52' Harbour Launches - Register

[jaysea]

52\' Harbour Launches - Register

I've recently informally started a register of these sturdy little ex-admiralty craft. A remarkable number seem to have survived (mostly as house boats) but there seems to be very little published information on Harbour Launches. I thought it would be a good idea to more formally launch a register and to act as a focus for owners to share information and resources.
I've aquired a fair amount of original plans and information during the course of the restoration of my boat but know that there is so much more to know about a class of boat that was in production for nearly 90 years.
I would be very grateful to hear from any owners or people with information on these craft. Details of my own boat can be found at www.hsl256.co.uk
James

 

[hannahman]

Re: 52\' Harbour Launches - Register

What a lovely boat you've got there, and great to see that she's so original with her steam machinery still in place.
I love old harbour launches such as yours, and I'll definitely be following the restoration.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Doug

 

[Bajansailor]

Re: 52\' Harbour Launches - Register

I will heartily endorse Doug's comments above - she is gorgeous! And I can just imagine what she will be like when you complete the restoration.
But it is going to be a long road for sure..... if you ever need any encouragement (right word?), have a look at the website showing the restoration of Victorious - that was another true labour of love. http://www.victorious.co.uk

(BTW, I first came across your website when your mate Ben posted a link to it on the Tall Ships Sail Training website at www.gojabber.com)

 

[burgundyben]

Re: 52\' Harbour Launches - Register

Well done on keeping the steam installation.

Nice boat, you'll be very proud.

 

[bjames1955]

Re: 52\' Harbour Launches - Register

I have a HSL which is called Isadora'D. It was originally D5 and built in 1943 in Tewkesbury on the severn as a war built. Delivered to Plymouth it was then towed by road to Portsmouth where it served until 1978 when it was sold out of service to Falkes on the hamble and sold on to Mr and Mrs Lawrence on the hamble. I purchased it in 1998 and have recentlly brought it to sens in France. We live aboard and hope to go south in the spring.