Key details
- Current boat name
- R N Steam Cutter 438
- Boat class
- 7388
- Number
- 438
- Function
- Military
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 7.01 / 23ft
- Beam (m / ft)
- 2.01 / 6ft 6in
- Leeward
- Keel
- Masts
- 1 Wood
- Rig type
- Lugger
- Propulsion
- Sail/engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Admiralty
- Date of build
- 1897
- Place of build
- Poplar, London
Current status
- Present use
- Sailing
History
Built by Thames Iron Works at Poplar, London to an Admiralty design.MISCHIEF is the last survivor (Admiralty No 438) of a class of about 46 naval steam cutters, being the smallest power boats in the Victorian Royal Navy. Built for the frigate HMS ESPIEGLE (meaning Mischief) but allocated in 1900 to Hospital Ship MAINE. This ship was wrecked in 1914 but the steam cutter lived on, being sold to become a private motor cruiser. Restoration began in 1983 by Dr Roger Stevens, who passed her to present owners in 1999. She was re-commissioned in May 2006 with a Simpson and Strickland steam compound engine (No 824) from Admiralty cutter No 191. This will have been an identical design to that of her original engine which was also built by the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co Ltd. January 2008