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A genuine 1895 Tyne-built steam tug, restored and operational. 31 metres, triple-expansion steam engine still original, schooner rigged, 4 cabins, 18 berths. Lying in Rome.
Built in 1895 by J.P. Rennoldson & Sons in South Shields, Newcastle, at the height of Tyne shipbuilding's reputation. This 31-metre steam tug is one of the most genuinely historic vessels you'll see listed anywhere. She carries her original triple-expansion steam engine, now 130 years old and still propelling her, alongside her two-mast schooner rig. The current owner bought her in 1995 and spent 40,000 hours on a comprehensive restoration to ensure she sails for decades to come. She is 31.10 metres long, 6.40 metres in beam, with a steel round-bilge hull, long keel, and 335 tonnes of displacement. Four cabins, eighteen berths, classic interior throughout. Steam-powered everything: deck winch, alternator, mooring line winches, sailing winches. She produces her own 110V via a Sunderland Forge steam-powered generator, with an Aifo Veco diesel backup for 220V. Range is 2,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. She is lying in Rome, viewable by appointment. Asking price €250,000, VAT exempt. This is not a typical brokerage listing; she is a piece of working maritime heritage.
Steel hull, round-bilged form with long keel. Steel superstructure, decks, and rubbing strake; every visible surface in steel as built for the working life she had. Hull colour black. Non-skid paint finishes on deck, superstructure, and cockpit. Copper window frames with glass, deckhatch, insulation throughout. Wooden wheelhouse completely renewed during restoration. Built to the standard of late-Victorian Tyne shipyards; 130 years on, still very much in service.
One Rennoldson & Son triple-expansion steam engine, original to the vessel (1895). 500 horsepower / 368 kilowatts. Fuel: steam, fed by two 20,000-litre boiler water tanks and a 40,000-litre BTZ heavy oil tank. Fixed four-blade propeller on steel shaft. Steam-powered gearbox, manual engine controls. Maximum speed 10 knots, range approximately 2,400 nautical miles.
Sunderland Forge & Engineering steam-powered generator providing 110V, original concept and restored. Aifo Veco diesel generator providing 220V, backup and conventional supply. Eight batteries, two battery chargers, six solar panels for keeping the bank topped up. Shorepower with cable. Five electric bilge pumps. A properly engineered electrical setup that honours the vessel's character while supporting modern living.
Boiler water: 2 x 20,000 litres Heavy fuel oil (BTZ): 40,000 litres
Modern navigation suite installed: GPS, radar, VHF, depth sounder, log, navigation lights, searchlight on flybridge. Two compasses. Practical fit-out suitable for European coastal and Mediterranean cruising.
Four cabins, eighteen berths, substantial accommodation for her size and reflecting her working heritage. Classic interior throughout. Aft deck, pilot house, saloon, dinette. Galley with countertop, sink, cooker, oven, electric water pressure system, hot water. Toilet and shower facilities aboard. Designed around extended cruising and significant guest capacity rather than weekend hops.
Sun awnings front and aft. Two Hall anchors with chain. Steam-powered windlass, steam-powered winches for mooring lines, steam-powered deck winch. Two rigid-hull dinghies. Steel sea railing. Two life raft containers, lifebuoys, fenders, and mooring lines all in inventory. Schooner rig: two steel masts, wire standing rigging, main staysail on furler, mizzen on furler, jib, all with steam-powered winches.
Safety equipment appropriate to a vessel of her capacity: two life raft containers, lifebuoys, navigation lights, searchlight, two Hall anchors. Five electric bilge pumps. Full inventory available on inspection.
Vessel offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. All details are presented in good faith and believed accurate but are not guaranteed. This is an introduction listing. Currently lying in Rome, Italy and viewable by appointment.
Built 1895 by J.P. Rennoldson & Sons, South Shields, Newcastle. Comprehensive restoration completed by current owner from 1995 onwards, with 40,000 hours invested. Triple-expansion steam engine original to the vessel and still operational. Schooner-rigged with two steel masts and steam-powered sail winches. Currently lying in Rome, Italy, viewable by appointment. Asking price €250,000 (VAT Exempt). The owner is open to reasonable offers.
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