Converted Tug Liveaboard 18m

For Sale: Converted Cebreaking Deep Sea Tug – Liveaboard 18m – Closed Offers Invites

Admiralty Registry Royal Courts Of Justice has ordered the sale of this used Converted Tug Liveaboard – ‘St. David of London’, understood to be 1905, fitted with with single inboard Scania DSC11 300hp main (understood to be new in 1982) unable to run and missing the gearbox, and 1 x Volvo MD11 auxiliary shaftdrive engine, also in non operation due to missing head and various other components.  Closed offers are invited through Brighton Boat Sales as acting Agent.  The client with the winning offer will be advised directly by the Royal Courts Of Justice.  Details of this vessel are offered in good faith, we cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel nor mechanical operation of engines or fixtures & fittings. THE ADMIRALTY MARSHAL’S CONDITIONS OF SALE SUBJECT MATTER OF SALE ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. CLOSING DATE FOR BIDS WILL BE FRIDAY 4TH JULY 2025.

A Unique Piece of Maritime History – St David of London

Originally built as an ice-breaking tug, St David of London boasts a remarkable and storied past. During World War II, she operated in the Baltic, where she played a crucial humanitarian role, helping Jewish refugees escape Nazi Germany via the port of Rostock. Later captured and repurposed as a Nazi patrol vessel, she was eventually repatriated and returned to her rightful owner in 1948.

Following the war, she resumed her duties in ice clearing and towing, continuing to serve reliably until the 1980s. At that point, she was acquired for conversion into a live-aboard vessel. During the early phase of her transformation, significant upgrades were made, including a new superstructure and funnel, full re-plating of the hull, and the installation of a more economical Scania engine to replace the original.

In 1999, St David was discovered on an island in the Stockholm archipelago. A former owner repatriated her to the UK, where she underwent a comprehensive refit reportedly costing around £80,000. This included a complete interior strip-out, with all systems reinstalled from the ground up. The hull was shot-blasted and repainted to commercial specifications, ensuring long-term durability.  While her current condition is very poor, today, she lies in Brighton Marina, offering a rare opportunity to own a vessel rich in history, character, and craftsmanship — ready for her next chapter.

Disclaimer and Travelling to Inspect
The company only acts as a broker for the Vendor who, unless otherwise stated, is not selling in the course of a business.  Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of these particulars, the correctness is not guaranteed and they are intended as a guide only and do not constitute as a part of any contract.  A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check these particulars and where appropriate, and at his own expense, to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey.  This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.  To avoid disappointment, please call or email before you make travel plans.

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