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Interesting little boat

Printed From: BMPT Forum
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Where Are Those Boats Now
Forum Description: Tell everybody where those old boats are
URL: http://www.bmpt.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=816
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 4:19pm


Topic: Interesting little boat
Posted By: stevep
Subject: Interesting little boat
Date 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.
 



Replies:
Posted By: burgundyben
Date Posted: 16 December 2011 at 11:27am
Could be a Naval Pinnace, I reckon that doghouse is a later addition.

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Napier Lion engine wanted.


Posted By: Pathfinder
Date 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
mailto:pathfinder@safemariner.co.uk - pathfinder@safemariner.co.uk


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Pathfinder - Forum Moderator


Posted By: jimmy p
Date 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?

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A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money


Posted By: jimmy p
Date 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?

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A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money


Posted By: stevep
Date 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.


Posted By: jimmy p
Date 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.

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A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money


Posted By: Francine
Date 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.


Posted By: johnk
Date 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


Posted By: Francine
Date Posted: 24 October 2016 at 9:39pm
Thankyou, she's progressing well.


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 26 October 2016 at 1:47pm
Hi there,

Good to hear, all the best.

Johnk



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