1897 Steam Launch

CONSTRUCTION: Teak on teak, with oak rubbing strakes

YEAR: 1897

DIMENSIONS: LOA 27′ 0″ (8.2m), BEAM 6′ 11″ (2.1m), DRAFT 2′ 6″ (0.8m)

COLOUR: Varnished with green antifouling and a white bootline

INTERIOR: Seating for 6/8 in the cabin with space for a further 4 forward

ENGINE: 1973 Taylor non condensing compound steam engine with a Bonfield Engineering single drum coal-fired water tube boiler

EQUIPMENT: Internal: The boat has a short foredeck under which there is a storage locker and a specially constructed reinforced haul-out eyelet in stainless steel. Her forward cockpit and engine space, most of which is covered by a curved wooden roof through which the smokestack passes, is fitted with narrow bench seats to either side, both having lockers beneath – those to starboard for coal, the rest for general storage. The steering position is aft of the engine, to starboard. Her accommodation consists of a fully glazed cabin with double doors fore and aft and seating to either side (both sides with lockers under). There is seating for a further four in the forward section of the boat. She has a small aft cockpit giving access to her counter stern and to the steering quadrant.

REMARKS: It is understood that the vessel’s boiler was overhauled and given a 10 year examination in 1999, when it was stated to be in certification. Believed, originally, to have been called “Myrtle”, her original Daimler-Benz petrol engine is now in the Science Museum, having been presented to them by her then owners in 1943. In the 1980s, she became the property of the Wigan Museums service, who changed her name to “Progress” and used her as a visitor launch from the then newly opened Wigan Pier Museum.

OUR OPINION: A really attractive vessel, with lovely lines. She is very solidly constructed in teak on teak, so should have many more years of life remaining. She needs some tidying (some new floorboards and a new engine box for instance) which the current owner is too busy to carry out. However, we believe she represents very good value at the asking price and we therefore recommend early viewing.