Statement of Signifcance
Seran's wheel
This Statement of Significance has been prepared following the format set down by National Historic Ships UK in their guidance publication, 'Conserving Historic Vessels'.
What is the vessesl's ability to demonstrate history in her physical fabric?
In design and construction 'Seran', built 1926, is an example of the now lost boat building industry of Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick. She was designed by Higley Halliday, the Chiswick based naval architect, built at Frank Maynard’s yard at Grove Park and was originally fitted with a pair of the smallest six cylinder marine motors produced at that time, built by Ailsa Craig Ltd., of Strand-on-the-Green. These were replaced during re-construction in 1934 and the vessel now has twin Lister Blackstone’s, installed in 1957.
The quality of construction reflects the affluence of her original owner. She is of timber carvel construction, built to the highest specification with 1” teak planks on oak frames and copper fastenings. Her hull was heavily re-constructed in the 1980s, with 175 oak ribs replaced, most fastenings and all the keel bolts. The hull timber remains almost completely original, with no signs of degradation and the solidity and craftsmanship of the original build has been one of the key factors in her survival.
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Although the current wheelhouse and aft cabin are not to the original design and much of the interior has been re-configured, 'Seran' has retained many original fixtures and fittings. The frosted interior light fittings are embellished with
moulded art deco motifs and the original bronze name letters are in a modernist style, reflecting the build period (the Paris Exhibition or “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Moderne” was only a year earlier in 1925).
moulded art deco motifs and the original bronze name letters are in a modernist style, reflecting the build period (the Paris Exhibition or “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Moderne” was only a year earlier in 1925).
The ship's wheel, dating from 1926, clearly links 'Seran' to the former British Motor Boat Club, which merged with the Royal Motor Yacht Club in 1933. She is still fitted with lever extensions for the operation of forward and reverse gears as per her original design, the throttle being controlled by a Chadburn’s telegraph.
Helm controls, including gear levers
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Chadburn's telegraph
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'Seran' is one of the last surviving vessels designed by Halliday and one of only a handful of surviving craft built by Frank Maynard.
What are the vessel's associational links for which there is no physical evidence?
'Seran' is a well-documented vessel and was featured on the front cover of the 10 September 1926 edition of Motor Boat magazine, described as “one of the most attractive craft of her size that has been built this year.” She may have been originally commissioned by Owen Nares, the west end actor and ‘matinee idol’, which would explain her name
(‘Seran’ being the reverse of ‘Nares’), but this link has not been verified. Later entries in The Times detailed
successful fishing trips made by her first owner, Charles C. Regnart (“C. Hunter-Regnart”), President of Maple & Co. Ltd. and member of the British Motor Boat Club. Her original line drawings and arrangement plans survive and extensive research into Seran's history has supported many of the subsequent anecdotal tales about the vessel.
It is believed that she may have been taken to the Mediterranean in the 1930's by Regnart’s well-known professional skipper, Benjamin Chaplin. Her movements during the Second World War are unknown as she is not listed in Admiralty or Ministry of War records. In 1946, she was acquired by Geoffrey B. Wright of Belbroughton which marked the start of a connection with owners based in the Worcestershire and Staffordshire region lasting nearly fifty years. She is remembered on a slipway at a boatyard on the Hamble in the 1950s, with all her fixtures, fittings, engines and full itinerary in dry storage. The original log book remained with the vessel at that time, but was later lost.
(‘Seran’ being the reverse of ‘Nares’), but this link has not been verified. Later entries in The Times detailed
successful fishing trips made by her first owner, Charles C. Regnart (“C. Hunter-Regnart”), President of Maple & Co. Ltd. and member of the British Motor Boat Club. Her original line drawings and arrangement plans survive and extensive research into Seran's history has supported many of the subsequent anecdotal tales about the vessel.
It is believed that she may have been taken to the Mediterranean in the 1930's by Regnart’s well-known professional skipper, Benjamin Chaplin. Her movements during the Second World War are unknown as she is not listed in Admiralty or Ministry of War records. In 1946, she was acquired by Geoffrey B. Wright of Belbroughton which marked the start of a connection with owners based in the Worcestershire and Staffordshire region lasting nearly fifty years. She is remembered on a slipway at a boatyard on the Hamble in the 1950s, with all her fixtures, fittings, engines and full itinerary in dry storage. The original log book remained with the vessel at that time, but was later lost.
How does the vessel's shape or form combine and contribute to her function?
'Seran' was originally designed as an estuary and coastal fishing boat for day or weekend trips and her
dimensions are typical of such a vessel. Her draught was shallow to facilitate cruising on rivers, tidal estuaries and inshore waters, but would have compromised her sea going qualities. The plumb bow and relatively high freeboard would also have impacted on her handling in open water. Her twin engines gave some comfort in the event of engine failure and also a greater degree of manoeuvrability. In the case of the six cylinder models originally fitted, these would have afforded greater smoothness of operation and less vibration.
Her design is a product of her original owner’s 'specific requirements' and one unusual feature at build was the
inclusion of a sink for photographic purposes, with her cabin designed to double as a dark room. Her relatively large, open cockpit with ample storage below the deck was ideal for sea fishing and the storage of fishing equipment, while the convertible berths in the saloon provided overnight accommodation for trips further afield.
Following re-construction in 1934, her intended use appears to have changed to include extended voyages, with her
increased waterline length reducing pull down at hull speed and improving stability at sea. The area covered by the former wheelhouse and open cockpit was enclosed by a single, low rectangular cabin affording accommodation more suited to extended voyages and the twin Parsons 4 cylinder engines increased the combined power output. Her draught was further increased in the 1950's to improve general seaworthiness.
The hull shape itself reflects the changing trends in design in the 1920's and 1930's. She has a plumb bow, typical of the 1920's and earlier, while her hull broadens amidships with a pronounced tumblehome producing a pleasing aesthetic effect and one which is unusual for a craft of her type. As well as serving a practical purpose, the canoe / cruiser stern, added as part of the re-construction, is significant in reflecting the changed fashion of the mid 1930's.
'Seran' has now been restored to her original setting on the River Thames and is based on the non-tidal Thames in Berkshire.
dimensions are typical of such a vessel. Her draught was shallow to facilitate cruising on rivers, tidal estuaries and inshore waters, but would have compromised her sea going qualities. The plumb bow and relatively high freeboard would also have impacted on her handling in open water. Her twin engines gave some comfort in the event of engine failure and also a greater degree of manoeuvrability. In the case of the six cylinder models originally fitted, these would have afforded greater smoothness of operation and less vibration.
Her design is a product of her original owner’s 'specific requirements' and one unusual feature at build was the
inclusion of a sink for photographic purposes, with her cabin designed to double as a dark room. Her relatively large, open cockpit with ample storage below the deck was ideal for sea fishing and the storage of fishing equipment, while the convertible berths in the saloon provided overnight accommodation for trips further afield.
Following re-construction in 1934, her intended use appears to have changed to include extended voyages, with her
increased waterline length reducing pull down at hull speed and improving stability at sea. The area covered by the former wheelhouse and open cockpit was enclosed by a single, low rectangular cabin affording accommodation more suited to extended voyages and the twin Parsons 4 cylinder engines increased the combined power output. Her draught was further increased in the 1950's to improve general seaworthiness.
The hull shape itself reflects the changing trends in design in the 1920's and 1930's. She has a plumb bow, typical of the 1920's and earlier, while her hull broadens amidships with a pronounced tumblehome producing a pleasing aesthetic effect and one which is unusual for a craft of her type. As well as serving a practical purpose, the canoe / cruiser stern, added as part of the re-construction, is significant in reflecting the changed fashion of the mid 1930's.
'Seran' has now been restored to her original setting on the River Thames and is based on the non-tidal Thames in Berkshire.