Fire-float Pyronaut
Pyronaut approaching her berth at M Shed. | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |
| Builder | Charles Hill & Sons Ltd |
| Launched | 1934 |
| Christened | Phoenix II |
| In service | 1934 |
| Out of service | 1973 |
| Renamed | 1938 |
| Homeport | Bristol |
| Status | Museum ship in Bristol Harbour |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage |
|
| Length | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Beam | 13 ft (4.0 m) |
| Draught | 3 ft (0.91 m) |
.jpg){kind=link}
Pyronaut (originally Bristol Phoenix II) is a specialised form of fireboat known as a fire-float. It was built in 1934 by Charles Hill & Sons Ltd., Albion Dock Bristol, Yard No. 208. Registered number 333833. She is owned by Bristol Museums and based at M Shed in Bristol's Floating Harbour.
Originally powered by two Petter Atomic diesel engines rates at 55 bhp (41 kW) each. Two Merryweather & Sons three-cylinder reciprocating pumps capable of delivering 500 imperial gallons (2,300 L; 600 US gal) of water per minute.
This equipment was replaced in 1968 by two Ruston & Hornsby 6YDM six-cylinder diesel engines rated at 90 bhp (67 kW) each, driving screw propellers from the front power-take-off, and Coventry Climax centrifugal pumps capable of delivering 1,000 imperial gallons (4,500 L; 1,200 US gal) of water per minute from the main drive.