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Previous names
- DIANA 2 LONDON
Details
Function
Leisure Craft
Subfunction
Yacht
Location
Dumbarton
Vessel type
Express Cruiser
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Birmal Boats Ltd
Built in
1931
Hull material
Other metal
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
2
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
55.00 feet
(16.76m)
Breadth: Beam
12.00 feet
(3.66m)
Depth
6.00 feet
(1.83m)
Air Draft
10.00 feet
(3.05m)
Tonnage: Gross
16.00
History
DIANA II LONDON was built by Birmal Boats at Southampton in 1931 and is of aluminium/Birmabrite construction with twin diesel engines. Birmal Boats were a subsidiary company of the Birmingham Aluminium Casting (1903) Co. Ltd., who opened a yard at Southampton for the construction of boats in Birmabright, the name under which the alloy used for marine work is known.
DIANA II was the first of a new design undertaken by Birmal Boats, designed for speed rather than deep sea cruising. One special feature was the division of the hull into seven watertight compartments by six w.t. bulkheads.
After successful trials, the vessel was handed over to the owner, Mr Donald Van Den Bergh, a member of the R.M.Y.C, and left for the Mediterranean on 12 August 1931.
In 1939 she was owned by Albert Batchelor of Bleak House, Broadstairs, Kent and in 1947 was still under HM Government having been acquired for war service.
Key dates
-
1931
Built by Birmal Boats at Southampton
-
1939
Requisitioned for War Service
Sources
The Motor Boat Largest Light-weight Alloy Yacht, pp182-187, August 1931
Yachting Monthly Diana II - The First 'All-Aluminium' Motor Yacht, pp437, October 1931
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
