Montagu whaler
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 |
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.
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. After service, some were passed on to other groups, including the Sea Cadets.
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.