Re: The Outboard Motor Man

I have a recording somewhere of Graham Penny singing this and have transcribed the lyrics below.
The Outboard Motor Man
        By Graham Penny of the Fo’c’sle folk club Southampton)

Come all you outboard motor men, and a story I'll you tell
'Tis of a bold sea captain who to misfortune fell
A trim and trusty fishing boat he set out to acquire
A hundred guineas was the price, the purchase it was hire

She had an engine stout and strong, with power of horses three
A mounted on the transom, it was plain for all to see
Ten foot she was from stem to stern, one of the moorhen class.
Her hull was clinker moulded of stout English fibreglass

Now the captain had two daughters fair, he bade them stay at home
Which made the maidens' hearts to care for the were inclined to roam
So they put on their Brutus jeans and their rugby shirts so gay
And they went on board the vessel all dressed in man's array

Now they launched her in the harbour close by the Mudeford run
The engine started off the went like a bullet from a gun
Well the mate cried out oh captain sir I do fear for my life
But the captain did not heed the mate, for the mate it was his wife

Well they had not been gone but about one hour, I know it was not more
'Twixt Hengistbury and Christchurch tower one quarter mile offshore
When the engine coughed the engine stopped she would no longer go
Fear not fear not the captain said for to safety we shall row

Then up did speak the captain's son, a lad of barely eight
Well I will pull you to the shore if you will navigate
Thus saying o'er the side he went, which caused the mate to weep
But the lad he did not perish for 'twas only two feet deep

So come all you outboard motor men and take warning now by me
Steer clear of shallow waters when out upon the sea
Except you have a brave bold lad a-serving in your crew
Who'll bring you safe to harbour if you should foul the screw

The Mudeford Run, Hengistbury and Christchurch tower are all on\near the coast in the Christchurch area of southern England