Motor yachts
Ex. RNLB Watson Class GERTRUDE
(REF: 32538)£8000
Full specification
Wooden Ships Comments on this Ex. RNLB Watson Class GERTRUDE
Ex. RNLB Gertrude (ON847) is a 46’ open cockpit Watson Class lifeboat built in 1945.
She served at Holy Island between 1946-1968, then Exmouth 1968-1970, Sheerness 1970-1974, relief lifeboat 1974-1980 and lastly in Fowey from 1980-1981.
She was the last of the open cockpit Watson class boats to be launched.
In same private ownership since 1981, she has been based out of Mevagissey and used solely for private family trips and RNLI events.
Due to bereavement in the family, the boat has not been used for several years, although the engines are run up regularly and the boat has been slipped for maintenance when required.
The originality of this lifeboat is astounding, she has not been converted in anyway, still retaining her floatation chambers with cork boxes in large parts of the hull, the small mahogany panelled cabin forward and open cockpit aft.
Length on Deck 46’
Construction
Hull
Doble diagonal mahogany planking, all copper rivet fastened with a layer of kalico and white lead between the skins.
Steamed oak timbers closely spaced through the hull all copper rivet fastened.
Decks and Cockpit
Decks made from 2 layers of mahogany, a diagonal layer underneath with fore and aft planking on top, all copper rivet fastened.
All original bronze deck fittings. Forged stanchions and chain guard rails.
Aft cockpit is open with a fitted tonneau cover. Elm coaming round the aft end that has started to go soft and needs replacing.
Superstructure
Superstructure is in 2 parts with a riveted iron section forward that is part of the sealed engine room box. Aft of this is a double diagonal mahogany curved superstructure leading back to the windshield and open backed cockpit.
Machinery
Engines
Twin Ford Parsons 6cylinder diesels thought to be approximately 70hp.
Parson gearboxes to fixed 3 blade bronze propellers in tunnels, the usual RNLI way.
Engines were thoroughly overhauled and have done few hours since, start on the first press of the button and run smoothly. Beautifully installed with braized copper exhausts.
Closed loop cooling system with large heat exchangers in the forward cabin reduces the risk of blockages and breakdown at sea.
Tanks
2 large fuel tanks under the side decks, outboard of the forward cabin. Volume unknown.
Batteries and Electrics
4 x 110ah 12 volt batteries charged from the engine alternators.
Accommodation
Below decks space is limited and spartan as expected with a very original lifeboat.
There is plenty of sheltered space under the superstructure.
The forward cabin is totally original with panelled mahogany joinery ad seating on 3 sides for rescued casualties. Sitting headroom only in the forward cabin.
If desired it would be possible to open up the forward bulkhead into the forepeak buoyancy chamber to create a larger cabin.
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Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
