Come and see the beautiful Jonik on the National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s pontoon. Originally owned by John King, Jonik was used for family pleasure trips on the River Fowey. The boat was donated to the Museum in 2001 by his grandson, Richard King, who also generously pledged £5,000 for her restoration. Due to general wear and tear the boat had deteriorated but was restored to her former glory by Cornish boat builder, Maurice Hunkin.

The beautiful Jonik 

Jonik is a 24ft (7.3m) motor launch built in Fowey in 1934 by Percy Clemens. He used the best quality timber available at the time, of silver spruce and teak, to build her. She was built with excellent craftsmanship although surprisingly without the use of power tools and electric lighting.

Jonik is the Museum’s only historic boat in use that has an inboard engine. This motor launch was originally powered by a Thorneycroft Handybilly petrol engine, which is now in the Science Museum in London.

She is one of the most beautiful looking boats...

Andy Wyke, the Museum’s Boat Collection Manager, enthused: “She is one of the most beautiful looking boats in the Museum’s collection. It’s great, after all these years, to still be able to use this unique boat in her natural environment and where she looks best - on the water.”

The Jonik at NMMC

Jonik is part of the historic fleet which takes to the water every spring and summer for the season. She is actively used by the Museum and can be seen out and about at special events such as taking guests out on race days during Henry Lloyd Falmouth Week.

Find out more about the National Maritime Museum Cornwall