Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
DODONA was built as a butty in 1935 by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Woolwich, for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Co. - one of their Star Class boats known as a Small Woolwich. Her fleet number was 269, and she was registered at Brentford No 574 in December 1935. She was originally paired with the motor COLUMBIA.
During the Second World War, DODONA was used as a training vessel for women who had volunteered to operate English narrowboats and aid in the war effort, known as the ‘Idle Women’. Later, in 1948, DODONA become a part of the British Waterways fleet when Nationalisation took place. Sold by British Waterways in the early 60's, she was then cut in half, with both halves being motorised and turned into two leisure boats.
DODONA was subsequently restored in 1995 to a 50' motorboat in working condition. It was during this restoration that the wooden bottom was removed and replaced by the current steel bottom. DODONA is now used purely used for pleasure but is available for commercial use should the occasion arise.
Key dates
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1935
Built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Woolwich
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1948
Joins the British Waterways fleet after the nationalisation of Grand Union Canal Carrying Company, its previous owner
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1995
Restored into a leisure motorboat, during which time the wooden bottom was removed and replaced with a steel one
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
