![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/CHD_Montagu_whaler_0038.jpg/640px-CHD_Montagu_whaler_0038.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Montagu whaler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Montagu whaler was the standard seaboat of the Royal Navy between 1910–1970, it was a clinker built 27 by 6 feet (8.2 m × 1.8 m) open boat, which could be pulled by oars or powered by sail – a shorter version of 25 feet (7.6 m) was also built. It was double-ended; having a pointed stem and stern. Retired Rear Admiral The Honourable Victor Montagu proposed the design.
![]() Montagu Whaler within Chatham Dockyard | |
Class overview | |
---|---|
Name | Montagu whaler |
Builders | Numerous |
Operators | |
In commission | 1900s–1970s |
General characteristics | |
Type | Ship's boat |
Length | 27 feet (8.2 m); some built at 25 feet (7.6 m) |
Beam | 6 feet (1.8 m) |
Draught | 1 foot 5 inches (0.43 m) |
Sail plan | standing lug yawl |
Complement | 6 |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Montagu_whaler.jpg/640px-Montagu_whaler.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/HMS_Sheffield_%28C24%29_MOD_45139960_extr.jpg/640px-HMS_Sheffield_%28C24%29_MOD_45139960_extr.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Restored_Montagu_Whaler_within_Portsmouth_Dockyard_-_geograph.org.uk_-_902804.jpg/320px-Restored_Montagu_Whaler_within_Portsmouth_Dockyard_-_geograph.org.uk_-_902804.jpg)
The Royal Navy - and associated Commonwealth navies such as the Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy - used the whalers until the 1960s. They were used for service, training and recreation. Whaler races were organised between ships and ports; minor royalty often handed out the trophies.[1] After service, some were passed on to other groups, including the Sea Cadets.[2]
The whaler was later fitted with outboard motors; a less successful derivative had an on-board petrol motor. When rowed, it had had five oarsmen and a coxwain; in all it could carry 27 men.[3]