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Details
Function
Service Vessel
Subfunction
Launch
Location
Westray
Vessel type
Harbour Service
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Info required
Yes
Construction
Builder
Unknown
Built in
1912
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
0
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
52.50
feet
(16.00
m)
Breadth: Beam
12.00
feet
(3.66
m)
Depth
5.00
feet
(1.52
m)
Tonnage: Gross
20.00
Air Draft
To be confirmed
History
NOUP HEAD was built as a Harbour Service Launch. Although the builder is not known, the build date is estimated as 1912. She is a vessel of timber double diagonal construction and is at present fitted with a Leyland 500 diesel engine.
The vessel was believed to have been sold off after the Second World War from Leith and came to Orkney in the early 1960s.and was operated as a private ferry/ambulance boat for about 20 years and then privately operated taking coal from Westray to Papawestray. She then fell into disuse and was about to be scrapped when acquired by her present owners in 1986..
Since then, a programme of restoration has carried on over the years involving replacement of the keel, installation of a new engine, gearbox and wheelhouse.
Key dates
-
1912
Date built, builder unknown
-
1960s
Came to Orkney Isles and operated as a private ferry/ambulance boat
-
1986/7
Acquired by present owners, engine, gearbox and wheelhouse installed
-
1989
Keel replaced
-
2008
Fitted out for sea and sailed to Westray
-
2013
About to start next stage of restoration/conversion
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
