Havengore Specifications, 1956

Length o.a.
85 feet.

Havengore had all the modern gadgets available: Kelvin and Hughes echo sounder, Decca Navigator, Pye radiotelephone and Francis searchlight with interior control. As well as, a central heating system, spacious engine room, ventilation by Airmax fans and engines with fresh water cooling by Serek heat exchanges.

The Mathway steering gear and twin rudders made for easy handling. A Kent Clear View screen, remote tachometers and Sestrel compass also helped general operation.

On teak laid decks, the super-structure (also of teak except for the Duralumin wheelhouse roof), consists of chartroom and wheel house.

Built for River and Estuary work these areas on Havengore are particularly large and well appointed. Below decks is spacious, light and airy with good headroom. As well as ample storage facilities, pantry and galley, there are three cabins, crews quarters accommodating 10 and two toilets with washing facilities.

The trials occurred 1 February, 1956, departing Tower Pier at 8:15am. Aboard were approx. 10 PLA representatives, 9 from Toughs Bros., including both Mr. Toughs, a gentleman from the National Physical Laboratory, two from Morris Henty & Gardners, two from the electrical company, J.B. Marr and one from each of Decca Navigation, Kelvin Hughes (Echo sounder) and Thornycroft (Shafting) as well as four journalists. Speed trials took from 09:45 to 11:30, the measured distance was 6080 feet with an average depth of 37 feet. Six runs were made, r.p.m. ranged from 910 to 920 and 900 to 950 on the starboard and port engines respectively giving an average of 910. The speed ranged from 11.28 to 13.25 knots giving an average of 12.25 knots

Havengore fulfilled all specifications and expectations. Comments from one of the Gardner representatives at the trials show all went well.

By 11:30 the water temperature had risen to 109F and the oil to 116F so the governors on the engines had a bit in hand i.e. the props were a fraction light and were only absorbing about 140BHP of the full 152 available. . . . they were a good choice.

The manoeuving tests were not timed and measured but the vessel proved very handy to turn with her Mathway steering gear and twin rudders and was pulled up quickly from full speed ahead by use of the reverse gear.

A 1956 report considered, ‘this new survey boat is soundly constructed and presents a very smart appearance; the hull in finished in dark blue and the upper works in natural varnish.’ The same reporter expressed appreciation for the efficient central heating system supplied from a boiler with Kempsafe oil-firing equipment, not to be underestimated on trials lasting over eight hours at temperatures well below freezing!