Blackthorn

Welcome to the Technical Details for the Heritage Boat Blackthorn

  • She is a 45 foot Fast Refueller Mark V.

  • They were used to refuel the sea planes/ flying boats.

  •  Built 1943

  • Designed by Vosper Ltd., famous for designing motor torpedo boats and frigates.

  • Has a Hard Chine Shaped Hull, giving great stability but also great ability to move under power

  • Commissioned by the RAF

  • Assigned Penant no. 2067

  • Build was sub contracted to Aldous Successors Ltd., Brightlingsea Essex, UK.

  • These Fast Refuellers were stationed all around the world during World War II

  • Although the Refuellers were built with twin engines Blackthorn was changed to a single engine.

  • She is powered by a 1958 diesel 6 cylinder Thames Trader engine marinised by Parsons Baracudda,

  • The gearbox has a 2:1 reduction.

  • Single propeller but twin rudders.

If you photographed Blackthorn today share your photo's with the hashtag #45fr

45FT Fast Refueller MarkV

Original Build Specifications

Blackthorn is one of the seven Fast Refuellers to be found on the Irish Inland Waterways.
The Irish Sister ships are Hawthorn, Whitethorn, Tubal, Lady Corrib, Barranger, SlyFox
Only 13 others are known to survive in the UK.
With an original hull thickness of 3/16ths of an inch, these weren't built to last passed their usefulness in the war time.

Want to learn the more personal side of Blackthorn? Click into Her Story.

1126_1
Vosper