Westons Point 27

A semi-bespoke gentleman's launch in cedar strip construction, the Westons Point 27 is a real head-turner that oozes traditional craftsmanship, as David Harding reports

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Harbours all around our coast will be buzzing with small motorboats on a nice summer's day. Many of these boats will be well-known models from big yards that build them by the thousand. Many of them will also look not unlike many of the others.

For the majority of the owners, it's all about practicality: ease of use, suitability for purpose, purchase and running costs, and so on. These things matter to anyone who owns a boat. People's priorities differ, however. For example, does it matter to you what your boat looks like? On the basis of what we see out there, appearance doesn't enter the equation in many cases. For others, it's the starting point-and why shouldn't it be?

More often than not for recreational owners, buying a boat is driven by emotion rather than logic, and some people like to feel proud of what they own; to enjoy looking at it, and to savour the experience of being aboard in terms of what you might call 'sensory satisfaction'. It's so much more than simply ticking the 'practicality' boxes.

If you just want a 25-30ft (7.6-9m) motorboat for day-use, overnighting or weekending, there are plenty to choose from. If, on the other hand, you want one that's built to your own requirements, that looks gorgeous, that's equally happy inland or on the sea and that's light enough to hitch up behind a car and trail to different waters-well, then your choice becomes rather more limited.

One of a kind

The Westons Point 27 is one such boat. At a glance, you’d put her in the same general category as Cockwells’ Duchy motor launches, the Bristol 27 by Star Yachts, and Swallow Yachts’ Whisper – all elegant, timeless and fuel-efficient craft designed to appeal to those whose desire is not to hurtle around kicking up an uncivilised wash in a thirsty, slab-sided plastic motorboat.