Harbour Launch Diesel D49

In 1867 a 36ft. steam pinnace was ordered from J. S. White of Cowes for trials.  This was soon followed by a variety of different length craft but it was not until the early 1890s that the 56ft. steam pinnace came into use.

Although officially designated as steam pinnaces, the craft were generally known as picket boats, for their original purpose was patrolling harbour entrances and anchorages.  However, their usefulness as passenger launches as well as their towing ability was soon recognised, and they quickly became the boat of choice for such duties.  Particularly, in dockyards such as Portsmouth where outlying establishments are scattered around the harbour, the regular ferry service provided by the harbour launches was of vital importance.

D49 was obtained by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust on 12th April 1996 from her previous owners – MoD (N) RMAS Portsmouth.  Her principal use with the MoD was for passenger transport and small craft towage within the harbour and basins.

Boat Stats

Build details

Harbour Launch

Length Overall

56ft

Beam

13ft  6in

Draft

5ft 5in

Trim

2ft 10in

Displacement

28.6 Tons

Engine

Diesel Motor, Foden FD6. 102BHP

Speed

13knots

Endurance

230 Miles

Construction

Mahogany on English Oak

Date Built

1958

Boat Yard

Messrs. Jones Slipway Ltd Buckie

Supported by:

Supported by Regional Growth Fund