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The coble, the traditional fishing vessel of the north-east coast of England, is probably the most distinctive of all British boat types. It has been suggested that features of the coble derive variously from skin-boats, dug-outs and plank-boats (particularly the Viking long-ship). The name coble has been in use for at least a thousand years, the earliest reference occurring in the Lindisfarne Gospels. Over the centuries its design appears to have evolved to create a vessel suitable for most of the work along a wide stretch of varying coastline. The coble's greatest asset is its adaptability, its buoyant shallow square stern enabling it to be launched and run ashore speedily on an open beach.

The Three Brothers Grant was built for John Mills Grant of Newbiggin in 1921 by j. and j. Harrison of Amble. It was used in Hartlepool, Amble, Sunderland and South Shields, before being moored in Hartlepool at Middleton in Hartlepool. It was donated to the musueum by its last owner, Mr Andrews and is now a feature inside the Museum of Hartlepool.