Sharpness

SHARPNESS was built as an icebreaking tug and spent all her working life on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal until she was sold into private ownership by the British Waterways Board in the 1960s. She retained her external appearance and was seen at many Inland Waterways Association rallies in the 1960s and 70s. During the 1970s she had her cabin lengthened and lifted to give more headroom. At the same time more patches were added to her hull. She was found for sale on the bank of the Kennet & Avon Canal in 1995, her hull and frames needing major repair. In recognition of their hard work the present owners received a Transport Trust Award in 1996. She originally had a single cylinder Petrol/Paraffin Kromhout 30 horsepower engine. This unfortunately suffered frost damage and was replaced by a lorry engine. Her current engine is a Gardner 4L2 engine built in 1932, 3 cy, bore 4 3/4 x stoke 7 1/4, producing 40 hp. The builder's plaque is not original.

2007 A Sustainability Award of £2357 for the costs of a hull inspection was awarded from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships. Source: National Historic Ships.

1. 1908

   Built by Mitchell, Isaac & Abdela of Brimscombe Port on the Thames & Severn Canal

2. 1908-60s

   Worked as a tug to tow unpowered boats through Wast Hill tunnels

3. 1960s

   Sold into private ownership by the British Waterways Board and attended all major rallies of the Inland Waterways Association

4. 1970s

   Cabin lengthened to give more headroom and patches added to strengthen the hull

5. 1995

   Sold to private owners

6. 1995-98

   Major restoration carried out

7. 1997

   Transport Restoration Award of £500

8. 2005

   Moored on the Trent & Mersey Canal, Dutton Stop

1. unknown Classic Boat Classic Boat Register of Endangered Boats
2. 1909 The Motor Boat Canal Motor Transport
3. 1978 Waterways World Brinscombe Built Vessels 1902-1931