MV White Flame – ON 145385, first registered in Southampton 1922. Twin screw motor vessel, pitch pine on oak, copper sheathed.
1986
Now
This historic craft was built in 1922 by Berthon Boat Company, Lymington, as an open harbour launch and named ‘Wytch’. In 1959, she was re-registered at London as White Flame, and used on the Thames. By 1960 she had been converted into a comfortable liveaboard cruiser, and the first pic above shows her moored at Cadogan Pier, by Albert Bridge, in 1968, having been taken down the tideway by the owner who lived aboard with his family. During the following years she was moored on Laleham Reach and then Runnymede, and the second pic shows her in Brentford Dock, following a sinking and needing some loving care and attention by a new owner. She seems to be in a reasonable condition, structurally, although a thorough survey is essential. The two Perkins marine diesel engines were installed about 15 years ago, and a walk-in shower has been installed, but the interior has suffered during the salvage. She is now being looked after for sale by the Dock management, to whom mooring and salvage costs are owed.
White Flame is a good example of traditional design and construction, and well worth some energy and enthusiasm to bring her back to a comfortable cruising home. She is expected to be available for sale in late November this year.
Contact Sam Thomas, General Manager, Brentford Dock Management Office, 2 Justin Close, Brentford Dock TW8 8QR, 0208 568 5096.