Search the registers

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 £2,357 for the costs of a hull inspection was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships.
Source: National Historic Ships

1. 1908 - Builder: Issac J Abdela & Mitchell, Brimscombe
2. 1908 - Function: Tug
3. 1909 - Function: Ice Breaker
4. 1960 - Function: Cruise Boat

• Classic Boat Register of Endangered Boats (Classic Boat)
• Canal Motor Transport (The Motor Boat) - 1909
• Brinscombe Built Vessels 1902-1931 (Waterways World) - 1978