Name Kingfisher

KINGFISHER was the last canal inspection launch built in this country in 1928 and is one of only four remaining (three afloat). Comissioned by the Grand Junction Canal Company (GJCCo), she worked primarily for the Grand Union Canal Company (GUCCo) when it was formed out of GJCCo and seven other companies, also in 1929. She is carvel built of 1" teak hull planks on oak frames, with a mahogany superstructure. She was originally fitted with a 4-cylinder Ailsa Craig Kid petrol engine, changed to a BMC Navigator in 1958 and to a Kelvin P4R diesel in 1977, which remains her current engine.

She was used extensively by the Directors of GUCCo in the 1930s, with an extensive refit being done by Walkers of Rickmansworth in 1939, with knees and planking being replaced. In 1948, KINGFISHER was transferred to British Waterways with the nationalisation of GUCCo. In 1958, she underwent an extensive refit, when she was converted from a day boat to having the ability to sleep four people aboard. She was used less and less after that and was in a poor state by 1970.

In 1974, KINGFISHER was purchased by M Rabbet, who took her by road to Dedham, Essex. Then began an extensive restoration project that lasted over two years, restoring the vessel to operational status. Her crew quarters were converted to a double berth, and a new engine room was built to house the new Kelvin P4R engine fitted in 1977. That year, she was relaunched, and cruised out of Henley on Thames. In 1980, she was purchased by O and M Turner, who based her on the Regents Canal. In 1987, she was purchased by T Samuelson, and in 1991, she was purchased by A Paine, who moved her to Suffolk and restored her.