Name Laughing Water II

Built in 1912 by Bill Horsham at the Ray Motor Co. boatyard at Boulter’s Lock, Maidenhead, LAUGHING WATER II is a Thames saloon launch built of mahogany on oak frames. She was built for the Astor family, who lived at nearby Cliveden House. In the 1930’s, the Astors imported and installed a powerful Gray Marine 6-cylinder petrol engine from the US (now held at the National Waterways Museum, at Ellesmere Port). 

Subsequently, LAUGHING WATER II was modified and changed ownership on several occasions.  Mr Walter Scott bought her from the Astors and sold her in the mid-1950’s to Mr George Wilson (who went on to found Dawncraft Cruisers).  At that time, a second (forward) cabin was added, creating a centre cockpit cruiser.  The next owner, Mr Jack Tomkins, became Deputy Chairman of the Upper Avon Navigation Trust and Laughing Water II was the first boat to navigate the restored Southern Stratford Canal in 1964.  

In 1974 she was purchased by Mr Paul Wallace who took her to Preston Brook on the Trent & Mersey Canal where Ray Woodland, the present owner's father, found her, in a rather dilapidated condition, and bought her in 1976.  After a substantial programme of restoration, she was relaunched in 1987 and subsequently travelled across much of the UK canal and river network until the early 2000’s.  The Gray Marine engine, although restored, was replaced in 1988 by a smaller (and much more suitable for use on inland waters) 20hp Vetus diesel engine.  Andy Woodland, the present owner, inherited the vessel in 2006 following the death of his father and transported her to Cox’s Boatyard at Barton Turf in Norfolk, where extensive restoration of the hull and rebuilding of the cabin and roof structure were undertaken to safeguard her for the future.  She was moved in 2021 to Debdale Wharf Marina near Leicester, and has been kept in the water ever since, during which time the floorboards have been renewed throughout, and new front and rear cockpit covers have been made and fitted.  

Update, March 2024: Vessel for sale.