Tracing History

[tritonofnor]

I'm trying to trace more of the history for my boat, and would like to know of any sources of information that might be useful.
I have the original materials sheet, and order book page from 1936, and sparse history after that. What I know so far is this :
She was built by Hugh McLean and sons as number 2834, total cost £652 8s 11d,(!) , for a Mr. John Gordon, and launched at Govan on 15th June 1936 as "Penguin". Originally fitted with twin Morris petrols. Registered number 164084.
She was requisitioned by the Ministry Of War Transport on 24th April 1942
Reregistered as "Triton of Nore" 7th August 1968, in Ramsgate
In 1985 she was owned by a Mr Appleby
In 1987 she was owned by a John Ashwell who had major work done on the aft cabin. (Possibly open decked aft previously, and new cabin built)
Sold in May 1996 to two Taiwanese corporations in lieu of a debt
SSR Registered as Green Dolphin in july 1996. Owner Derrick Allen
Bought by me in late 1999/early 2000. Work continues...

I would love to know more about her war service in particular, but any further information on her history would be gratefully received. Any sources to chase? She's now ketch rigged, but I'd love to see a picture of her at launch. She must have had a much smaller rig than she has now. I think she was open decked aft as built too.

All and any help welcome! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[oldfrank]

Try Yachting Monthly for 1936 - they often carried articles on launchings. OF

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Have you tried the National Archives?

on-line here

 

[ianc1200]

The only three references to Hugh McClean & Sons Ltd were slightly conflicting; page 25 MB&Y 10th Jan 1936; an article headed "A Scottish Standard Cruiser" with side elevation and GA plans of a 36ft cruiser, looking very much like a Silverette, including aft cabin, known as the "Boomerang" class, for cost of £800. The list of boats built in the November 27th issue says it was £650, but it's 30', and different planking. There's a reasonably long list of boats built in Scotland in the 3 Jan 1936 issue listing eleven boats by this yard, some with names, some with numbers, and some noted as being owned by the Admiralty.

Looking at the Lloyds Registers, I guess from the dimensions, Penguin could be the boat illustrated by line drawings in the Jan 10 issue, I could scan and send if you want. The mast looks about 15' high and about 18" in front of wheelhouse.

regards

IanC