Vital Spark

Owner: P. Tait

Area: New Zealand

Hull

Open Launch. Construction: GRP.
Hull model: Frolic 21 designed by Rupert Latham in n
Built 1986 by Steam & Electric Launch Co. at Wroxham
Fit out 1986 by Regatta Yachts at Hebe Haven, Hong Kong
LOA: 21' 0", LWL: 19' 6", Beam: 5' 8", Draft: 1' 11",
White topsides, gold boot-top, blue undersides. Varnished teak deck and interior.

Boiler

Kingdon type VFT Built 1986 by Langley Engineering at Storrington
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 125 psi, Grate area: 1.4 sqft, Heating area: 32 sqft,
Ecc driven fp; Xhead driven ap; Buffalo injector; fwh; Kcond; Wkettle. No.1 size, 2' dia x 2' high, 121 tubes.

Engine

Propeller

3 blades, 16" X 25"
Shaft: 1 1/8" Stainless Steel

History

Bare hull and boiler shipped from England, hull completed by Regatta Yachts, Hong Kong, machinery installed by first owner, Myron Givets. First steamed Feb 1988. Registered with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club No.M7. June 1996 shipped to New Zealand. Aquired by present owner 2000. Original Stuart Swan engine replaced 2003.

(Peter Tait) 2004