Miss Margate was the fastest civilian boat at Dunkirk in 1940, achieving speeds of 45 miles per hour (37 knots) powered by a Jay W. Smith-designed A70 225HP V8 petrol engine. It should be noted that the British Royal Navy Vosper-built Dunkirk Little Ship, MTB 102, was the fastest vessel at Dunkirk, reaching speeds of 48 knots (55 mph).

Originally constructed as a class 9 Sedan version, Miss Margate was converted to a class 7 triple cockpit runabout prior to delivery to Ramsgate. After sustaining an accident and fire in 1936 at Supermarine Aviation, she was rebuilt by Hoyle Craft in Nottingham, shortened by one foot to 25 feet in length. Subsequently, she was sold as a high-speed trip boat to operate holidaymaker excursions off Margate beach.

Under the command of Mr. George Rickwood from Brightlingsea, Essex, Miss Margate was dispatched to Dunkirk on 31 May 1940 by Ramsgate Harbour Master Mr. D.R. Price, towed by the Dutch vessel Schuit Hilda. Alongside her, two other Chris Crafts, Chalmondesleigh and Bonny Heather, were also active at Dunkirk. No further records of her activities during this period are available.

During the remainder of World War II, Miss Margate served in naval operations at Ramsgate as a high-speed cargo and contraband control vessel in the English Channel. She was frequently seen intercepting boats passing between North Foreland and Dover in calm seas.

Following the war, she returned to Ramsgate Harbour to resume ferrying holidaymakers off the Thanet beaches as a speedboat. In 1958, she was retired from this service and relocated to the Norfolk Broads, where her engine was scrapped. Mr. Edwin Wild converted her into a cabin cruiser, operating her with an outboard motor on Horsey Mere Broad for several decades until autumn 1988.

In 1999, Miss Margate was discovered in poor condition at Martham Ferry, Norfolk, by Mr. Richard Basey, trustee and Chief Engineer of MTB 102. The current owner subsequently purchased the vessel and moved her to the Thames Valley in Berkshire, where she is presently undergoing restoration. The original features, including lifting hooks designed for swinging on the davits of large yachts, have been retained during restoration.

Purchased in 1929 for $4,850—a considerable sum at the time, equivalent to approximately $51,000 today—Miss Margate was among the vessels proudly listed by Chris Craft, who highlighted their affluent and notable clientele in their price lists.