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Though
fifie conversions were numerous, zulus were soldoff
to be replaced by the new generation of motor boats
- indeed these were mostly the more-upright motor fifies.
Smaller zulus, with a less-raking sternpost, continued
to be built and these were often called 'half-zulus'.
At under 50ft, these were easier to engine, and many
of these were built after about 1911 with motors fitted
at new.
None of the big zulus remain afloat these days which
is a great shame as they were impressive boats. The
biggest one in existence, the Research, LK43, built
as the Heather Bell FR970, in 1903, is currently under
refit as a static exhibit at the Scottish Fisheries
Museum at Anstruther.
Various
examples of half-zulus remain in Britain. Perhaps the
best two examples are the sister boats Vesper and Violet,
both built by Nobles of Fraserburgh in 1911. Vespers,
FR453, awaits restoration in Buckie while Violet, FR451,
ceased fishing in 1936 and was later taken to America
for conversion, where she still sails.
Please
click on image to enlarge
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