Registration number 131
Status National Historic Fleet
a12admin
LV16 - cabin
LV16 in the Medway
LV16 - on a mud berth
LV16 alongside
LV16 - view from gangway
port bow view
old image of LV16
old image of LV16
LV16 - starboard bow view
LV16 - cabin

Previous names

  • 1840 Inner Dowsing

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Light vessel
Location Rochester
Current use Commercial Activity
Available to hire Yes
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Builder Pitcher, William, Northfleet
Built in 1840
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Towed
Primary engine type None
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
20.98 feet (6.40m)
Depth
10.98 feet (3.35m)
Length: Overall
87.44 feet (26.67m)
Tonnage: Gross
158.00

History

Built for Trinity House, it is thought that LV 16 was constructed by William Pitcher of Northfleet and laid on the SPURN station until that station was taken over by the Humber Conservancy Board. LV 16 served on various stations including Calshot Spit and Inner Dowsing.

She was then sold to Benfleet Yacht Club and moored in Benfleet Creek unitl 1984 when she was brought to the River Medway and moored at the Medway Bridge Marina, Manor Lane, Borstal, Rochester and opened as a private members' club. In 1989 she was granted an open licence and now welcomes the public. A number of original wooden hull beams, indicating great strength of light vessel fittings, including the tower, have been removed.

In November 2007, LV 16 was being renovated and the owner had plans to convert her into flats.

We are currently seeking further information on this National Historic Fleet vessel. If you have any details about this vessel past or present, please contact us.

Key dates

  • 1840

    Vessel built by William Pitcher of Northfleet for Trinity House
  • 1873

    Occupied Inner Dowsing station off Lincolnshire
  • 1945

    Retired and sold to Benfleet Yacht Club
  • 1983

    Vessel moved to River Medway
  • 1984

    Opened as a private members’ club
  • 2007

    Underwent extensive rebuild and restoration
  • 2012

    Available for corporate lettings/residential stays

Sources

Williams, Peter, Leading Lights: Light Vessel Directory, Peter Williams Associates, pp57, Volume 1, Edition 3, 1995  
The Inner Dowsing Lightship: Fact Sheet/Menu Card, 1999

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