Interesting little boat

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   This little boat 'Francine' has a bit of a 'military bearing' to my eyes. 
Just wondering if anyone can identify her?

I guess she's only about 35 - 40 feet, maybe not even quite that.

If not military, perhaps just a commercial workboat.

Steve Powell.

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stevep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 July 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote stevep Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Interesting little boat Posted: 16 December 2011 at 10:26am
	This little boat 'Francine' has a bit of a 'military bearing' to my eyes. Just wondering if anyone can identify her? I guess she's only about 35 - 40 feet, maybe not even quite that. If not military, perhaps just a commercial workboat. Steve Powell.

burgundyben Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 March 2007 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 103	Post Options Post Reply Quote burgundyben Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 16 December 2011 at 11:27am
	Could be a Naval Pinnace, I reckon that doghouse is a later addition.
	Napier Lion engine wanted.

Pathfinder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Pathfinder Joined: 06 December 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 91	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pathfinder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 December 2011 at 8:36am
	Francine info courtesy Philip Simons. ex Alkeida ex 51.5 ft HL(D) 3970 Groves and Gutteridge Poole 1940 converted to twin screw..? Can this be confirmed..? Any more pics welcome Can you advise present owner and where berthed please..? many thanks Richard pathfinder@safemariner.co.uk
	Pathfinder - Forum Moderator

jimmy p Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 September 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 283	Post Options Post Reply Quote jimmy p Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 December 2011 at 2:19am
	She was on ebay a short while ago as a 52ft pinnace. aside from the wheelhouse she looked very original. Think was ford 4d but not sure if one or two(imagine a twin screw conversion would be a major headache though). Afloat,useable & cruisable last time she was for sale. Where's she at now?
	A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money

jimmy p Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 September 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 283	Post Options Post Reply Quote jimmy p Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 December 2011 at 2:27am
	Anyone know what happened to the pinnace in wales with the red topsides and the duff gearbox? Last seen for £3k on boats & outboards bout a year ago. £1500 on a box & someone got a 52ft bargain there. She still available?
	A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money

stevep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 July 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote stevep Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 December 2011 at 1:55pm
	Hi all, She's currently in Brixham outer harbour. Sorry the photo isn't great but I had to use max zoom from the other side of the harbour and no chance of getting nearer at the time. No more photos at the moment. I have my local spy (he's intrigued too) trying to find out who owns her and further details but I can tell you that she's appeared there very recently. Thanks to Philip Simons for the historical info - I was going to email you but others beat me to it. If anything further comes my way I'll post it here. Steve.

jimmy p Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 September 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 283	Post Options Post Reply Quote jimmy p Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 December 2011 at 12:32am
	Hi Steve, If she's in the hands of someone who still loves her after a week in bilge grease and barnacles keeping her on form then happy days! Time to worry is when machinery comes out and a upvc shed turns up on the deck. Is that pinnace still dumped in chichester or was she chopped up? Looked very original & afloat but in need of much tlc.
	A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money

Francine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 30 August 2016 Location: Southampton Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Francine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 August 2016 at 12:43am
	Francine has twin Gardner 4LW engines. She is very original internally, but is in quite poor condition generally having been neglected for several years now. I've just bought the boat for preservation and will start cleaning, clearing and repairing the vital systems in an attempt to bring her back to Southampton under her own power for full restoration. Currently looking for a suitable (cheap) mooring.

johnk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 March 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1355	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 August 2016 at 2:34pm
	Hi there, Just seen last there, can only wish all the best...yes a mooring always the crux of the problem with a vessel, I do work for Marina Developments Ltd who own several of the marina's in Southampton but...cheap is not the word I am afraid! good value of course but...well, you could always ask! sure there are other options than us around there which would be easier on the pocket...again, sorry only words, but very best with the project. Johnk

Francine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 30 August 2016 Location: Southampton Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Francine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 October 2016 at 9:39pm
	Thankyou, she's progressing well.