Punt for the Nickey or Manx fishing boat 'Bonnie Lass'

Date made: 1878

Maker: Qualtrough, J.

Place made: Port St Mary

Description: The small punt or tender boat used with the Nickey or fishing boat 'Bonnie Lass' CT11. The punt and fishing boat were built in 1878 by Joseph Qualtrough, a shipbuilder in Port St Mary. The donor's father was skipper of the vessel.

The registration number for the 'Bonnie Lass' was CT11, indicating it was registered as a fishing boat at Castletown.

The Manx Nickeys were a version of the Cornish herring drifters. They replaced the earlier Manx Luggers because of their increased size and speed, which made sailing to Ireland for the mackerel easier. The Nickeys towed a punt or small boat so that the crew could row ashore when they were in a large harbour. The fishing boats were popular from the 1860s to 1890s, but were later replaced by the smaller Manx Nobbies. These vessels were easier to sail with fewer or an older crew, and remained the most common Manx fishing boat until the Second World War.

Measurements: overall: 86 cm x 162.5 cm x 395.5 cm

Materials: wood

Object name: boat

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1967-0327

Subject tags : #MM100

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