Registration number 2590
Status Archived
a12admin

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Tender
Location South Ferriby
Vessel type Seaplane Tender
Archive reason More information required
Current use Unknown
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Builder Thornycroft, J I & Co Ltd, Hampton
Built in 1940
Hull material Wood
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor

Dimensions

Length: Overall
39.90 feet (12.16m)
Depth
4.49 feet (1.37m)
Tonnage: Gross
13.00

History

GEE BEE was built as an RAF Seaplane Tender No 475 by Thornycroft at their Hampton Launch Co. at Platts Eyot on the Thames as yard number 2524 in 1941.

Bought by Mike Mitchell in 1987, from Gilbert Powell who told him that the GEE BEE had been utilised in the Scottish Lochs during the war. The vessel had been kept for many years in a shed at the Port of Blyth, Northumberland.

 

Mitchell sailed the GEE BEE to the River Tyne, where it was moored at Davy Bank, Wallsend, and restored over a number of years.  The rear cabin was removed and both Perkins 6354 diesel engines were renewed.  She was equipped with navigation and sonar systems. The GEE BEE was used for pleasure, exploring wrecks and sea fishing by Mitchell and his family.  In 1996, GEE BEE moved to St Peters Marina in Newcastle upon Tyne.  She was sold in April 1998 to a man who took the boat to Bridlington.  

We are currently lacking information on this particular vessel.  If you have any information on this vessel, past or present, please contact us.

Key dates

  • 1940

    Built by Thornycroft at their Hampton Launch Company at Platts Eyot on the River Thames as a Seaplane Tender.  Later converted to a Range Safety Launch

  • 2000

    She was sold and converted her into a Houseboat

  • 2012

    She was sold to her present owner

  • 1987-1998

    Owned by Mike Mitchell at Wallsend, River Tyne, restored and used for family pleasure trips and sea fishing.

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

More like this

port side view

Registered, built 1941 by British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe

laid up

Archived, built 1935 by Walton Yacht & Launch, Walton-on-Thames

ST 1500 being lifted

National Historic Fleet, built 1942 by British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe

stern view starboard side

Archived, built 1931 by British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe