HSL 2552 | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2649

Status Registered

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HSL 2552 - being moved from Preston Marina to her new home at RAF Hooton Park

Details

Function Fighting Vessel

Subfunction Launch

Location Morcombe

Vessel type High Speed Launch

Current use Ongoing conservation

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Info required Yes

Web address http://www.hsl2552.co.uk/

Construction

Builder British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe

Built in 1942

Hull material Wood

Rig None

Number of decks 1

Propulsion Motor

Primary engine type None

Boiler type None

Dimensions

Length: Overall

68.00 feet (20.73m)

Breadth: Beam

17.00 feet (5.18m)

Depth

4.00 feet (1.22m)

History

HSL 2552 was built in 1942 by the British Powerboat Company, Hythe, and is a vessel of double diagonal construction with a mahogany hull.

She was the prototype for the Type 3 HSL, the Hants and Dorset Class. After service during the Second World War she was converted to a Rescue and Target Towing - several craft were given limited or full conversions to Rescue & Target Towing Launches - RTTL Mk. 1 configuration. Limited conversions involved removing the guns and glass domes, the tubs being retained, whereas in the full conversion the gun tubs and all associated fittings were removed. In both conversions a small target towing winch and cuddy were fitted aft.

Little is known about the vessel's history after she left the RAF, however for the last 20 years she has been moored near the Tarleton Lock on the Leeds Liverpool Canal and, unfortunately, as the years moved on, she started to let in more and more water.

At present she is in hull only condition and has been bought by her current owner for a full restoration.

We are lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel past or present, please contact us at info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk.