Historic Dunkirk Little Ship

Marketing Description

Unique opportunity to purchase an invaluable piece of Naval history that is famous the world over. 'Watchful' is one of the last surviving and still operational 'Little Ships' that was sent to Dunkirk in 1940 where she was responsible for saving over 900 souls. 
Built by Fellows & Co. of Great Yarmouth in 1935 as an excursion vessel taking holiday makers to Norfolk, before being requisitioned by the Admiralty and used for carrying stores and torpedoes to other operational craft. Her current custodians rescued her from the point of no return in 2017 and have lovingly restored her to her former glory. Currently she is registered with the Historic Ships Register and is fully operational having recently travelled back to Great Yarmouth and taking part in recent commemorative voyages to France. 
Currently used as a museum/tearoom, 'Watchful' is looking for new custodians who will not only appreciate what she is and the service she provided during the war years. She would make an ideal liveaboard or could be used as a licenced premises due to her large bar area. 

Further information available on request.

Mechanical

Vessel powered by twin Gardner 6LX diesel engines which develop 150hp @ 1000rpm each. These were installed in 1963 when they replaced the original Crossley’s. These 6-cylinder workhorses have been very well maintained and undergo an annual service. She happily cruises at 10.5 knots at 1000rpm but has a top speed of 12 knots when pushed. 
2:1 reduction gearboxes driving stainless steel shafts and 3-bladed bronze propellers. The engine room is fascinating and has a time warp feel. It doesn’t take much imagination to envisage life as an engineer in the early years when operations were telegraphed to the engine room from the bridge. This system is still in place albeit a bit more modern with the use of lights. 
Upper helm position in wheelhouse with central wheel steering, engine controls and gauges. 

• Engine spares
• Annual service

Electrical

24/240V systems on board providing engine start and domestic power. When located on an unserviced berth, 240V power is supplied by a Perkins 26Kw generator which will run all the onboard systems including the galley. There is a Lister 2-Cylinder generator sitting in reserve. 
Bank of 6 batteries fitted with isolators. These are currently recharged via the generator or the engine alternators. There is a 240V battery charger and cable but not used where she is currently berthed. 

Navigation

• Compass
• Depth sounder
• Speed/log
• Radar
• GPS/Plotter
• DSC VHF
• Autopilot
• Navigation lights
• Clock & Barometer set

Deck

• Heavy duty capstan for warp and anchor handling
• Bruce main anchor with 300M chain
• Fishermans kedge anchor
• Boarding ladders - Both sides
• Gangway

Safety

• 2x 8-Man liferafts - In Date
• MOB slings
• Perle bouys with boat names
• Flares
• Fire pump with fire reel
• 20Kg CO2 fire extinguisher in machinery space
• Various dry powder and foanm extinguishers
• Fire blanket
• Automatic bilge pumps including 3x5000GPH models
• Searchlight

Canvas

• Hatch covers

Miscellaneous

• Mooring warps
• Fenders
• Tender
• 15hp outboard

Accommodation

Due to her original use as an excursion vessel and subsequent war effort followed by day tripping, there is no dedicated sleeping quarters onboard. The main saloon accessed from the pontoon is currently set out as a comfortable tea room with an array of tables and chairs. There is a large wood burner and double access doors to the aft deck.
Moving forward, to the port side of the machinery space is the large galley currently used to service those visiting the museum/tea rooms. To starboard of the machinery space is the side deck leading to the foredeck area with shelved area currently displaying historical artifacts relating to her history and a heads compartment with sink and sea toilet. There are tow heads on board which can be connected to a 'Black' tank if required. 
Access to the lower deck via a set of stairs leading to a large open space currently set out as a bar area. Heads compartment to rear. Storage facilities.
Side access steps lead to wheelhouse. Seating and chart/navigation area to rear. 

• 800 Litre water tanks
• 800 litre grey water tank
• Capacity for a black tank
• Bar area

Construction

Vessel built in Great Yarmouth in 1935 by Fellows & Co. to the order of the Longfield brothers. She is built using 'Low Moor', rolled iron plate and riveted construction. Skip to 2017 and she underwent a refurbishment and had her hull shot blasted resulting in some areas of replating. She is painted in black using Jotun 2-pack epoxy coatings, with grey and white topsides. Wooden rubbing strake. 
She returns to the Tees every year for her annual dry dock, antifoul and anode check/change. Last time ashore was May 2026 at Inspec Engineering in Middleborough.   

Disclaimer

For a full, detailed specification with additional photographs and direct contact details for the listing office visit our website

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Unless otherwise stated on the specification sheet the following presumptions are made
- Sail drive and shaft seals are more than 5 years of age
- Fuel and gas hoses and regulators are over 5 years old
- Standing rigging and sails are more than 10 years old

Please note that as the broker/agent, we cannot guarantee or warrant the serviceability of any safety equipment included within the inventory, including but not limited to the condition, operation, or service dates of such equipment. It is the responsibility of the buyer to thoroughly inspect and assess the condition of all safety equipment prior to purchase.

NOTE - Please ring our offices prior to visiting, as the boat may be unavailable for viewing or located at a different marina.