The rudder gear has been built and fitted prior to launching in March. It's pretty massive with an Ekki stock and heavy galvanised hardware all worked with a long oak tiller.
Deck Laid on pilot cutter
The deck has been laid on the pilot cutter 'Morwenna'.
Lovely quarter sawn douglas fir, caulked with oakum and paid with pitch in the time honoured way.
Rawanah for sale
My father in law is reluctantly selling his lovely boat - Rawanah. For full details click images above (click 'back' 3 times in quick succesion to return to browser). To view her at Underfall yard, call Tim on 07795 118651.
Deck framework progresing well
The RB boatbuilding team has been busy! 
The oak deck framework is coming together well. The deck beams and carlins will be varnished before the mamoth task of painting inside. Also check out John's website at www.pilotcutter.co.uk
Pilot cutter faired and painted
The hull of the new RB boatbuilding pilot cutter is finally fair and looking great with charcoal grey hull and varnished oak wale strake, next will come the deck frame.
Pilot cutter planked and engine in
The whiskey plank has been fitted to the new pilot cutter and fairing followed by caulking has begun. Tim fitted the engine and sterngear. We've gone for a bigger (24") prop. this time, to avoid cavitation.
Pilot cutter engine beds
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.
