Major reconstruction, renewal and overhaul have been necessary to keep the boat seaworthy. Since then, enthusiastic volunteers have engaged on a continuous programme of renewal and restoration. Mr Rankin kindly donated his share of the vessel to the Wick Society, to assist in using the vessel to promote Wick's rich fishing industry heritage. The Wick Society bought the Isabella Fortuna from Hobson Rankin and Michael May, in 1997, for £6000. In 1980 the Fortuna became the Isabella Fortuna incorporating once more the original name. When the Smith family retired from the sea in 1976, Hobson Rankin, an enthusiastic restorer, bought the vessel and began a four year restoration project. Also in 1932 the name was changed to Fortuna. This engine continues to power the boat today. This, in turn, was upgraded in 1932 when a Kelvin K3 66hp engine was fitted. In 1919 a 15hp Kelvin engine was fitted, but by 1928 greater power was needed for the seine-net fishing and a Kelvin K2 44hp engine was installed. For eighty-six years, generations of the same Smith family fished with the Isabella, from Arbroath. She was originally powered by two big lug sails, a jib and five oars. With an overall length of 45', 13' 9" inches beam and a draught of 6" the vessel was intended for line and drift-net fishing. The Isabella Fortuna is an example of a traditional Fifie fishing vessel and was built by James Weir of Arbroath and launched on 15th September 1890.
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