1944 45ft Refueller Renovation by Ciaran
'Blackthorn' was originally built in 1944 by W.J. Yarwood & Sons Unser contract for the RAF. Known as a 45’ refuellers these beautiful crafts were used as refuelling tenders to the Catalinas and Sunderlands during the war. She was called Blackthorn because two of the sister ships were called Hawthorn and Whitethorn. We believe she was stationed in the Flying Boat Station Castle Archdale, Lough Erne, Northern Ireland. In 1984 my father bought her as a hull with 2 holds, over the years he converted her to a liveaboard cruiser - adding functionality and comfort with each passing year. He passed away in 2009 but we have kept her in the family and have continued to cruise her in the canals and rivers in Ireland.
In the years since his passing we have done extensive work. We refitted the galley in 2011 and in 2016 we conducted maintenance of the hull. The most recent update was the back cabins which were completely refitted.
This year we are refitting the lounge and changing the heating system to a kerosene system.
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Update - 28th Of June
Very nice renovation, I hope that eventually mine will look as good.
Looks great and obviously a project very close to the heart. I hope you and the family enjoy many days aboard.
Hi Ciaran,
How is the project coming along?
We have one of these refuellers too, it’s a mark one built in 1939. It was converted to alive aboard in the 60’s we think but now needs a fair bit of work to bring her up to specs.
Always good to see someone else going through the same thing.
We haven’t identified her RAF boat number yet, did you have to trace Blackthorns history yourself?
Best wishes