone corduroy and matching leather. Deep red carpeting runs throughout the boat. A top loading fridge was added by the previous owners on the port side. This is a boat for the connoisseur who requires comfortable cruising combined with good entertaining space whether in the saloon with its sofas or in the aft cockpit, which is ideal for dining or simply relaxing.
Over her various ownerships she has been maintained as a luxury weekender with a generous forward cabin and a renovated head complete with sink and vanity unit in mahogany with mixer taps for the basin and a new calorifier. The twin petrol engines give some coastal cruising capability with good visibility from the port side helm. The galley features a large serving area with cupboards fitted by a previous owner who used the boat for entertaining.
The boat comes with a full-length winter cover. Bates Starcraft enjoy membership of the Bates Starcraft club, which gathers for various Thames side events and produces a colourful and informative magazine.
Viewing highly recommended.
Tax status
Measurements
Propulsion
Accommodation
Enquire about this boat
1961 Bates Starcraft for sale from Boat Showrooms
Brief History of Vessel
Only a few of the distinctive Star Craft fleet were ever constructed with an aft cockpit, the majority of these being the smaller 30ft model. It is believed that only two were ever constructed in the larger 33ft size. Tradition has it that the sister ship to Belle Epoque was irreparably damaged during craning, rendering her now the sole surviving example.
- 1961: Built for W A Howell, (the third boat built for him by Bates) and named after his daughter Deirdre Louise. The original purchase price was £6,071 plus £67 for teak decking.
- 1969-1972: Owned by W Bates & Sons and used by Mrs Beryl Bates (wife of Leonard).
- 1972-1975: Purchased by Michael Martin and re-engined.
- 1975-1994: Purchased by Mike (a founder of the Star Craft Owner's Club) & Sylvia Morrell.
- 1979: BMC Vedettes replaced with Ford Watermota Sea Tigers.
- 1994: Purchased by Roy Griffiths, Sunbury.
- 1995: Purchased by Mr Brian Hawkins, Farnham.
- 2004: Purchased by Tony and Gloria Mayes from Wargrave, who completely restored her hull, topsides and interior over 14 months.
- 2005: Name changed from Deirdre Louise to Belle Epoque.
- 2007: Purchased by David and Sheila Newing-Ward.
- 2012: Purchased by John Reeves and Sharron Honeyman. In excess of £30,000 spent on stripping the hull, decks and topsides and re-working the heads compartment to better fit the style of the vessel.
- 2016: Purchased by Jo Ledbrooke.
- 2021: Purchased by the current owner.
Construction
- LOA: 33ft
- Beam: 2.97m
- Draft: 0.91m
- Date Built: 1961
- Fuel Capacity: 60 gallons
- Water Capacity: 60 gallons
- Hull & Deck Materials: Double diagonal teak hull on oak & teak deck
Mechanical & Electrical
- x2 Ford 1600 Watermota Sea Tiger 67hp petrol engines on shaft drive
- Shore Power
- Battery Charger
Interior
- 4 berths in 1 cabin
- Toilet to holding tank
- Refrigerator
- Pressurised cold and hot water system
- Water heating
Safety Equipment
- Fire Extinguisher/s
- Bilge Pump/s
- Search Light
- Anchor & chain/line
- Fenders
- Mooring Lines
Service Information
- Last Survey: September 2025
- Last Engine Service: April 2026
- Last Antifoul: September 2025
- Boat Safety Scheme Certificate: To be completed at the vendor's expense. The boat will be supplied with a new certificate.
Exclusive Buyer Benefits
When you purchase a boat through Boat Showrooms of London or Boat Showrooms of Harleyford and keep it at Shepperton Marina, you unlock exceptional savings designed to make your first year effortless and rewarding.
- Free Pre-Purchase Survey Lift
Complete your purchase and keep your boat at Shepperton Marina for one year, and the cost of the pre-purchase survey lift will be credited back to you, applied directly against your mooring fees.
- 25% Off Your First Year’s Mooring
Enjoy a 25% discount on your first year’s mooring, giving you less worry about the costs and the opportunity to discover our award-winning marina at a reduced rate.
- Discounted Fuel & Pump Out Services
Benefit from exclusive discounted rates on fuel and pump-out services, minimising your running costs and allowing your money to go further.
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
