Hi everyone,
Last year I bought a ship's lifeboat converted to a cruiser, reputed to be from the Mauretania II and converted in the late 40's, which I am now refitting.
Last weekend whilst stripping the paint from the old original gunnels at the prow various stamped and engraved markings were revealed. On the Starboard side deeply engraved it says 28 0X9 0X3 85 = 54 PERSONS. The 28, 9, and 3 I know are the internal measurements which could lead to a coefficient of fineness of 85 but how does that calculate to 54 persons? Forward of these markings is a stamped B T with a crown between them which I presume is a Board of Trade stamp? Below this is a faintly stamped 3 45 and below that again an 8.
On the port side it reads 5680 54 PERSONS then more faintly MW1 MARK IV - 039. Any help with deciphering these markings would be greatly appreciated.
I have also been told that originally this lifeboat would have been like a giant pedalo with passengers turning foot pedals to propel the boat, is that correct?
Any other information, Mauretania II lifeboat conversion} about the lifeboats from the Mauretania II would be very much appreciated.
Last year I bought a ship's lifeboat converted to a cruiser, reputed to be from the Mauretania II and converted in the late 40's, which I am now refitting.
Last weekend whilst stripping the paint from the old original gunnels at the prow various stamped and engraved markings were revealed. On the Starboard side deeply engraved it says 28 0X9 0X3 85 = 54 PERSONS. The 28, 9, and 3 I know are the internal measurements which could lead to a coefficient of fineness of 85 but how does that calculate to 54 persons? Forward of these markings is a stamped B T with a crown between them which I presume is a Board of Trade stamp? Below this is a faintly stamped 3 45 and below that again an 8.
On the port side it reads 5680 54 PERSONS then more faintly MW1 MARK IV - 039. Any help with deciphering these markings would be greatly appreciated.
I have also been told that originally this lifeboat would have been like a giant pedalo with passengers turning foot pedals to propel the boat, is that correct?
Any other information, Mauretania II lifeboat conversion} about the lifeboats from the Mauretania II would be very much appreciated.