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Registration number
3796
Status
Registered
paula.palmer
Details
Function
Cargo Vessel
Subfunction
Barge
Location
Rochester
Vessel type
Spritsail Barge
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Web address
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3314289605510032
Construction
Builder
Forrestt & Sons Ltd, Wivenhoe
Built in
1898
Hull material
Steel
Rig
Spritsail
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
2
Propulsion
Sail
Primary engine type
None
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Air Draft
107.00 feet
(32.61m)
Breadth: Beam
20.00 feet
(6.10m)
Length: Overall
86.50 feet
(26.37m)
Tonnage: Gross
79.00
History
SB NIAGARA is a 79-ton Thames sailing barge, built by Forrestt at Wivenhoe, Essex, England in 1898. She originally worked for construction and dredging work at Tilbury, and then for the London and Rochester Trading Company. She carried cargo on the lower Thames and the English Channel. An auxiliary motor was fitted in 1924.
In 1970, she underwent a restoration project at Battersea, and in 1998 she was sold to Deptford Community Centre. In 2001, she was sold to her current owner, who had initially been asked to cut her up but decided she was too good to scrap, as the barge’[s fine lines caught his eye.
She was moved to Hoo for restoration, where a new bottom, side plating, coaming tops were fitted, a 1986 Mercedes Benz inboard diesel engine was installed, and a fit out below and full re-rig were done. This project was completed in 2012 and she has since been one of the most regular barge match attendees, enjoying many successes.
Key dates
-
1898
Built by Forrestt at Wivenhoe, Essex
- 1924 An auxiliary motor was fitted
-
1970
Underwent a restoration project at Battersea
- 1998 Sold to Deptford Community Centre
-
2001
Sold to current owner, who began a restoration project
-
2012
Restoration project completed
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
