Falmouth Working Boat 690 now in the online auction. everyone can bid until 18 May 2026.
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Classic Falmouth Working Boat 690
Anyone who falls for the charm of a traditional working boat will recognise her immediately: this 1979 Falmouth Working Boat 690 has that distinctive, rugged sheerline with a beautiful sweep and the presence of a true workboat. At the same time, she was built for enjoyment on the water, with a spacious, deep cockpit where you can easily sail with several people. This open sailing boat has been used on inland waters and lakes for day trips, weekends away and holidays, with the highlight—according to the owner—being the trips towards Schiermonnikoog. Through BoatAuction she is now available for the next enthusiast looking for a classic sailboat with character, a gaff cutter rig and stable handling.
The boat is 6.90 metres long and 2.40 metres wide, with a draught of approximately 1.05 metres. Her hull has an S-frame shape, contributing to her calm motion and pleasant directional stability. Steering is from outside with a tiller and a single rudder, exactly as you would expect for this type of traditional sailboat. Below deck there is a simple, practical space with a headroom of about 1.10 metres and berths for two people. This makes her primarily a wonderful day sailor, but also suitable for simple overnight stays during a weekend trip.
Falmouth Working Boat 690 now in the online auction. Everyone can bid up to and including 18 May 2026.
What makes her history so special?
This Falmouth Working Boat was built in 1979 by Frank van Zoest, and her construction was described in detail in three articles in Spiegel der Zeilvaart (1987 no. 10 and 1988 nos. 2 and 3). This not only gives her a great story, but also a tangible place in Dutch amateur boatbuilding and sailing culture. In 2024, the cockpit sole was replaced and new sails were fitted, made by Oar and Sail in cooperation with Frank van Zoest. For those searching terms such as classic sailboat, gaff cutter, Falmouth Working Boat or working boat sailboat, this is an example with a provenance you don’t often come across.
How is she built and what does that mean for use?
The hull is made of ferrocement, a material known for its solid character and practical repair options. The deck consists of two layers of high-quality waterproof plywood and is built up with a 2K PU paint undercoat and an epoxy floorcoat topcoat. The hull has an epoxy paint undercoat (Amerlock) with a PU topcoat for UV protection. Below the waterline she is built up with Amerlock, PU and antifouling. She was last taken out of the water in 2024, when the antifouling treatment was also carried out. All of this makes her interesting for buyers looking for a robust sailboat with a clear, well-considered paint system build-up.
How does she sail and what can you expect on deck?
She was designed after the English oyster fishing boats of the south coast, intended to work with a trawl net. You can see that in her stable stance and spacious cockpit. The mast and spars are wooden (larch), with stainless-steel standing rigging and turnbuckles. Her sail plan is that of a gaff cutter with three sails: jib, mainsail and staysail. The sails are stated to be in good condition and were renewed in 2024. For those who enjoy traditional sailing, this is a boat that invites you to trim by feel, steer calmly and enjoy the craftsmanship of a classic open sailboat.
Which engine is included and is she suitable for manoeuvring?
For harbour manoeuvres and relaxed motoring she is equipped with a Yamaha High Thrust 8 outboard with electric start. This is an 8 hp two-cylinder petrol engine with a 10-litre tank. The stated cruising speed is around 8 km/h and the maximum speed around 10 km/h, fitting her type and displacement. A bow thruster is not applicable, but with tiller steering and a suitable engine setup she is easy to handle for those accustomed to this kind of boat.
What is included and what is useful to know?
The sale includes practical items that suit her use as a working boat and day sailor: a quant pole, boat hook, fenders and a cover. She has two anchors with chain and line and a manual bilge pump. It is known that maintenance will be desired next year, giving a buyer the opportunity to plan further work to their own preference and tailor her to the intended cruising area.
Anyone looking for a Falmouth Working Boat 690, a classic gaff cutter, or simply a characterful open sailboat with robust construction and a warm story, will find an eye-catching presence in this lady. She combines traditional lines with practical equipment and a history you’ll enjoy retelling, while she stands ready for new days on lakes and inland waters, with wind in the sails and space in the cockpit for crew and memories.
