Fairmile 'B' Motor Launch - Western Lady IV
- Boat REF# · 21007
- LOA · 34.14m
- Year · 1942
- Construction · Wood carvel
- Underwater profile · Full-displacement
- Engine · 2 x Diesel 127hp, Gardner 6LX (handed) (1971)
- Lying · Torbay
This boat is off the market but here are some boats that are still For Sale
Extra Details
| Designer | William Holt |
|---|---|
| Builder | Solent Shipyard Limited |
| Lying | Torbay |
| Fuel capacity | 3,146.0 ltr (692.1 G) Total - 2 Tanks |
| Water capacity | 1,328.0 ltr (292.2 G) Total - 2 Tanks |
| Last survey | 08/12/2005 |
Mechanical
| Engine | 2 x Diesel 127hp |
|---|---|
| Engine make and model | Gardner 6LX (handed) (1971) |
| Engine Hours | Not Recorded |
| Engine Cooled | Indirect |
| Steering | Wheel |
| Drive | Shaft |
| Prop(s) | 3-bladed |
| Fuel consumption (approx) | 27.0 ltr (5.9 G) /hour At Cruising Speed |
| Cruising speed (approx) | 10 knots |
| Max speed (approx) | 12 knots |
Coventry Victor single cylinder diesel auxilliary 24 volt generator;
Teddington alarms fitted to main engines
Dimensions
| LOA | 34.14m |
|---|---|
| LWL | 32.92m |
| Beam | 5.48m |
| Draft Min | 1.52m |
| Draft Max | 1.52m |
| Displacement | 140,214kg (309,171.9lbs) |
| Headroom | 1.98m |
Electrical Systems
24 volt battery, 4 batteries charged by: engine, generator
Construction
| Construction | Wood carvel |
|---|---|
| Underwater profile | Full-displacement |
| Finish | Paint finish |
Double diagonal mahogany carvel planking laid in opposing diagonals on a system of longitudinal stringer and transverse web frames. Double skinned teak decks. Raked stem and transom stern. Round bilge form with flush deck;
2.1m freeboard
Accommodation
| Cabin(s) | 5 |
|---|---|
| Heads | 3 heads |
, 5 cabins
Gas hot water urn
Accommodation
| Sink | |
|---|---|
| Pressurised water system |
, 5 cabins
Gas hot water urn
Deck Gear
Manual Admiralty windlass
1 anchors
(CQR)
100.00m of chain
Nav Equipment
| Compass | |
|---|---|
| Radar | |
| VHF | |
| GPS | |
| Navigation lights |
JRC 1000 radar;
Midland 38 VHF;
Garmin GPS12 handheld
Safety Equipment
| Searchlight | |
|---|---|
| Boarding ladder | |
| Emergency steering |
2 bilge pumps (1 manual / 0 Electric)
Shipyard maintained to a very high standard to meet all MCA regulations to allow for 175 passengers and 4 crew. Last incline and stability test June 2005. Passenger certificate MCA Class IV stamped to 2009 subject to annual inspection
179 x buoyancy aids;
Hydrostatic liferaft releases (NB liferafts are hired annually and do not form part of the inventory)
Flare pack;
Diesel auxiliary driven bilge pump
Broker's Comments
Preliminary details: awaiting confirmation by owner.
The Fairmile 'B' Motor Launch was originally designed for use during WW II. This type of vessel was known as the "Maid of all work" being deployed as Mine Layers and Sweepers, Escort vessels, Transporting troops and patrolling waters both at home and overseas.
The "Western Lady" vessels have the added distinction of being the only Fairmile Rescue Motor Launches left in the World. "Western Lady IV” entered service as RML 526 on 27th August 1942.
Of some 650 of this type of craft built during the war at home and overseas only 50 were built as RML's. Of the total of Fairmile 'B's only eight or ten now survive, but none as original in appearance as the "Western Lady" Little Ships. Purchased at the Navy dispersal sales at the end of WWII to be converted into Passenger Boats. Conversion consisting of re-engining, fitting a deck saloon and guard rails and sealing watertight bulkheads. All other parts of the vessels are to the original build and design.
Steeped in history, the Western Ladies have been in active service as ‘ladies for leisure’ in Torbay, recognised by hundreds of thousands as the now Brixham to Torquay ferry. Little has happened on the waters of Torbay, from royal visits, to the visits of tall ships, without the attendance of these vessels.
Only for sale due to ill health, they are a continuing testament to the skill and dedication of the two families who have owned and operated them since 1946. Indeed, 2006 would be the 60th Anniversary of the Western Lady Ferry Service in Torbay.
This boat has been viewed and photographed by Nick Morton of Boatshed Brixham. Register or log in to see more photos of this boat. These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.