Pinnace

Official Number 182755. SSR number 101755(?? I can't remember this off-hand!)

Believed to be Rowhedge Vessel number S84 or S85 taken into service as HL (Harbour Launch) 174 or 175.

She has always (out of service time obviously!) carried the name Transmare. Built 1912, was registered in Gloucester for definite in 1949, motor changed in 1943 (confirmed) which is when we believe she was sold out of service (unconfirmed).

We have been told she is listed in the Lloyds Register but haven't seen it ourselves (which would be something!).

Previous owner before last thinks that the boat may have used in Dover Harbour. We're waiting for him to finish a holiday and get back to us with any information that he might have.

Thank you for trying!

Hello B.B., although it's a bit late to say now you appear to be selling your boat, but I have been looking at the photo's on your website, the hull valve in the starboard side cupboard is the old boiler blowdown valve of which there were two, one on the boiler then a length of copper pipe and then the ship side valve you have retained which is original to the boat I would guess, as you see you need a special key to move it as this was an open/closed safety device when blowing the boiler down when the boat is in the water which was quite tricky as you have to have one hand on the copper pipe and one on the valve handle. As soon as the copper pipe went cold you had to shut the valve quickly to prevent salt water entering the boiler which was a no no, not forgetting that all this was done under steam pressure in the boiler to blow the boiler water out as the ship side valve is/was under the water. The v/v is of a tapered plug type and can be a pig if they do not seat properly after being moved. Although I know it's a bit late now but bearing in mind the age of the valve I would put a blanking plate on that bare flange not unless you decide to scuttle her