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www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
This website has no connection with any shipping company, cruise line, boat operator or other commercial organisation
United Motor Boats
Bournemouth Boating Services
This page is under construction
This page is devoted to postcards and photographs of United Motor Boats, who operate the United Ferry with a fleet of vintage motor boats on the River Stour in Dorset between Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry, Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Sandbank. The service begins its season at Easter and runs every day (weather permitting) until the end of October. The timetable varies daily according to both the weather and the time of year; the minimum service being a boat every hour and a half, the maximum being every half hour. They also run the Wick Ferry, which runs across the River Stour between Wick village and Christchurch. Some historians believe that the first ferry rights were granted before the Christchurch Priory was built, which would make the service nearly 1000 years old. Certainly the service is at least 200-250 years old. The Ferry runs every day (weather and tide permitting) from Easter until the end of October, from 10am until 5pm. The parent company also runs self drive boats.
For service details see:-
www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
Brief History of Christchurch Boats:-
The foundation for what became United Motor Boats was laid in 1910 when Mr Hodges started services with the
Pioneer I
and
Pioneer II
, both petrol-engined. The Elliott family added three boats to the services from 1919. All boats were owner operated, but ran in cooperation with each other. Other families joined in the 1920s, Ted Stride, Thornton, Keynes and Kendall were all taking part by 1927. George Derham also joined, but later left to run a rival service based at Convent Wick on the River Avon. Around 1930, the combined owners began operating under the name United Service Motor Boats, joined by Ted Budden, Bert Stride, and W Croucher.
The rival Convent Walk operation was sold to new owners by George Derham in 1933, and the fleet grew to five boats:-
Venture
(1930),
Avon Belle
(1932),
Lady of the Avon
(1932),
Avon Vanity
(1935) and
Ocean Queen
(1935). The Convent Walk services survived the Second World War, but ceased in the 1950s.
A further rival on the service to Mudeford Sandbank came from the Funnel Boats, which began operations in the mid-1930s. The Funnel Boats were run by Edward & Norman Mens, based the Christchurch side of the River Stour by Tuckton Bridge.
The 2009 fleet consists of four 36 ft '
Headland
' boats each carrying 50 passengers. The
Headland Belle
, the
Headland Queen
, and the
Headland Pal
were all built in 1934 with the
Headland Maid
following in 1935. A fifth boat,
Headland Princess
,
is no longer in service. Built in Elkins Boat yard, which still exists in Christchurch, they were designed specifically for Christchurch Harbour conditions. The water in the harbour can be very shallow at low tide therefore a very shallow draft was necessary. These boats only draw 18 inches fully laden. In order to avoid a propeller protruding beneath the boat, a tunnel system was devised whereby the propeller is located within the tunnel, drawing the water up, through the tunnel inside the boat and pushing it out at the stern.
These ferries have maintained this service across Christchurch Harbour every year since their construction, except during the war, when they were all commandeered by the Navy apart from
Headland Princess
. There are many stories about their exploits. After the war they were returned to service in Christchurch, although only one retained the original varnished hull. These boats have been carefully maintained in as original condition as possible given the need to conform to regulations covering passenger vessels.
They also own the delightful
Merry Widow
built in 1922, which is 30 ft long and carries 30 passengers. She is described as a 1922 gentleman's launch. The owners are still researching the history of this vessel, which they believe was constructed for use in the Lake District, maybe in Bossoms Boat yard. They believe that she may originally have been a steam launch, as the engine bearers could handle a very heavy load.
Contacts:-
Website:-
www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
Email:-
information@bournemouthboating.co.uk
Phone:-
01202 429119
Sections on this Page:-
United Motor Boats fleet list
Other Boats
Wick Ferry
Publicity
Piers Jetties etc
Tuckton
Christchurch Quay
Mudeford Sandbank
Boats on this Page:-
Headland Belle
(1934)
Headland Maid
(1935)
Headland Pal
(1934)
Headland Princess
(1934-1939, 1961-1977)
Headland Queen
(1934)
Merry Widow
(1922)
Other Dorset Pages:-
Dorset Piers
Brownsea Island Ferries
- Poole area cruises
Blue Line Cruises
- Poole area cruises
Bolson- Crosons - Dorset Belles
- Bournemouth/Poole excursions
Cosens & Co
- Dorset Coast cruises
Fairmile Classic Cruises
- Western Lady III at Swanage
Greenslade
- Poole area cruises
Mudeford Ferry
Associated Pages:-
UK Excursion Ships, Ports & Piers
Ferry Postcards
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ocean Liner Postcards
Simplon Postcards
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Recent Updates
Simplon Postcards
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Home Page
References:-
Estuary & River Ferries of SW England
-
Martin Langley & Edwina Small - Waine Research 1984
Trip Out Guides
-
Written and published by G.P.Hamer - various editions from 1977 to 2008 consulted
Trip Guides are available from Geoffrey Hamer, PO Box 485, Southall, UB1 9BH
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United Motor Boats
Christchurch
Merry Widow
(1922)
Merry Widow
is the oldest boat in the fleet, having been built in 1922. She is 30ft long and carries 30 passengers. She is described as a 1922 gentleman's launch. The owners are still researching the history of this vessel, which they believe was constructed for use in the Lake District, maybe in Bossoms Boat yard. They believe that she may originally have been a steam launch, as the engine bearers could handle a very heavy load.
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Merry Widow
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Belle
(1934)
Headland Belle
is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are
Headland Belle
(1934),
Headland Maid
(1935),
Headland Pal
(1934) and
Headland Queen
(1934). A fifth boat,
Headland Princess
,
is no longer in service.
Built in Elkins Boat yard, which still exists in Christchurch, they were designed specifically for Christchurch Harbour conditions. The water in the harbour can be very shallow at low tide, therefore a very shallow draft was necessary. These boats only draw 18 inches fully laden. In order to avoid a propeller protruding beneath the boat, a tunnel system was devised whereby the propeller is located within the tunnel, drawing the water up, through the tunnel inside the boat and pushing it out at the stern.
These ferries have maintained this service across Christchurch Harbour every year since their construction, except during the war, when they were commandeered by the Navy. There are many stories about their exploits. After the war they were returned to service in Christchurch, although only one retained the original varnished hull. These boats have been carefully maintained in as original condition as possible given the need to conform to regulations covering passenger vessels.
The '
Headland'
fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Belle at
Mulberry Cottage private slipway on a charter
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2007
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Belle
in Christchurch Harbour
Photo: © Tim Tyrrell, 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Pal
(1934)
Headland Queen
is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are
Headland Belle
(1934),
Headland Maid
(1935),
Headland Pal
(1934) and
Headland Queen
(1934). A fifth boat,
Headland Princess
,
is no longer in service.
Headland Pal in Christchurch Harbour
Photo: © Chris Wood
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
&
Headland Pal
at
Tuckton in 1995
Photo: © Chris Wood, 1995
Click to open larger image in new window
The '
Headland'
fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Princess
(1934-1939, 1961-1977)
Headland Princess,
is no longer in service. Four similar boats remainin service in 2009:-
Headland Belle
(1934),
Headland Maid
(1935),
Headland Pal
(1934) and
Headland Queen
(1934).
Unlike all her sisters,
Headland Princess
was not requisitioned for the second world war, and was laid up ashore in Christchurch for the duration. She did not return to service after ceassation of hostilities and and was sold to Mr Mold and operated on the Thames, in the Twickenham area, as
Ivy,
until 1961 when she was purchased by Ron Loveless and returned to Christchurch. For the first couple of years she was operated with slatted coach type seats and a canvas awning but gradually she was reconverted back to the standard fit out for the
Headland
fleet. She operated until 1977 when after the death of Ron Loveless she was once again surplus to requirements and sold for operation in Durham. After a short spell she moved again to Nottingham, and in the early 1990's it was reported that she had once again returned to the Thames.
Headland Princess,
with
Headland Queen
in the background
Photo: © Chris Wood
Headland Princess
at Christchurch Quay, showing slatted seats
Scan: Chris Wood
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Princess,
at Durham around 1980
Scan: Chris Wood
Headland Queen
(1934)
Headland Queen
is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are
Headland Belle
(1934),
Headland Maid
(1935),
Headland Pal
(1934) and
Headland Queen
(1934). A fifth boat,
Headland Princess
,
is no longer in service.
Headland Queen
received her saloon in 2002.
Headland Pal
is due to receive one in 2009/2010.
Headland Queen
(before saloon added) &
Headland Pal
at
Tuckton in 1995
Photo: © Chris Wood, 1995
Click to open larger image in new window
The '
Headland'
fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Queen
at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
Click to open larger image in new window
Headland Maid
(1935)
Headland Queen
is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are
Headland Belle
(1934),
Headland Maid
(1935),
Headland Pal
(1934) and
Headland Queen
(1934). A fifth boat,
Headland Princess
,
is no longer in service.
Headland Maid
is the only '
Headland
' boat to retain her pre-war varnished hull - the others all lost theirs in the war.