Hecla/Bulldog class. Cheverton launch Questions

[nairda96]

Right I am having one final attempt to find some information/documentation on the Cheverton
launches carried onboard the Hecla and Bulldog class survey ships.
I have been searching long and hard for info but have drawn a blank and it would be a huge advantage to me if I could get hold of some documentation for mine.

My particular one I believe is off of HMS Bulldog 9 meter MSB (medium) hull number 7723
and the name Providence.
I have always believed it to be a Cheverton but I have just realised its hull plate actually doesn't state it and it has the same teak fendering on the hull as a Halmatic Nelsons so perhaps a Halmatic.
These boats were on board the Hecla class ships during the Falklands war and in use on them when they came to Ireland in the early 2000's. Mine was sold off when Bulldog was sold off in 2002.

I was searching for a registry but have come to conclusion they were never registered.
The Historic naval branch has no records.
Cheverton have no records prior to 1990.
I have searched long and hard on line but still nothing.

Someone on the boat design forums has told me that small naval vessels were serviced
and surveyed annually and good records kept ! but where were these boats serviced ?

If you ever served on these boats, built them, serviced them, no where they where built or serviced or know anyone who does I would really appreciate you getting in touch.
Thank you for reading.
Adrian

 

[yoda]

Sounds more like a Motor Survey Boat than a Cheverton, how about a picture?

Yoda

 

[Athene V30]

Have you tried asking RNSA? I wouldnt be at all surprised if the central office in Gosport could advise. Have a look at www.rnsa.net

 

[nairda96]

Sounds more like a Motor Survey Boat than a Cheverton, how about a picture?

Yoda

Well she is a motor survey boat but I assumed built by cheverton because her receipt of purchase from the navy states Cheverton. I'm open to suggestions though.

Excuse the badly edited photo but this is how she would have looked in service.

Can be seen here also
http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/9/5/8/177859.jpg

 

[penfold]

I've only ever seen those described as Chevertons, although there's no saying that adverts are always correct(even the defence disposal folk describe them as Cheverton).

 

[nairda96]

I've only ever seen those described as Chevertons, although there's no saying that adverts are always correct(even the defence disposal folk describe them as Cheverton).

One note on that is she is in fact 31ft long but could be mistaken for the 24 footer which are
often referred too as 8.4mtr for some reason. There appears to be very little out there about the 9mtr and they seem to be much rarer. There were at least 8 of them on the hecla class and 4 of them on the bulldog class.

 

[Albart]

Hi Adrian,
Informative post and will be of great info and help for those who are new in this line. I am new member here and found many informative threads before registering here so bare with me.

 

[superheat6k]

+1 for trying the RNSA.

Peter Bailey is an excellent man to contact based in the Portsmouth office. I have sent him an email and will let you know if I get anything back.

When I kept my last raggie thing (Van De Stadt 26) at Fort Blockhouse (was HMS Dolphin) a neighbouring berth holder had an ex Navy Cheverton. I wouldn't be too surprised if Halmatic / Nelson did build the hulls.

For example Marine Projects (now Princess Motor Yachts) build the Sigma hulls.

Also the Shipwright was responsible for the ships boat's on RN Ships. I was a Gas Queen clanky (Marine Engineer) and the chippy was associated to our branch, but I don't remain in touch with any. There might be a Forum for ex-Chippies, similar to the Type 42 Forum saddo's like me also frequent.

 

[capella]

+1 for trying the RNSA.

Peter Bailey is an excellent man to contact based in the Portsmouth office. I have sent him an email and will let you know if I get anything back.

When I kept my last raggie thing (Van De Stadt 26) at Fort Blockhouse (was HMS Dolphin) a neighbouring berth holder had an ex Navy Cheverton. I wouldn't be too surprised if Halmatic / Nelson did build the hulls.

For example Marine Projects (now Princess Motor Yachts) build the Sigma hulls.

Also the Shipwright was responsible for the ships boat's on RN Ships. I was a Gas Queen clanky (Marine Engineer) and the chippy was associated to our branch, but I don't remain in touch with any. There might be a Forum for ex-Chippies, similar to the Type 42 Forum saddo's like me also frequent.

 

[capella]

Did you manage to find information regarding your Nelson 31.

 

[dombuckley]

I served in Bulldog from Dec 96 to May 99, and remember the SMB well.

Spent many a happy (!) day bouncing around, taking soundings close inshore. She had a Taylor's paraffin stove in the forecabin, which seemed to flummox most people: I'm sure I was only detailed off for boat duty because I was the only one who could get it to raise a brew! No toilet facilities, though: definitely not a boat for the modern, equality-conscious Navy!

Most of the 9m SMBs were built by Watercraft in Shoreham. However, the moulds were owned by the MOD, not Watercraft: some of the 1979 batch were built by Faireys on the Hamble, If I remember correctly, Bulldog's SMB was one of the Faireys boats.

Both yards of course are now defunct, but there is a possibility that build records were sent to the National Maritime Museum. Don't hold your breath though, as marina developers seldom considered the historical value of the boatyards they were taking over. Certainly: when MDL took over Uphams of Brixham, they put all the builder's records and half-models on a bonfire.

Bulldog went through a minor refit in 97, when all 3 ship's boats were sent to Vospers yard at Sandquay, Dartmouth for refurbishment. Came back 4 months later, with not a single job carried out: dirtier than they went, and hadn't even had an oil change. The Chippy was most dis-chuffed.

We subsequently sent them across the Tamar for servicing at Mashfords, who did a top job on all three. They are still going strong, and may have records.

Hope this helps, and good luck getting to grips with the Kitchen steering gear!