Name Snipe

SNIPE is one of eight motorboats built for chemical carrying company WH Cowburn & Cowpar Ltd in the 1930s. Built by W J Yarwood & Sons on the River Weaver at Northwich, all eight of these motor boats were named after birds beginning with "S". The others are named SWAN, SWIFT, SWALLOW, STORK, SEAGULL, SKYLARK and STARLING, some of which are also on the National Register for Historic Vessels.

The boats were distinctive for having rounded chines. SNIPE had 4ft 6in diameter cylindrical steel tanks from new, and was used to carry Carbon disulphide for the textiles industry in Manchester. 

These boats were uniquely equipped with a flood valve in the fore-end port side, meaning that the crew could intentionally sink the boat should fire break out. The tanks also had to be fill of liquid at all times, so the boats always ran loaded with either chemicals or ballast water. 

SNIPE had a second commercial life when in the 1970s she was equipped with a full length cabin, and was paired with butty Taurus (ex GUCCCo Crater), operating as one of the most iconic and photographed hotel boat pairs on the system. SNIPE was sold into private ownership in 1998.