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Registration number
519
Status
Registered
a12admin
Previous names
- 325
Details
Function
Fighting Vessel
Location
Hayling Island
Vessel type
Motor Gunboat
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Info required
Yes
Construction
Builder
Curtis, Frank, Looe
Built in
1943
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Petrol
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Depth
6.30 feet
(1.92m)
Length: Overall
110.00 feet
(33.55m)
History
Built in 1943 by Frank Curtis in Looe, Cornwall, EIDOLON is a motor gun boat built for the Royal Navy and designated MGB 325. She is one of 24 such vessels built and would originally have had three Hall Scott petrol engines linked to three propellers.
Little is known of her history during and after World War II. She was converted to a houseboat during the 1980s.
In 1996 she was moored at Hayling Island Yacht Marina and advertised for sale; her specification included a wood panelled deck saloon, lower deck panelled dining saloon and a midships master bedroom in what used to be the engine room – lacking engines, the vessel can only be moved by tugs.
We are currently lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel, past or present, please contact us.
Key dates
-
1943
Built by Curtiss of Looe, Cornwall as MGB325 that saw active service in WWII
-
1981
Converted into a Houseboat
-
2013
She received a grant of £1000 from the National Historic Ship’s sustainability fund for restoration
-
C2012
Bought by the present owner
-
2016
Based in Halyling Island as a houseboat
Grants
-
September 2012
A Sustainability Grant of £1000 towards the cost of remedial work was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK. Source: National Historic Ships UK This was later wihtdrawn due to financial restrain
Sources
World Ship Society British Armed Forces Small Craft Historical Society, Survivors Register, 1998
The Property Guide: Gunboat makes perfect floating home, pp12, 29 August 1996
Fricker, David, Warship WorldFairmile MLs - some survivors still seagoing, pp15-18, Winter 1988
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
