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DOLPHIN in 2009 before restoration
Dolphin
DOLPHIN in 2009 before restoration
DOLPHIN in 2009 before restoration
Reproduced courtesy Queensland Maritime Museum

Dolphin

Vessel numberHV000398
Vessel Registration NumberB1919Q
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.
The  fully rigged  Pritchard Folding Boat  is on display at Wharf 7 with other craft from the S…
Pritchard Bros
c 1920
An early photogrpah of the assembled dinghy
Foldaboat
1962
BERRIMA  in 2009 at Wharf 7 Darling Harbour NSW.
CAM Fisher and Sons
1955
JANNETT in 2013
Norman R Wright and Sons
c 1912
side view of the hull
Wilson Bros.
1950
NAUTILUS II in 2009
H Maumill
1912
SEA SCOUT on the Great Barrier Reef in 2004, acting as a research and dive vessel.
Walter Reeks
1923
CAPRICE OF HUON at the CWBF in 2016
Percy Coverdale
1951
AOMA around 1900 coming past Neilson Park on Sydney Harbour in a good nor easter.
Logan Bros
1899
SOUTHWIND in 2012
A G Williams
c 1951