This should more accurately be called the first in the Coral * Star line. Before her were two smaller boats - firstly the 'Silver Wave' followed by 'Seabird'. These two boats of which I have no information were probably in service for the three summers of 1947, 48 and 49.
	The original 'Coral * Star' was created from a Royal Navy Harbour Service Launch (HSL) being 36 feet in length. She was powered by a 40hp Russel Newberry 4 cylinder diesel whose maximum RPM was 1000 governed down to 850 for normal operation. A 2:1 reduction gearbox was fitted. The gearbox itself was operated by a Teleflex control which looked like a miniature ships telegraph.
	The engine was removed every winter, placed on an engine bed on wheels and pulled along Paignton Seafront to a workshop behind Garfield Road. And every autumn on the evening spring tide closest to the 10 October she would be hauled up the slipway on the North Quay. Now a crane is brought in and all the boats requiring winter storage are lifted into position!
	She was most definitely an open boat - little cover from winds and waves except for the extensive canvas covers! In the Photos the foredeck can be seen with a canvass hood available to pull up towards the stripped cover down the centre of the boat. This itself opened out to provide further cover. It was not pleasant under all this canvas on a wet and rough day with happy holiday makers feeling unwell!!