Keeping a Puffer Afloat: The Story of a Small Steamship

In 1978, five volunteers rescued a retired steamer from a scrapyard and brought her back to life on the London River. The vessel, VIC 56, is a rare survivor of wartime shipping and has since been a popular exhibit at the Portsmouth Boathouse 4. This book explores the challenges faced by small historic vessel owners and offers advice on how to stay ahead.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

From the heart of Rosyth naval base in 1978, five volunteers embarked on an extraordinary journey aboard VIC 56, an elderly steamer rescued from a scrapyard fate. Armed with a basic radio and a compass, they set sail down the North Sea, facing numerous challenges along the way. Despite being turned away by some ports and welcomed by others, VIC 56 found a new home on the London River, coinciding with the rebirth of Docklands.

This was just the beginning of a series of trials that would test the resilience of the steamer and the determination of its crew. Family, friends, work colleagues, and sympathetic visitors were relentlessly enlisted to help keep VIC 56 afloat. The puffer, a rare survivor of wartime shipping, garnered interest around the Thames estuary and even sailed across the North Sea to Flushing in Holland in 1989. VIC 56 made appearances in various arts events and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012 before being donated to Portsmouth Boathouse 4 in 2019, where it remains a popular exhibit.

The preservation of VIC 56 required a rigorous work program by the engineers to maintain the engine, boiler, and other machinery in top condition. This book delves into the challenges faced by small historic vessel owners and offers insights on how to navigate the complexities and stay ahead.

Weight: 126g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803137513