Hello Peter,
I have a copy of an excellent book - "S-BOOTE German E-boats in action 1939-1945" by Jean-Philippe Dallies Labourdette ISBN:2-35250-019-2. This book has been translated from French and may just have lost a little regarding an accurate 'time frame' - but it quotes (on page 13)... "Along with its dealings on the home market, the firm started to export its know-how, notably to the United States. The American Coast Guard was interested in Lursen's little boats, and several vessels of varying tonnage were built for them. Among these was the Inishowen, whose form and nautical characteristics were already similar to those of the first series of S-Boote launched at the beginning of the 1930's, And then an American millionaire ordered a splendid motor yacht, the Oheka 11, with remarkable nautical qualities and capable of a speed of 34 knots..." From that I would deduce that the Oheka 11 was developed after the first series, while this book may have the dates out of sync, it does specifically mentions two earlier craft - Rheinpolizie V1 and V11 delivered in 1926 to the Rhine Police. I personally believe (for what its worth ) that the Lurson yard had been continually developing their craft from WW1 designs, frequently pushing the Terms of the Versallies Treaty to its limits. S1 was delivered to the Reichmarine on the 7th August 1930. I shall try and and get an image of the American " Inishowen" posted - this was supposedly delivered to the American Coast Guard late 1920's ('27-'28??) - maybe someone can enlighten me further?
Photo: Lurssen. American Coast Guard 'Inishowen'
The Hull lines show a remarkable likeness to the S1.
------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator
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