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Details
Function
Passenger Vessel
Subfunction
Excursion
Location
Brixham
Vessel type
Passenger Ferry
Current use
Commercial Activity
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
Yes
Info required
No
Construction
Builder
Blackmore, M W & Sons Ltd, Bideford
Built in
1962
Hull material
Wood
Rig
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
41.34
feet
(12.60
m)
Breadth: Beam
13.78
feet
(4.20
m)
Depth
4.27
feet
(1.30
m)
History
CORAL STAR was built in Bideford in 1962 by M.W. Blackmore and Sons, one of the last vessels built before they went into voluntary liquidation in 1963
CORAL STAR was built for Mr. George Webber of Brixham and her original name was the “Dart’s Delight.” He operated her on cruises to the River Dart as well as operating a ferry service to St Mary’s Bay for holidaymakers at Pontins Holiday Camp, together with trips to Torquay and Babbacombe.
Her engine at this time was a Lister diesel engine with manual gearbox, and her original steering position was in the small cuddy at the forward bulkhead which separated the toilet beneath the foredeck from the passenger seating.
At the time that Mr. Webber was thinking of retiring, Mr. John Baugh (a well known operator in Paignton harbour,) was looking for a smaller vessel to replace his Coral Star III. John Baugh purchased Dart’s Delight from George Webber, and renamed her CORAL STAR IV. John also extended the forward cuddy aft over the engine hatch, and installed the upper helm position, together with a Gardner 6LX engine with hydraulic gearbox.
CORAL STAR IV ran trips out of Paignton harbour to Brixham, Darmouth and Torquay. She's now currently based in Yarmouth.
Key dates
-
1962
Vessel built in Bideford by M.W. Blackmore and Sons, one of the last vessels built before they went into voluntary liquidation in 1963.
-
1962-?
Vessel name “Dart’s Delight.” Operated by Mr. George Webber of Brixham on cruises to the River Dart as well as operating a ferry service to St Mary’s Bay for holidaymakers at Pontins Holiday Camp, together with trips to Torquay and Babbacombe. Her engine at this time was a Lister diesel engine with manual gearbox, and her original steering position was in the small cuddy at the forward bulkhead which separated the toilet beneath the foredeck from the passenger seating.
-
Unknown
At the time that Mr. Webber was thinking of retiring, Mr. John Baugh (a well known operator in Paignton harbour,) was looking for a smaller vessel to replace his Coral Star III. John Baugh purchased Dart’s Delight from George Webber, and renamed her Coral Star IV. John also extended the forward cuddy aft over the engine hatch, and installed the upper helm position, together with a Gardner 6LX engine with hydraulic gearbox.
-
2016?-2018
Bought by new private owner.
Corking checked and refurbished 2016.
New gunnel, capping, accommodation sides and roof 2018.
Repainted every year.
2 MCA surveys every year.
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
