Mystery Boat

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dear All

I am struggling to identify this model, it is described as a tug but I have never seen a rear deck layout like this before on a tug, yes it is some kind of towing vessel but I can't identify it so can anybody help?

The Meccano motors were a later addition and are set up in tank steering mode.

The new owner is removing these motors and putting in something more suitable.

It is 54in long and has an unloaded weight of 15kg

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

[Kev.WParticipant @kev-w]

Looks like an 'Anchor Handler', but the towing arrangement says it's something else.

The builder gave it a Grimsby location, that's making me think it could be a vessel specifically designed for working on the North Sea wind farm construction.

Sorry but that's as near as I can get.

Nice boat though, whatever it is.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Kip

I've been looking at this for a couple of days and still can't figure it out.

My first thought was an Anchor Handler or Buoy Vessel but that very obvious towing rope and odd tow rope eye on the stern rule out these potabilities.

The model has been very well made and with great attention to detail so I presume that it is taken from a real life subject.

I even thought that it might be a Rig support vessel but that towing gear just doesn't fit, I hadn't thought about offshore wind farms, which does have possibilities so I will do some research.

Thanks for the idea.

Paul

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Torpedo recovery vessel? Test vessel to tow sonar arrays or summat?

Ashley. Nb Meccano motors? A bit weedy for this?

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Another clue is the S emblem on the smoke stacks and again my Sherlock abilities have let me down as I can't find any reference to tug, offshore, or towing companies with this emblem.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I suspect that the vessel may have been renamed and re registered and could now be anywhere in the world. There is no mention of it on Marine Traffic.

Colin

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Ashley

A towed sonar vessel is a good idea and something that I will follow up.

The Meccano motors were a retro fit and yes they are woefully under powered for this model and my advice to the new owner is going to be a pair of 800 or 900 sized brushed units with the appropriate Action Electronics equipment.

Hi Colin

No I couldn't find it either and it looks like you are right about it being renamed, I have even tried photo recognition software to see if a look alike turned up but with no luck.

My closest estimate to the launch date is anywhere between 1980 to 1999 so this isn't much help,

I had hoped that someone would recognise the S emblem and tie it to a tug, towing or offshore support company.

Meanwhile my trawl through the interweb continues.

Paul

Edited By Paul T on 15/05/2020 17:32:51

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