Builders: 1892 Earle's Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd Hull 1892
Propulsion type: Paddle, two side lever engines
Owners: Hugh Andrews, T Gray & Co Ltd, United Towing Co Ltd
Service dates: 1892 - 1927
Tonnage: 137
Comments:
Built as a tug, Frenchman was adapted by her builders in 1908 for excursion work, returning to towage duties during the winter months. Frenchman was a popular boat with Bridlington holidaymakers and was well patronised in the season. Cards of her at Bridlington are quite common and testify to this popularity. In good weather her top deck was open to the elements but she could unfurl a tarpaulin awning over her aft deck when it rained. She ended her service in 1927, when her boilers and engines were removed for scrap, although her hulk was used for coal storage/transportation for some time afterwards. This splendidly detailed picture comes from the Brian Fisher collection.