MV The Second Snark facts for kids
The MV The Second Snark is a small passenger ferry. It was built in 1938 in Dumbarton, Scotland. This historic boat now helps people travel across the Firth of Clyde. It is currently operated by Clyde Marine Services.
The Second Snark on the ferry service from Gourock pierhead.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | MV The Second Snark |
| Namesake | earlier vessel and fictional creature The Snark |
| Operator |
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| Port of registry | Greenock |
| Route | Govan to Yorkhill |
| Builder | William Denny, Dumbarton |
| Completed | 1938 |
| Status | in service |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 45 GT |
| Length | 22.86 metres (75.0 ft) |
| Installed power | 1972: Gardner diesel 66kw |
| Capacity | 48 passengers (1938: 120) |
Contents
History of The Second Snark
The Second Snark was built in 1938. It was made by a company called William Denny in Dumbarton. This company used the boat in their shipyard. It helped pull other boats and carried supplies. The Second Snark replaced an older steam-powered boat called The Snark.
William Denny and Brothers closed down in 1963. Another company, Brown Brothers, took over the ship. In 1969, they sold The Second Snark to Clyde Marine Motoring.
This vessel is very important. It is listed as a National Historic Ship. This means it is a special part of the UK's maritime history. In 2011, the boat was fixed up. It was made to look just like it did in 1938. After this, it was allowed to carry passengers again.
What The Second Snark Looks Like
The Second Snark is a small boat. It can carry up to 48 passengers. The boat still has many of its original parts. It has beautiful teak decks. There is also shiny varnished wood and polished brass. Below the main deck, there is a warm room with seats. There is also a toilet facility for passengers.
How The Second Snark Has Been Used
The company William Denny first used The Second Snark in their shipyard. It worked as a tugboat and a tender. From 1960 to 1963, it also took people on summer cruises. These trips were on the Firth of Forth. In winter, it would return to the Clyde.
Brown Brothers continued these cruises for a while. They also used the boat for research. They were studying how to make ship stabilisers. These devices help keep ships steady in rough water. After their research ended in 1969, they sold the boat.
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Since 1969, The Second Snark has been based in Greenock. It has taken many people on cruises around the Firth of Clyde. It has sailed from Greenock and Helensburgh to places like Blairmore. It has also gone into Loch Long. The boat has even visited Lochranza on Arran and Millport. Sometimes, it helped out on the Gourock – Kilcreggan – Helensburgh ferry service. It would fill in for another ferry called the Kenilworth.
In 2011, The Second Snark started a new job. It became a ferry between Govan and Yorkhill Quay. This area is home to Glasgow's new Riverside Museum. This museum is all about transport. You can also see a famous tall ship there called the Glenlee. In 2011, the boat also appeared at the Greenock Tall Ships Race. In 2012, it helped another famous boat, the paddle steamer Waverley. It carried passengers ashore at Ormidale. This was a special trip that recreated a journey from 40 years before.
In 2018, it was reported that The Second Snark had been sold. A very rich businessman bought it. He wanted to use it with his racing yachts in France and the United States. The boat was moved to Plymouth for some work. However, in late 2019, a group bought the boat to save it. They had a lot of money from its former owner, Hamish Munro. The boat then returned to Fairlie on the Firth of Clyde. In 2020, it moved to the James Watt Dock in Greenock. A company called Dales Marine will restore the boat there. This work will happen in stages as money is raised.
Images for kids
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The Second Snark heads off to Kilcreggan
