Margo III featured a cast-iron keel a foot deep and six
inches wide running two-thirds of her length. Weighing
over three tons it contributed greatly to the stability
and statesmanlike handling. Despite the weight, her
original twin 40hp Parsons petrol engines, fitted
beneath the centrally mounted wheelhouse, would
push her to a top speed of nine knots.
It’s interesting to note that while modern motorboat
manufacturers boast about full-beam master cabins, this
boat sported one 80 years ago. It lies immediately aft of
the wheelhouse; there was no double bed of course –
gentlemen of the era didn’t need any of that sort of
nonsense, so a single berth lines either side. Two guests,
again in single berths, could occupy the aft cabin, split
from the master by a shared heads that features a proper
bath. A side access hatch from a small vestibule outside
the heads granted access from the aft deck, avoiding the
need for guests to pass through the master cabin.
Further forward of the simply laid-out wheelhouse
was a large saloon with a huge L-shaped seating area to
port and a writing table and bookcase opposite, warmed
by a Simpson Lawrence fireplace. Beyond that was the
crew area – a slim (but full beam) galley and pantry and
two crew berths in the fo’c’sle. In fact the crew’s lot was
a relatively happy one, the motor yacht having been
fitted out with what were then the very latest amenities.
Chief among these was a paraffin-fired Electrolux
refrigerator that was apparently able to produce ice
within three hours of ‘being set into action’. Paraffin also
powered the Latham cooker while hot water was
supplied by a Latham copper coil heater connected to a
twelve gallon tank on the deck. Also on deck was a 10ft
Main picture: Original writing desk.
Clockwise from top left: Guest cabin; reflector
light; outside driving position; compass