After WWI they almost became extinct, but in recent years a small number have been built to maintain traditional reed-cutting methods.
A beamy, shallow draft, open, clinker, double ended boat which could be rowed or quanted from either end and was mainly used on the northern waters of the Norfolk Broads, for transporting hay, 'marsh litter' (sedge) and reed for thatching, which was cut out on the marshes and then taken back to the staithes.
[7] The Norfolk Wildlife Trust have two reedlighters at their site at Hickling Broad: Swallowtail (H439, 22'5"),[8] [9] and Little Tern (E135, 30'5").
[12] Both Swallowtail and Damselfly were designed by Andrew Wolstenholme of Coltishall and built by Goodchild Marine of Burgh Castle.
[22] [23] Woodforde's Brewery at Woodbastwick in the Norfolk Broads make a pale ale called 'Reedlighter', named after the boat.