Watercraft Ltd was formed in the 1920s in a building next to The Molesey Boat Club that was previously home to the Taggs Members Club.
The company made lifeboats for famous ships such as the QE2 as seen in the advert below.
The building was finally demolished to make way for “The Riverside” housing development.
The company also built war time fighting vessels, with one such boat being the ASCO.
This vessel was ordered by the Admiralty from Watercraft Ltd in March 1941 and was known as number 4195. Once complete, 4195 was adopted by Fleet Air Arm personnel and then went on to serve at RNAS Condor in Arbroath during the Second World War. She is known as the only remaining FSMB (Fast Seagoing Motor Boat) and, as such, is a significant part of Britain’s naval heritage. We know that extensive renovation was done between 2000 and 2005 and in 2008 ASCO was awarded a grant from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships. She was then sold c 2013 by Woodenships of Dartmouth. If anyone knows of her whereabouts do please get in touch. Would be great to know how she is doing!