Registration number 1895
Status Registered
adminnhs

Details

Function Fighting Vessel
Subfunction Launch
Location Keadby Lock
Vessel type Launch - High Speed
Current use Private use
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Builder British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe
Built in 1945
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
12.50 feet (3.81m)
Depth
3.50 feet (1.07m)
Length: Overall
47.50 feet (14.49m)

History

FRIENDS FOLLY was built in 1945 by the British Power Boat Company, based in Hythe. She is one of the River Class General Launches built for the Royal Army Service Corps and operated by Coastal Command.  Internet reference suggests her previous name was BEAM.

The hulls of the River class FLs were of double diagonal construction from African Mahogany. The frames were Spruce and Canadian Rock Elm.   The hulls were built up of a framework which itself which gave a rigid structure without the skin, thus gaining maximum strength for minimum weight. The boats were of jigged construction, and this type of construction also made later repairs very easy.  The River class construction comprised 5 main compartments divided by 4 watertight bulkheads. The five compartments were the fore peak, the forward accommodation (mess) with the central accommodation (cabin) and wheelhouse and well deck, the engine room and aft cockpit and lastly the aft peak.

Key dates

  • 1943

    Built as a Patrol Boat for the RASC in Thorne

  • 1943-1945

    She served as a Coastal Command Boat in Sandwich

  • 1990

    Bought by her present owner

Grants

  • October 2008

    A Sustainability Grant of £2000 for dry docking and new planking was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships

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

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