This certainly was the fulfilment of a dream - the largest passenger boat operating out of Paignton with a capacity to meet all possibilities. At this time there were useful contracts with Swedish International Schools (SIS) which on the face of it justified the larger boat. (See CSII)
	The boat was found in Ireland having been originally built in the war years to serve as the Poole or Bournemouth Belle. At that time she was built to carry 250 passengers. However standards changed much over the years and this figure was permissible only on closed waters - River Dart for example. In the open waters of Torbay and Lyme Bay she was limited to 100. This was a serious disappointment.
	The rebuild of the boat to meet Johnny's standards took considerably longer than intended. She went into service on the 1st July 1974. The 1974 season was well under way so a considerable amount of trade was lost. The local newspaper noted the event with the headline 'Bop and Beethoven on Cruise' referring to the controversial boat in Paignton Harbour due to her size within the confines of the harbour.
	Also it became apparent that working from the tidal harbour of Paignton was very limiting due to her size and draft. Whilst Paignton Harbour remained the 'base' it was more practical to operate out of Torquay. So daily operating regimes required a lot of planning.
	However this was a fun vessel and enjoyed by many - a solid sea boat with a large dry lounge and bar - occasionally used for very good parties and events apart from trips!