DUTCH COASTERS AND LOCAL REPAIRS?

Small coasters for shallow waters

By Stephen Morris

I found these 2 pictures among some early prints from my first photographic exploits in the late 1960's. 

Was this Dutch coaster at Cantell's yard in Robinson Road having some repairs done? Or was it loading scrap metal? Anybody have any information on this? Certainly small enough in those days to navigate round the North side of Denton Island. Made for an interesting and unusual visitor to that part of the river. I cannot re-call anything more about this visit, certainly unusual.

The other coaster looks like a product of the same shipbuilders. No idea what cargo it was unloading, likely timber. Even the utilitarian coasters that visit the North Quay nowadays look massive compared to these tiny vessels!

Many of these small Dutch coasters were owned by the master of the vessel, and ideal for visiting small ports and harbours around the English channel.

Click pictures to enlarge.