Key details
- Current boat name
- Sir William Priestley
- Boat class
- 7323
- Function
- Service
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 7.92 / 26ft
- Beam (m / ft)
- 2.57 / 8ft 5in
- Leeward
- Keel
- Masts
- 1 Wood
- Rig type
- Gaff Sloop
- Propulsion
- Sail/engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Crossfield
- Date of build
- 1934
- Place of build
- Arnside
Current status
- Present use
- Museum/LMM
History
Built by Crossfields in 1934 at Arnside for the Morecombe and Heysham Fisherman's Lifeboat Association. SIR WILLIAM PRIESTLEY was built on the lines of a prawner. Photographs of the craft being launched are available in the Lancaster Museum's files. The SIR WILLIAM PRIESTLEY gave 53 years of service from 1934 to 1987 and during this time had many minor repairs and her original engine was replaced with a more powerful 29 hp dieasel engine. The vessel is stored outside the Lancaster Museum and has some problems with damp. Phases of conservation were carried out in late 1980's and early-mid 1990's. There was a suggestion that the vessel be returned to Morecombe to form the centre-piece of Fisherman's Square, to be a force for local regeneration and civic pride. June 2008 Deterioration arrested has as has stored under cover for past few years. GH Feb 2014