Cockwells 33 Motor Launch, IMPULSIVE

Broker’s Comments

IMPULSIVE is a one-of-a-kind, single-minded Cockwells Custom 33 Motor Launch, hand-built in Cornwall by Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding in 2013 for her first owner (she is now in only her second ownership since new). Sketched as a modern interpretation of a Naval cutter, she is innovative in terms of fit-out, equipment, and control systems. Designed to be fully manageable single-handedly, IMPULSIVE features a cutting-edge operating system with rheostats, twin thrusters, a Virtual Anchor facility, and the option to helm from the protected aft cockpit or even the foredeck. She is great fun to handle in marinas and performs equally well on the open sea, making her both stunning and highly practical as a day cruiser or weekender.

She turns heads wherever she goes, exuding the quality that only a timber-built yacht can offer.

Her varnished deckhouse gleams, with polished stainless-steel frames complementing the large picture-glazed windows, while a smart Matterhorn White coachroof tops the highly varnished buttresses aft. From a distance, her upright and sharp stem stands boldly against the seaway. The covered aft cockpit features amazingly comfortable seating, and two panelled doors open into a gloriously light-filled saloon with beautifully finished bench seating. Stout turned timber columns guide your way forward to the Helm and Navigator’s seats, while her sole boards gleam under layers of gloss varnish. She is simply stunning. Her deeply lustrous interior joinery is hand-crafted from Cornish Chestnut and Black Walnut, and the lines and timbers of her Douglas Fir strip hull reinforcement are proudly displayed in the heads and galley sides.

The galley stretches across the yacht, forward of the companionway stairs, and is fitted to port with a ceramic hob, refrigerator, and microwave/grill. The AC and DC switching panel is conveniently located on the bulkhead for easy access, and there is ample storage for plates, along with additional drawer storage. The galley worktops are finished in a durable yet attractive speckled Anthracite Corian, and there is good overhead lighting, complemented by accent lighting under the eye-level cupboards. To starboard, there is an additional worktop area with a recessed sink, drainage rack, and storage lockers both beneath the worktop and at eye level. The cabin sides are trimmed with timber planking, exquisitely painted in softly glossed Sayerlack, with a fixed portlight set into the hull planking on both port and starboard. A panelled timber door in the forward transverse bulkhead opens outward to access the separate heads/shower compartment nestled in the bows. The toilet is set on a centreline plinth, with a fiddled Anthracite Corian work surface extending to the hull sides, inset with a basin to port and an umbilical shower head. The teak grating in the sole conceals the shower drain pump, and excellent natural light is provided by the opening deck hatch above and fixed portlights.

For her power needs, a powerful yet refined 260HP 6BY3 Yanmar diesel engine lies comfortably beneath the well-insulated cabin sole, propelling her 6-tonne dry weight at a comfortable cruising speed of 14 knots. The single-shaft drivetrain, equipped with a Python drive to suppress vibration and shaft noise, operates under a vast powered engine bay hatch, providing exceptional access to the engine, tanks, strainers, seacocks, fuel tanks, dual filters, and battery cases. For further access forward, there is an additional hinged hatch leading to an extremely useful transverse storage space beneath the helm.

As mentioned, she is fitted with a state-of-the-art Tecnautic control system, offering exceptional close-quarters manoeuvrability with Hover, Hold, and Anchor modes, making single-handed operation a breeze. This system includes a Remote Helm Module, allowing control to be administered from anywhere on board via the umbilical control lead—whether from the foredeck for anchoring or the aft cockpit for berthing.

In all respects, she is a truly magical creation. IMPULSIVE is a highly accomplished build in terms of concept, finish, and engineering, yet champions the ease of electronic piloting aids while retaining the look, feel, unbridled elegance, and spirit of a truly classic vintage motor launch.

Sales Video from Previous Sale

Press Comments

“Few boats offer such a degree of comfort, practicality and performance in such a capable seagoing boat” – Powerboat and Rib.