Sponsors
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
Details
Function
Leisure Craft
Subfunction
Launch
Location
Cowes
Vessel type
Open Launch
Archive reason
Loss by fire
Current use
None
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Info required
No
Construction
Builder
Liquid Fuel Engineering Company, Isle of Wight
Built in
1897
Hull material
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
Propulsion
Steam
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Steam compound
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
6.75
feet
(2.06
m)
Length: Overall
34.98
feet
(10.67
m)
Tonnage: Gross
0.00
Air Draft
To be confirmed
History
Steam launch, KARIAT, was designed and built by the Liquid Fuel Engineering Company of East Cowes, Isle of Wight in 1896 for Capt. R T Dixon R.M. of Plymouth. Her compound steam engine was built in 1896 by LIFU Co Ltd., while her present boiler was built in 1989 by H A McEwen Ltd. of Keighley and fitted in 1992.
KARIAT was found derelict at Itchenor in 1953 by Maxwell Savage. Her name had been changed to SYLVIA. She was then restored with fore and aft cabins and re-named PUFFIN. In 1985, she was acquired by Mr and Mrs D Mills and restored to her original style and name and, in 1997, she moved to Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Acquired 2003 by present owner and moved to Cowes where she was regularly steamed on the Solent and lovingly maintained.
In 2016 it was reported that the vessel had been destroyed following a fire.
Sources
Classic Boat: 1,000 Boat Pageant - Steamers and Workboats, June 2012
Key dates
-
1896
Vessel built by the Liquid Fuel Engineering Company of East Cowes, Isle of Wight
-
1953
Vessel found derelict and subsequently restored
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
