Billy Bray | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2085

Status Archived

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Details

Function Fishing Vessel

Location NONE

Vessel type Lugger - Looe

Archive reason Disposed

Current use None

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Ferris Boatyard, P, Looe

Built in 1904

Hull material Wood

Rig None

Number of decks 1

Number of masts 2

Propulsion Sail

Number of engines 1

Primary engine type Diesel

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

11.50 feet (3.51m)

Depth

6.50 feet (1.98m)

Length: Overall

40.33 feet (12.30m)

History

Built in 1904 by P Ferris Boatyard, West Looe, Cornwall, for R C Clements, BILLY BRAY was a fishing vessel of wood carvel construction designed for sail only. She was decommissioned in 1937. In 1938, she was refitted for sailing specification and was re-rigged with 1000 ft of sail. An 8 cylinder Parsons engine was added giving her a sailing weight of 23 tons. In 1965, she became a sail training vessel and was re-engined with a new 25 hp Perkins diesel engine, at which time her decks were raised to permit greater headroom. Eventually repairs became too expensive, and she was abandoned on Sherkin Island from where she was recovered by her last owner. Although the boat was derelict, he planned to undertake a full restoration to return the boat into launch condition. Unfortunately by 2017 the vessel had been scrapped due to lack of funds.

We are lacking information on this historic vessel. If you can help with any information about her history, please email us.