Tim has fitted the oak and steel engine beds ready to accept the 75hp Beta marine diesel. Note the ballast pigs soon to be cemented over.
Fast sailing in round Lundy race
Thembi, the 35' cutter built by us in 2005 had a fast race round Lundy on midsummers day. She crossed the line second in class and had brilliant sails to and from Ilfracombe, in often very windy conditions.
Pilot Cutter Ballast
We have begun ballasting the new pilot cutter, before the final planks are fitted. It's much easier to lift the weights in through an open hull rather than up and over the side. 11 tons overall will comprise 4.5 tons scrap lead - flattened to fit hull (see photo), 5 tons steel billets and 1.5 tons cement to provide a smooth bilge.
Tim will weld and install the engine beds prior to placing the cement.
Tim will weld and install the engine beds prior to placing the cement.
Planking continues
The planking has continued steadilly and we will shortly place the ballast, before the hull is closed.
Bristol channel pilot cutter planking begins
The planking has now begun on the new pilot cutter. Two teams will plank from the top down and the bottom up respectively. The beam shelves and stringers are already in place.
Bristol channel pilot cutter in frame
We have been standing the oak frames on the keel and copper rivetting these to the floor timbers. The frames were rough cut last year and have now been bevelled to accept planking.
pilot cutter centreline erected
The oak stem and stern post of the new Bristol Channel pilot cutter have been set up on the ekki keel. Floors will now be bronze bolted in place.
More trees planted in Wales
We just had time to plant some more oak and larch trees before the weather got too warm
New Pilot cutter keel laid
RB boatbuilding (see www.pilotcutter.co.uk ) has been awarded the contract to build another pilot cutter. We are fortunate to be working as part of John's team on such a big project.The enormous ekki keel was laid down early this year. She will be modelled closely on the succesful 'Mischief' and will have larch and oak planking on oak frames with copper and bronze fastenings. Fitted out for charter around the Solent, she will have berths for 10 guests.
New Norwegian Faering Launched
The sun shone as we launched this new 16' Oselver faering for a bristol based client. As you would imagine for such an elegant craft, she rows beautifully. Again this work was done as part of John Raymond-Barkers' team at RB boatbuilding.
