Category: Small boats

Don’t forget your squeezebox…


Hohner history shot

‘In the tent and also in the paddle boat the Hohner-Harmonika should not be missing…’ Click here for more!

I think the melodeon is an example of the Hohner Liliput Preciosa, by the way, a compact and rather quiet single-reeded model. I wonder where the girl is today?

Something similar called a Liliput was I gather very popular with German servicemen during WWII because of its small size. I bet you all wanted to know that…

PS – A long-lost old friend has unexpectedly got in touch after three decades to say that this is not a melodeon, but a tiny piano accordion. She should know – she’s currently setting up an accordion museum in Inverness. Thanks Caroline Hunt! But I think I could be forgiven for being mistaken on this question – I think I see eight buttons on the left hand, which is at least suggestive of a melodeon, but the air holes on the side do look a lot like accordion bass buttons.

PPS – I like to take my one-row melodeon when cruising in our little 20-footer; it’s a great thing to have around when waiting for the tide. Does anyone else do this?

 

Sussex luggers ‘for all the world like so many glow-worms’

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South Coast lugger

South Coast lugger, from HC Folkard’s The Sailing Boat published in 1870

I’ve been wanting to share a quote from Keble Chatterton’s entertaining history Fore & Aft Craft that I find rings in my head.

I’m hoping that you’ll find a similar appeal in it.

‘We spoke just now of the Sussex luggers. They are still to be seen in the English Channel. One meets them at work in Dungeness Bay, or off Fairlight, or between Newhaven and Selsey Bill, and at night the sea is dotted with a pattern of small yellow lights, as they pursue their calling, looking at a distance for all the world like so many glow-worms.’

The Science Museum has a splendid model of one of these craft from 1860.

Nick Smith’s latest project – she gets engine beds, seat mountings, and a name

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Nick Smith motor launch Bella

Bella being fitted out

Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella

Aft thwart and after laid deck; templating for aft thwart; midships thwart knees going in

Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella

Sorting prop shaft angle; longitudinal engine bed fitting; beds and engine template

West Country-style boatbuilder Nick Smith has sent in these more photos showing how his current project is progressing. He also reports that she now has a name, Bella, which I must say seems very fitting. No more calling this lady Bamboo Viper II!

For more posts at intheboatshed.net on this project, click here; here, here and here.

Nick comes from Devon, learned boatbuilding the traditional way and specialises in new builds in clinker and carvel for sail, motor and rowing power from 8ft to 28ft with a special emphasis on West Country style and design, and also takes on repairs and refits from 25ft to 50ft. These days he’s based in Hampshire, and can be contacted by email at nick_smith_boatbuilder@yahoo.com and by phone on phone on 07786 693370.