Traditional Boats Enquiry Board at TradBoat

Here is a place to post requests for information on individual craft, search for class associations or perhaps start one of your own. Let us know where plans are available, tell us about a vessel which has been in the family for years - you know the sort of thing. Model makers looking for sources are welcome here too but should also try our model making pages. Browse through the pages there is much of interest.

To put an enquiry on to the Boat simply email us at info@tradboat.co.ukThis page normally has a frame to the left. If you see it without, please click here

Barbel I and Barbel II

These charming small sailing cruisers were designed by M S Redman during the late sixties and early seventies. We would very much like to hear from anyone who built a Barbel, has one, or has plans for one - particularly the 14ft version. Photographs would be a great bonus! Perhaps there is a Barbel hiding at the end of your garden or by the fence at the club?

Please contact Charles Smith, Editor, TradBoat, at info@tradboat.co.uk There are more details of the Barbel in our Cruisers section - click here. Many thanks

Stephen Hall writes:   Ancora was built 1913 at Morgan Giles yard. A Classic Boat article on Morgan Giles (Dec 2002 issue) says that she was one of only three built to the 7metre international rating. Her length is 40ft, width 7ft, depth 6ft 4ins. I am looking for any plans, photos, details of similar racing yachts of the period to help with the restoration. In particular, it would be helpful to have details of deck fittings and cockpit construction. as we need to make some modifications to Ancora. The present deck is not the original.

Any help would be much appreciated. The boat is now at David Moss's yard near Fleetwood for the start of work on her.

It is though that Ancora was the Gold Medal boat in the 7 Metre class in the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. Please let us know if you have information which we will of course pass along to Stephen.   Email: ancora@tradboat.co.uk

Roger Hardy writes: I am currently, and slowly, restoring a Char fishing/rowing boat. It is about 22ft long and with a 4.6" beam, clinker planked in larch. All I know for certain is that it was bought in 1924, second hand, and spent its life in the boathouse of a property called Hawkhowe on Ullswater. It is said to have been built on Windermere and was reputedly used as a support boat during Donald Campbell's water speed record attempts in the 1950's. I found it about three years ago in a farmyard in the Thames Valley where it was in the way and going to be burned. Any information on these craft and how they were used would be much appreciated.

Roger would be pleased to hear from anyone who knows these boats
Email address : rjhardy@waitrose.com

15/03/07

Richard Bates writes: I would like to establish the whereabouts or fate of this motor yacht, which belonged to my grandfather, J M Hoult. She was built in 1930 by J I Thornycroft at Hampton on Thames. She was 57 ft long, 30GRT, and twin screw. The last trace of her I found is in an entry in Lloyd's Register of Yachts 1979 under No Y005096, when her home Port was Ramsgate.

Tony Hall writes: I would like information on my old Beacon Class drop keeler Tiphaine of Emsworth which was buil t by Parhams in 1949. She was the first of this class: carvel, gunter rigeed and about 18 feet long. She was badly damaged on the Medway in the 1980's and was sold as a hulk. I would love to know how she survived!

Kathryn Cresswell writes: I am trying to find out some more about the history of our ex-Admiralty pinnace. She was built in 1911 by Rowhedge Ironworks in Essex. pics and more information can be found on my website at http://www.dragonflyriver.com We (Hubbie and I) were told that she could have come from the HMS Delhi, but my research suggests that she is too big for this!. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Gough writes: "I am trying to trace the history of a small yacht class known as the Pleiad. They were reasonably common on the Clyde during the fifties and sixties, during my time in the area. They were popular with sailing clubs. They were similar in size to the Loch Long class but were gunter rigged so had a distinctive short mast when moored. I can remember one which sank at its moorings off Strone during a gale and the excitement during the operation to raise the yacht to sail again. I have had no success in tracing this class of yacht on the web ..." Can anyone help Chris please. If you know of the class or of individual boats we would like to list them here at TradBoat so perhaps you could also let us know at enquiries@tradboat.co.uk )

Email address : cgough0@btinternet.com

I am trying to trace the 'Albion' fishing smack which my grandparents owned
and sailed out of West Mersea around 1950. Their name was Thorpe. Does anyone know who the owners are now ? It would be lovely to see her again if she is still sailing.
Kind regards. S Monk

(If you can help with this one please contact us at albion@tradboat.co.uk and we will pass the details along, Ed)

John Powell tells us that he has a Prelude - designed by Ian Proctor and built in the sixties and seventies. Unfortunately he has lost the rudder, and would greatly appreciate any help with drawings or contact from an owner of another Prelude. Please email John at 106710.2213@compuserve.com

Doug writes to ask; "I'm trying to track down my Grandfather's Pinnace whose name was Tubby. She would have been pre WW2. Her mooring was Hardway (Gosport, Fareham Creek). I know the above is a limited and sketchy description, however if I can get more information about her I will add it at a later date. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Regards Doug Fontaine

Email address : doug_fontaine@hotmail.com

17/6/05

Morecombe Bay Prawner - Snipe, Conwy

Glyn writes; "I have just purchased a 42ft Morecombe Bay Prawner, called Snipe Conwy. If anyone has any information or history of this boat I would be very pleased to learn more about her.. She was built 1895 I was told ,and rebuilt approximately 1995. She need some work to the hull and any advice would be welcome, many thanks" Glyn John

Email address : glyn42@hotmail.com

Mike asks; "I have a 1937 Admiralty Pinnace which I believe was used as a pilot cutter originally. Someone about 20 years ago decided to fill the front end with concrete to secure the anchor bolt. The concrete has been removed but I am left with a boat looking like a torpedo went through the bow. I now need detailed plans of the bow stem and keel so I can rebuild it all properly. Can anyone help with source information?" Thanks, Mike

Email address : yekim@nildram.co.uk
17/6/05

Daniel and Allen Coop write; " Hi I am after information regarding an old 1935/6 sailing sloop which was built in Woodbridge boat yard and used on the Deben River. We think that the boats name was originally Scotia and was built in 1935 for a man called Dr Crawford by W Maxwell Blake. The boat featured in a copy of Yachting Monthly December 1936 page 143 and 144 (I have a original photostat of this showing weights and measurements, but they are hard to make out as it is so old). She was originally a sloop changed to a cutter at this time. I have just purchased this boat and it is in need of a lot of restoration and any pictures diagrams or information would be greatly appreciated as I would like to restore her to her original state. She is 25ft in length and has a total overhang of 18in. I look forward to any information that you may be able to find for me, regards" Daniel and Allan Coop.
Email address : coopautos@yahoo.co.uk

Kevin writes to ask for any help in obtaining mor information on his Romany 21 which was built between 1975- and 1979. She is fitted with a Perkins 4107 and Z leg and has a large crown badge on the bow.

Emma Phillips writes: I am looking for information on a Morecambe Bay Prawner Mavis, built early in the 1900s and one of "Three Sisters". The Prawner is in need of repair and I should be grateful for any advice, help or possible grants. Emma Phillips

"Templar" 18 Ton Cutter
Richard Blagbourne writes as follows: I am searching for leads to find a builder of the the 18 ton cutter Templar which was shipped around the Horn on deck to British Columbia in September 1859. I need leads to a historian, enthusiast or documents of this early period of yachting. Can anyone help please?

Yorkshire Coble Doreen

Nigel Thirkell writes to ask whether anyone have pictures of, or information about, the double ended Filey coble Doreen which he believes left Filey in the mid nineties. If you do then Nigel will be very pleased to hear from you

Please make contact through TradBoat and we will pass you email along to Nigel.
Email info@tradboat.co.uk

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without your express permission

28/2/05

Bruce Lunt has recently acquired the triple keel version of the Achilles, designed by Oliver Lee, a designed which was modified by C J Butler of Butler mouldings to produce a sucessful fast cruiser . Bruce would be very glad to hear from other owners, or to contact any-one who worked for Butler Mouldings during the period. He is also anxious to trace drawings of the keel attachments.

Cheverton Caravel

Mike Winter writes that he has recently purchased a Cheverton Caravel. The Cheverton Yard was situated on the Isle of Wight and built sailing boats in the 1950s. Mike would very much like to hear from anyone who has one of these boats with the prospect of forming a club and exchanging information. Please click here for more details and Michael's email address in our TradBoat Cruisers section.

23/2/05

Viking of Mersea -an Alan Buchana East Coast One Design

Martin writes: I have recently purchased this fine sloop built by French Bros at Battlebridge on the River Crouch, and am looking for any information on her or photos, plans etc. She is of clinker construction. mahogany on elm frames. and I would dearly like to hear from anyone that knows anything of this craft.
Email address : mmayers_@msn.com

Blackwater Sloop

Andrew Earl writes, "I have just purchased a 20ft Blackwater Sloop which has been out of the water for the last eight years, and have been moved her from the Medway area to a boat yard at Newhaven, in Yorkshire, to be being stripped out.
Any information on fellow owners, an association, plans, diagrams or photos would be greatly appreciated She is identical to the B&W photo in "Classic Boat", with full coach roof to bow." Please reply to Andrew at e-mail address : aj_sc_earl@hotmail.com

Pedro Owners

Dawn wites, "I am looking for fellow owners of the Pedro 17. I have now owned one for a year and am just finishing my first season of experiencing the pro's and cons of her. I have had a lot of fun with her this year and my longest sail of 20 n.m from St Mawes to Fowey in Cornwall was a fantastic experience managing an average of 4.4 knots and at times speeds of 5.5 knots were reached. The sail was helped by a north westerly 4-5 on a beam reach". If you are a Pedro owner and would like us to put you in touch with Dawn please reply to us here at Tradboat and we will pass your email along. Email info@tradboat.co.uk

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Morecambe Bay Prawner Penguin

David Clifford writes "I have just purchased Penguin a Morecombe Bay Prawner circa 1888. I am told she is of an Annan smack design built in North Wales (Conwy). Penguin has been clad in fibre glass and is in reasonable condition apart from the side decks and carlins". He asks, "does any one know of Penguin or her previous history?" Please reply directly to David at
e-mail address : dgclifford@hotmail.com

Unknown boat ?

Haydn Crockford is interested to know the date/origins of the boat shown in the picture.
He tells us that she might have been built somewhere between the 30's and 50's, but knows little morel. However stamped into the deck-head beams in the cabin is - Off No
183873, Reg Tons 4 55/100. She is 25ft long. "Perhaps you know where I could
start looking," he says.

If you do know more please reply to info@tradboat.co.uk and we will put Haydn in touch with you.

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Here is a drawing of a sailmark sent in by John Hobbs. It belongs to a clinker dinghy. Length 11ft 10in, beam 4ft 8ins. Construction: Mahogany on oak. The sails are Ratsey's and the measurer signed them in 1969. But what is the boat?. John would very much like to know and so we would we at TradBoat. If you have come across this boat will you please e-mail us at TradBoat and we will pass your coments along to John. E-mail: info@tradboat.co.uk

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International Six Metre Class Boats

Gypaetos 1910. Designed by: GU Laws Bldr: FG Maynard
Gybo 1913 Designed by: GU Laws Bldr: Burnham Yacht Building Co.

Broads motor cruiser

Perdita 1940s? Designed and built: EC Landamore, Wroxham

Andrew Meekin very much wants to know more about these craft. Please contact him through TradBoat at info@tradboat.co.uk and we will put him in touch

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Raymond is looking for information about Royal Outboard Motors. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like to get in touch with Raymond please let us know here at info@tradboat.co.uk and we will pass the message along to him.

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Gularis by Stanilands and Hylands of Wakefield

Colin Clarke tells us that he is the owner of Gularis built in 1938 at Stanilands Boatyard of Thorne, to a design by A H Coomben and Captain Charles Hyland of Hylands, Wakefield. Gularis is also on the Historic Ships Register. Colin would like to hear from other Hyland owners or anyone who may have information on Hylands of Wakefield.

If you would like to get in touch with Colin please let us know here at info@tradboat.co.uk and we will pass the message along to him.

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We would appreciate any information on these craft. One of our enquirers has recently purchased a boat built in 1953 by The Shoreham Boat Company to a design by John E Powell (31') . Does any one else have one of these boats currently ? Or photographs or history ? We will be happy to put you in touch with the present owner.

Please reply to info@tradboat.co.uk

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Lymington L Class
We would much appreciate any information on these craft and a photograph if possible. Please reply to info@tradboat.co.uk

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without your express permission

Edelweiss
Werner asks for information on this six metre Linton Hope classic built in UK by Maynards of Chiswick for a Belgian owner, about 1914. Her sail number was L11 and later B17.I. He would particularly like a source of photographs. Please reply through TradBoat at info@tradboat.co.uk and we will pass the information along to Werner.

Chris Drake tells us that he owns and has restored a 16ft mahogany Sussex Beach Boat. He would be pleased to hear from anyone who has information about yards in the Newhaven area which might have built the boat in the early 70s. It seems that the builders plate was stolen shortly before he rescued the boat from a scrap yard.. Replies to Chris at chrstdrak@aol.com

We wonder if anyone has photographs of the Olympic Monotype. (Olympia-Jolle) This boat was chosen for the 1936 Olympic Games as a single hander and is still sailed as a class. Our many thanks - perhaps you would reply to info@tradboat.co.uk . Charles Smith. Editor.

Please note all emails are respected and your address is never forwarded by us to a third party.

Barbel I and Barbel II

These charming small sailing cruisers were designed by M S Redman during the late sixties and early seventies. We would very much like to hear from anyone who built a Barbel, has one, or has plans for one - particularly the 14ft version. Please contact Charles Smith at info@tradboat.co.uk There are more details of the Barbel in our Cruisers section - click here.

Wanted - Sideboard motor

Sideboard motor wanted to suit a vintage Ottersports Canoe. Reasonable price paid for a working model. We are going to explore some local backwaters. Please contact Charles Smith (TradBoat's editor) at info@tradboat.co.uk Many thanks, Charles.

Airborne Lifeboats

We are developing a TradBoat Source page on these fascinating craft at will greatly appreciate any information available. We know for example of the excellent restoration done by the Classic Boat Museum at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. That boat is now (July 2003) afloat complete with two engines in the forward wells. (photograph in our museum section, click here)

Please contact us at info@tradboat.co.uk

Clyde Puffersa and VICs
We are well into the development of another new TradBoat Source page on these small steamers and will greatly appreciate any further information, including notes of sources on the web, which we will be happy to include as links.

Please contact us at info@tradboat.co.uk

Claymore - Marcon Claymore Motorsailer

Keith Parker tells us that he is owner of a 1979 Marcon Claymore Motorsailer
and would be very keen to be in contact with owners of similar boats for
information exchange etc. Contact Keith at khp4444@hotmail.com

05/0803

Bowman 26

John Lawes tells us that he has started a basic Bowman26 site at www.geocities.com/bowman26mk2

Anyone with an interest in these fine craft should get in touch with John, with a view to putting an association together. Email John at Jemjohn@aol.com

05/08/03

Smaller naval craft details wanted

The Britannia Naval Research Association is very keen to trace small naval craft, particularly rivercraft, and if you have a vessel like this, or know of one, do please get in touch with me at TradBoat (info@tradboat.co.uk) and I will pass your message along to the Association. Charles Smith, Ed.

More details of the Association in our Naval pages: click here

Looking for Classic International 14s.

Dick Johnson needs our help. He says of the classic 14, "If you own or know of any International 14 numbered from about 1146 downwards please let me know and put me in touch with its owners. If nothing else we would like to know that these boats exist, at the best, we would hope that they might come to sail with us at class events." (Go to our dinghy section to find out more about Classic International 14s by clicking here. Ed.)

Contact at: Dick@airwavestv.com

09/07/03

Poole Fishing Boats. PE 100 The Twin Sisters
Graham Polson writes: "I currently own and am restoring PE100 thought to be called The Twin Sisters. She is built of Larch on steamed oak frames but it is not clear whether she was fitted with and engine from new. If she was then all ballast would have been internal (none in the keel) although it looks as though she could have had part of the keel renewed at some time and maybe that the ballast was removed at the time an engine was fitted..

"Evarne"
Richard Clowes is considering buying and restoring "Evarne", a long keel, cutter rigged sloop (37'5) originally built by Eversons of Woodbridge to a design by Charles Kingsley. He is particularly keen to hear more about the designer and to trace other boats from the same board. Contact Richard by email at: dilly_dally1@hotmail.com

Mark Stevens has this request: "I am trying to find out information on my Dutch fishing trawler. It was constructed around 1890, it has a typical rounded Dutch bow with a counter stern. The boat has a centre board rather than lee boards. It is called 'Doeis' , 48', steel riveted and was moored at Kingston upon Thames, Surrey for many years." Mark would appreciate any information Email: info@tradboat.co.uk

Mystery Class Bermudan Cutter
Anybody out there know "Piccanin" , a Mystery Class Cutter by Robert Clark built in the late 20s or early 30's. ? John Wisdom is trying to trace a little of her history.
(Contact him through TradBoat using info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass on your email, Ed.)

06/11/01

Dickens Class Supply Boats
Alan would appreciate any information on these army or navy supply vessels built circa 1946-1953
(Contact him through TradBoat using info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass on your email, Ed.)

05/11/01

"Redwing" and "Astra"
Alistair Grant has Astra formerly called Redwing, a Linton Hope design built probably around 1920 on the Thamed probably to an earlier design. She is a dayboat but has had various cabin tops and various rigs. She is 22ft overall double planked with a lifting keel. Aliostair would be delighted to hear more about her history.

(Contact him through TradBoat using info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass on your email, Ed.)

5/11/01

Blakeney One Designs
J G Peart would be grateful for any information on these North Norfolk craft.

(Contact him through TradBoat using info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass on your email, Ed.)

19/10/01

Hemming & Morris
Mark Thornton has one of their boats from the 20s and would greatly appreciate more about this company.

(Contact him through TradBoat using info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass on your email, Ed.)

A sloop by the Sussex shipbuilders LTD
Michele Milano recently bought a 33ft+ sloop[ built at Shoreham by Sea in 1946 and intends doing a refit. Has anyone any information on this post war sloop ? More about the shipbuilder or designer would be very much appreciated

(Contact him through TradBoat at info@tradboat.co.uk and I will pass the message along, Ed.)

16/10/2001

RN Pinnace from the 1900s
Tom Mallows has recently bought an 18ft gaff rigged skiff-type which he is told is RN pinnace from around the 1900s. Does anyone have any information on this type of vessel ? Tom would be delighted to hear. He is shortly to supply a photograph which will help.

(Contact him through Tradboat at info@tradboat.co.uk and I will put him in touch, Ed.)

Blackwater Sloop "Phylla"
Peter Lacock writes to say that he currently fitting out "Phlya" which was the sister ship of "Penelope" and he would be delighted to hear from anyone who knows the background of either of these boats. Contact him at : prlacock@aol.com

He also asks if any one is interested in having a BLackwater Sloop Rally ?

Poole Fishing Boats
Clare Thomas is collecting information about the fishing boat of Poole, particularly those built between 1890-1930. J Allen was a noted builder of the centreboard type.Clare is actually trying to trace the history of the boat she owns - "Margaret Catchpole" (not the original name which was changed in the 50's) and sister ship to the "Polly" which was last seen in Brixham in the late 70s.
Contact: info@tradboat.co.uk and we will put you in touch with Clare

Graham Hardy writes from Australia of a Thames Launch built in the 1880s and originally owned by the Tolley family based at Chertsey. She was 36' overall and electrically powered, although motor was taken out when she was shipped to Australia in 1908 when the family emigrated. Her brass helm has Kerby-Bowen stamped on the wheel. She has the typical arched windows of the period and a beautiful counter stern. Apparantly she was called "The Tub" and Graham, who is restoring her would be grateful for any information about her history

Contact: email: info@tradboat.co.uk and we ill be very happt o put you in touch with Graham.

MV Nathanial Bowditch
From the USA Sherril Bover writes, "We are owners of a 1949 trawler built by Whitby shipyards (as far as we know). The boat came to the US in the mid-1960s from Ireland. We have had no luck finding out about her life in the UK and/or Ireland. Any information would be appreciated." Sherril would be delighted to have news of this vessel - see photo below
Email: sherril@TopNotchCandidates.com

07/02/2001

Achilles
TradBoat would be very interested to hear of an Achilles Association. We are asked about these popular sailing cruisers of the seventies and so if you do know of a Class Association - or indeed would like to start one - please email us here at info@tradboat.co.uk

Coronation One Design
Built in 1935 or '36 in Dunoon (by McGregors ?) these open keelboats were 21'9 loa and 15' on the waterline. Six were built for the Lymington Yacht Club according to Norman Hinton's book published in 1938. One has recently been purchased by William Barker-Wyatt for restoration (we hope to have pics soon, Ed.) If anyone knows the whereabouts of the other five (one was mentioned in Classic Boat some time ago) then we will be glad to pass the news along to William who is very keen to bring his boat back to original condition. Contact us here at TradBoat on info@tradboat.co.uk
18/07/2000

"Suarke"
Built in 1952 by J G Parham & Sons, Emsworth, 20', drop keel, teak on oak. Part 1 Registered, number 184806. Bob Shore recently bought her "off the beach" at Dartmouth in a baddish way. Any history would be gratefully received at bobshore@hotmail.com
23/06/2000

Yachting World Dayboat "Festina"
Festina has been rescued. She is clearly a YW Dayboat but has no class number. She seems to be 30 plus years old and has no identification other than a Southwold Harbour plaque. Perhaps she was home built ? David Williams owns her now and would be glad to hear from the previous owner so that he can put together her history.

David lives near Aberystwyth telephone: 01974 272326 or you might like to reply by email to us here at info@tradboat.co.uk

12 Nov 2007

Hayle Regattas and St Ives Regattas of the early 1900s and later
Trying to identify one of the boats.
Information is wanted about the boats which sailed in these regattas, perhaps in the late 18 hundreds and early 1900s and between the wars. Peter Seldon has bought one of the boats - 16'6 open day boat under gaff rig which is known to have taken part regularly. She is not Coch-y-Bundu as was first thought. Peter would be delighted to hear from anyone who perhaps has family photographs or regatta programs and can help to identify his boat.

3/5/2000 Uffa Fox Airborne Lifeboats
George has recently acquired an Uffa Fox airborne rescue boat (designed to be air dropped) - produced by cold moulded construction using diagonal veneers.. The boat is in South Africa and George would greatly appreciate any information to help with its restoration. Contact him though Tradboat at info@tradboat.co.uk

We now find that the Scottish Maritime Museum at Irvine has an example - somewhat modified for leisure sailing but still recognizably an UF. (Ed.)

2003 The excellent Classic Boat Museum at Newport on the Isle of Wight has one which they have now (2003) substantially restored. It has its twin motors working well in the forward wells. In their library is an original instruction book which came with the boat! We are shortly going to run a TradBoat special on airborne lifeboats and will be very happy to hear of others. (Ed.)

3/5/2000 "Tamora"
Eric Sas is looking for information on his 55ft motor sailer built by Forbes in Scotland to a Watson design in 1965. Contact him at erik.sas@tijd.com