Tag: restoration

Falmouth Quay punt Teal is being repaired and prepared for sale

Adrian Nowotynski has been in touch to share a link to his YouTube channel, which is bringing the story of the 1914 Falmouth Quay punt Teal back up to date, along with some more repairs that are now needed.

Here’s what he says:

‘It’s been ten years now since we bought her and seven since she went back afloat.

‘We have made the decision that once she is out sailing this spring we will be putting her on the market. It will be very hard to part with her, but hopefully if the right person comes along she can get the use she deserves.‘ 

Adrian will be video-logging his repairs over the coming months. More information about Teal, the advantures she’s had and the work he’s done on her can be found here.

If you’re interested in owning a small and well known classic boat from her era, drop me a line at gmatkin@gmail.com and I’ll put you in touch.

Beaumont whaler Swan back on the water

The 1933 Malta-built Beaumont whaler Swan is back on the water for the first time for many years following restoration by a bunch of self-styled Bristol ‘shed men’. The sails in the picture are original cotton sails, by the way.

Read more about the Swan and the shed men here.

To celebrate, the shedders are organising a celebration on the 17 May (details below).

HJ Mears restores a 1920s river launch

Ales Mears of Axmouth boat builders HJ Mears & Son has written to tell us about a recent job, that he has clearly greatly enjoyed.

Gavin:

We’ve had lots of work since we last spoke and many boats have been through our barn doors, but I thought this recent restoration may be of particular interest to you and your readers. 

She is an 18ft LOA river launch, double-diagonal spruce construction with laid mahogany decks. She is believed to have been built in the 1920’s.

Her beautiful shape evident for all to see despite her poor condition.

She’s now had the thorough Mears Boatyard treatment. She needed lots of extra strength added due to her lack of ribs and longitudinals. It would’ve been quicker to build from scratch but we were faithful to her and her original builder and reused as much of her original timberwork as feasible during her restoration.

Her original means of propulsion isn’t known but she is now 100 per cent electric and a joy to use; peaceful, powerful, smooth, simple and very responsive. I think o0f her as a a 1920’s Tesla of the Waterways!

Her owner is chuffed and looking forward to showing her off on the Thames soon. Hopefully your readers will enjoy the photos and seeing the 21st century Mears treatment being faithfully applied to something from the early twentieth century!

Merry Christmas, Alex

Thanks Alex. I think she’ll be something a little different and will surely cut a fine dash along the river this summer!