History

Lewis Alexander Flatholm Jetty

Bought by Cardiff Cruises in 2020, this boat was purpose built by Mustang Marine in 1989 to sail between Flatholm Island and Barry, where it was originally located.

When the Glamorgan council divided into the Vale and Cardiff, the boat remained the property of the Vale Council, although the island became the responsibility of Cardiff. The then new Cardiff Harbour Authority ‘leased’ the boat from the Vale but by the year 2013 they had neglected the boat and the cost of maintenance became too much for the council. The Vale council then sold the vessel to Cardiff for a nominal scrap value and was put up for auction in 2019.
In 2020 Lewis Alexander went into drydock for a complete overhaul and to be re-certified so that once again she can serve the island and operate in the Bristol Channel.

Boat Specifications

Passenger Ferry

Steel Hull

12 Passengers 2 crew

14 Tonnes

4m airdraft

1m draft

4.2 beam

Flatholm Island Ferry

ENGINE & CATEGORY C & D WATERS

Flatholm Cardiff Barrage
120hp Ford Sabre x2

65 man life raft and x2 20 person buoyancy apparatus

FEATURES

Bow strengthening plate for beaching and going aground

GPS for long journey requiring specific navigation

Hydraulic Steering

Sensors for speed/depth/fuel

Onboard CCTV

Indoor and outdoor seating

Ladder at stern for swimmers