This traditional skiff or long rowing boat was built at William Cory's
barge yard in Charlton. It was made for the Port of London Authority (PLA)
Marine Department. The skiff is heavily built and was used to mark wrecks
on the river. Its frame is made of steam-bent oak and is 6.53 metres long.
The width of the beam is 1.73 metres.
How old is it?
The skiff was probably built some time in the 1920s. The MER mark shows that
the boat was employed by the Marine Department in the 1930s.
Active again
The boat was restored to a working condition by Mark Edwards in 1984. It
took part in London's annual Great River Race until 1998. The skiff is now
part of the Museum in Docklands collection.
