Registration number 368
Status National Historic Fleet
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Details

Function Passenger Vessel
Subfunction Launch
Location Windermere
Current use Commercial Activity
Available to hire Yes
Available for excursions Yes

Construction

Builder Watercraft of Molesey, Molesey
Built in 1949
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
11.00 feet (3.36m)
Depth
3.60 feet (1.10m)
Length: Overall
44.98 feet (13.72m)

History

QUEEN OF THE LAKE was owned from new by the Ambleside Motor Launch Company, and was used by them to carry passengers around Windermere Lake. She was licenced by the Board of Trade to carry 84 people. In 1968 the company was bought out by Bowness Bay Boating Company and in 1993, the Bowness Bay Company bought out the Windermere Iron Steamboat Co. and the two companies became Windermere Lakes Cruises.

A wheel house was made in 1980 to give the driver protection and the cabin has been fitted with sliding windows instead of the drop down ones. The original engine and gearbox by Garners are still installed, with new parts as necessary. The QUEEN OF THE LAKE remains in perfect condition and is carrying the same number of people for cruises around Lake Windermere

Key dates

  • 1949

    Built by Watercraft of Molesey on the Thames

  • 1968

    The company was bought by Bowness Bay Boating Company

  • 1980

    A wheel house was built to give the driver protection and the cabin fitted with sliding windows instead of the drop down ones

  • 1993

    The Bowness Bay Company bought out the Windermere Iron Steamboat Co. to become known as Windermere Lakes Cruises

  • 2012

    Vessel continues to offer cruises around Lake Windermere

  • 2012

    Vessel selected for  Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012

Sources

Hamer, Geoffrey, Trip Out 1995/6 - A Guide to the Passenger Boat Services of the British Isles, G P Hamer, 1995

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