Parracombe - Launch

NEW CARGO STEAMER

TO-DAY’S LAUNCH FROM GRAY’S DOCKYARD

Northern Daily Mail. 22 Nov 1927
    
Messrs. Wm Gray and Co., Ltd., today launched from their Dockyard the handsome steel screw steamer Parracombe, which is being built to the order of Messrs. Pyman Bros., Ltd., London.
    
The vessel, which is of the open shelter deck type, will take the highest class in Lloyd’s Register and is of the following dimensions: Length overall 419ft. 6in.; breadth, 54ft. 2 ½ inches, depth moulded to upper deck, 27ft. 6 ½  in.                                       
    
She is constructed on the cellular double bottom principle, with deep channel framing, and has six watertight bulkheads, together with a steel centre line bulkheads, and wood shifting boards dividing the holds for grain carrying. The fore and aft peaks, are suitable for water ballast.
    
Spacious accommodation for the officers is arranged in a steel house amidships. The engineers being berthed in large steel houses alongside casing with the necessary mess room and lavatory accommodation. Large airy accommodation is arranged in the poop for the crew including separate dining rooms.
    
For the quick handling of cargo, ten steam winches are provided to works ten derricks. A direct-acting steam windlass forward and steam steering gear amidships are also fitted.
    
The topmasts are suitable for the Manchester Canal Bridges.
    
The vessel will be completed in all respects as a first-class cargo steamer, including an efficient wireless installation and electric light throughout.
                                                     
                                                      The Machinery
    
Triple-expansion engines having cylinders 26 ½ in., 44in., and 73 inches diameter by 48 in. stroke, and four boilers working at a pressure of 180lbs., will be supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, and a number of auxiliaries of the “C.M.E.W.” type, will be installed including an evaporator, winch condenser with duplex circulating pump, singlex harbour feed pump, high pressure feed heater, general service pump, ballast pump, combined drain and scumming tank.   
    
The ship and machinery are being built under the supervision of Mr. William Henderson on behalf of the owners, and the ceremony of naming the steamer Parracombe was gracefully performed by Mrs. W. Haigh Pyman, of Parracombe, Wimbledon.
    
Amongst those present at the launch were Mr. W. Haigh Pyman (director, Pyman Bros., Ltd.), Mrs. F. Cresswell Pyman, Capt. J. W. Clark (George Pyman and Co.), Capt. J. J. Hall, Mr. W. L. Gilmore(Lloyd’s Register), Mr. W. A. Gates, Miss Henderson, and Mrs. Proud.
    
The builders were represented by Sir William Gray, Bart (chairman), Mr. F. C. Pyman (director), Mr. T. S. Simpson (general manager), and Mr. J. Young (yard manager).

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