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 1948, 49 and 50.

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 minature ships telegraph.

She was most definitely an open boat - little cover from winds and waves except for the extensive canvas covers! In the picture below the foredeck was open 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!!

prepared by 'nips' - a bowhand for crew for many years from 1954 onwards - part time!