Details
Function
Cargo Vessel
Subfunction
Narrow Boat
Location
Stone
Vessel type
Tug
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Harris Brothers, Netherton
Built in
1940
Hull material
Iron
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Inboard diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
6.75 feet
(2.06m)
Depth
2.75 feet
(0.84m)
Length: Overall
46.00 feet
(14.03m)
History
Built in 1940 by Harris Brothers of Netherton, SPITFIRE is a canal tug of iron construction. Her present engine is a Perkins diesel. She was built for Leonard Leigh Limited, a canal haulage firm, based on the Wyrley & Essington Canal and would have towed one or more "joey" boats laden with cargo, typically coal.
SPITFIRE was one of four tugs commissioned by the Ministry of War at the outbreak of World War II; all were named after British fighter aircraft. She is currently fitted out as a pleasure boat, but it is the current owner's intention to replace the engine with that of a more appropriate vintage and to rebuild the cabin to reflect the shape of the original.
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