HDML restoration

Has Alfred Roach been moved down to Cowes yet?  Unfortunately the weather has put paid of any chance of breaking out of the solent this week but we're probably going to go for a trip up the medina to the Folly Inn. If Jimmy (or anyone else) see's a rather out of place looking grey boat kicking about then give us a wave or come and say Hi!

Cheers

Gareth

Hi Jimmy,

Nice to hear from you again, glad POD is going OK, and that MDL is being helpfull. As you say, pity to have to break a vessel but if only components any good better that than lose the lot. All the best,

Johnk

Thanks John,

 Hope Hyperion not too bad Gareth? These things are a bit like painting the forth bridge though. Take it you didnt get too close to the AR else you'd still be in the mud lol(only moveable on springs), That said you can tell how bad she is from the pontoons. Think western lady would be cheaper to fix than that one but all the missing parts except compass are there waiting to be fitted on POD

 Hi All,

 Just a quick update. The alfred roach came out as planned & didnt even creak according to John at the yard. Have to admit i was amazed at how good the bottom has been preserved in the mud(apart from gribble in the transom & a bad bit of keel she looks new). Its just a shame that she's so rotten above the waterline. can see why as weather was awful yesterday & had to put all the powertools in the van as there wasnt a dry place aboard.

 Should have the shafts & engines out next week which is what i bought her for. After that the yard are going to drive a digger through her which is a shame but i'd rather tackle western lady than try & restore that one(be easier!). Reckon i've now got all the fittings needed to put POD back together except a binacle compass & controls for the open bridge when i get round to making one, it was a hairy drive back last night with a ton of brass fittings in the back of a rascal van lol.

 Forgot to ask. Anyone local to so'ton or worcester with a lwb pickup to move the shafts & engines to Galmpton? Engines only 565kg each but shafts 21ft long.

 Cheers