Re: Taggs of Taggs Island

Dear All

I am currently trying to save Harry Taggs 1902 built steamer - The King from being scrapped by her current owner.

I am in talks with the owner and a trust to save her from scrap and then move her and try to raise funds to restore her back to her former glory again.

My father was her last commercial operator and owned her from 1989-1994 when he had to sell her. She was then bought by her current owner and after trying to get a license to operate her outside the River Thames failed, she was laid up and left to sit in one spot for 14 years having sunk a few times.She was bought about 6 years ago by somebody,who carried out some work on her but then vanished and left the boat and never returned (obviously thought it was too much work).

She needs approx £200,000 - £300,000 to be totally restored to working order again.

She is Harry Taggs last steamer left and possibly the best built,having been made from Teak on Oak and is 106 years old.These are just a few of the reasons she needs saving.

You can see two photographs of her current state in the drydock taken in June 2008:

http://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7587.JPGhttp://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7587.JPG

http://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_7613.JPGhttp://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_7613.JPG

Compare the above 2 photos to how she looked in 1989 when my father bought her and operated her:

http://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/The%2520King.jpeghttp://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/The%2520King.jpeg

She can be seen here in Harry Taggs ownership packed full of passengers around 1910:
http://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_4346.JPGhttp://riverthames.galacgallery.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_4346.JPG

I have been collecting photographs of her and so far have about 20 historic photographs from 1902-1994 and around 30 of her current state in drydock.

I have also pieced together a full history and details on owners,engine specs and so on:
Length: 81ft
Beam: 14ft 6ins
Draft: 5ft 5ins
Displacement: 40.80 tons
Engine: Originally Steam
Re-engined 1947- Thornycroft 75 Diesel
Re-engined: 1989 Ford 120hp Engine
Construction: Teak on oak
Builder: H. Tagg, East Molesey
Year Built: 1902

Operators:
Harry Tagg(1902-1915)
Joseph Mears(1916-1946),
Thames Launches (1946-1977)
Marine Transit LTD (1977-1979)
Charles Wyatt (1980-1984)
Gary Beckwith(1985-1989)
Current Events LTD(1989 - 1994)
Morris Tolhurst (1994 - Current) (Laid Up and For sale!)


If anyone can help me with anymore information on the boat, memories of her and especailly photographs or plans i would be VERY VERY grateful.

Many Thanks and i look forward to your replys