Pleasure Cruisers at Tuckton

Image: © Nigel Mykura Taken: 15 Nov 2011

These are the "Headland" boats that are used to take tourists on trips round Christchurch harbour. They date back to 1931 when the first of the class UNITY was built at the local boatyard of E F Elkins and sons which was located on land now occupied by waterside homes and known as Priory Quay. They have a beam of 8ft 9in and a length of 36 ft and are built of Oregon pine on oak frames and ribs. They have a deadweight of 5.5 tons and an unloaded draught of 10 inches. They have unusual propulsion in that the propeller is located in a tunnel in the aft section of the boat. The propeller is actual partially above the waterline and only a small part extends below the bottom of the boat. Water is sucked into the tunnel and expressed from the rear in the form of a simple water jet. This method of propulsion results in the bow dipping deeper into the water as speed increases. They have operated as pleasure boats every year since 1934 except for the war years. The boats are the Merry Widow (on the right) , Headland Queen, Headland Pal, Headland Belle and Headland Maid. The waterside houses behind are on the north side of the river in Willow Way.

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