Darthula II was built in 1939 by Dickie at Tarbert (Loch Fyne) for Alexander Black of Taynuilt for use on Loch Etive between Achnacloich to Lochetivehead. He had previously used the Euglena on the run from 1924.

The Loch Etive Tour had run from Oban since 1877, initially using coach and horses to connect to Achnacloich from Ballachulish which had a steamer service from Oban. In later years the railway reached Oban with connections to Tyndrum and Ballachulish, so the coaches ran to these stations. Boats used on the service before WW1 were Ben Starav (1877-1879), Glenetive (1880-c.1886), Osian (1885-1913). The service ceased in 1913, the provision of the coach and horses links to Ballachulish and Tyndrum stations becoming uneconomic. Boat services resumed in 1922 when motor charabancs were available to replace the coach connections. The boat used was the Jano owned by Scott and Smith. In 1923 she was replaced by the Loch Etive Queen of Donald R.McKay of Taynuilt, which ran until WW2. Rena and Euglena joined her on Loch Etive services in 1924. Darthula II was used by the Admiralty in WW2, returning to Loch Etive service in 1946. She was sold to J.H.Lynn of Dalmally, who continued running her on the same route. From 1962 she was owned by Loch Etive Cruises (Edward T.F.Spence).

Darthula II ran on the Thames from 1964. Ronald Ricketts advertised that Darthula II (65 grt, 120 passengers) would operate cruises from Erith between May and September in 1965. Departing at 9:00, destinations included Kew, Richmond, Tower Bridge, Southend etc. From 1964 she was owned by R.G.(Passenger Launches) Ltd of Bexleyheath. Darthula II subsequently operated for M.G.Pearce at Portsmouth, where the photos below were taken.