Images(3)

Dolphin

Vessel numberHV000398

Vessel Registration NumberB1919Q

Builder Pritchard Bros

Date1919

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.14 m x 9.1 m x 2.51 m x 0.8 m (30 ft x 29.86 ft x 8.25 ft x 2.62 ft)

DescriptionDOLPHIN is 9.14 m long, carvel planked, with a cabin and raised wheelhouse. In 2010 it has a Yanmar diesel engine installed, but the original engine would likely have been a petrol motor. The transom has a vee shape in plan view, a styling feature seen on some craft from the period, as designers and builders began to match the appearance of their craft to their higher speeds. It is thought the Pritchards used this feature on many of their designs as a styling detail that would be associated with their craft.

Pritchard Bros were established in 1909 and remained in business until at least 1939. They were based at Careening Cove in Kirribilli alongside other firms such as Hayes Bros, Stewart Sandeman, Fisher, Warren and Fisher and eventually Lars Halvorsen. Pritchard Bros were quickly recognised for building small craft and were among the first builders to concentrate their efforts into designing and building motor launches, or oil launches as they were first known. The Pritchards developed a series of high speed designs as the sport of motor boating progressed from modest cruising time trials to races around the harbour. They also applied themselves to propeller design and became one of the specialists in this field for many years.

In 2010 DOLPHIN is being restored and re-built by the Queensland Maritime Museum to be used as an operational exhibit on the Brisbane River from 2011.

SignificanceDOLPHIN is a wooden motor launch built by Pritchard Bros in Sydney, NSW around 1919. The Pritchards were prominent builders of small craft, particular launches, from the early 1900s. They were local innovators for machinery design, including propellers. Their craft were built for owners around Sydney Harbour, along the NSW coast and interstate. The DOLPHIN is a typical example and features a veed transom plan, a feature often used on Pritchard launches.