The story of the refurbishment of ex- HMS Gay Archer continues with news that the move from Northwich. Cheshire UK. was not made without its own problems. During the course of this short trip a Shaft (from "V" drive to Prop) sheered a key in a 'keyway'. Subsequent investigation showed that 'V' drive Flange's were made of unsuitable materials.

This is an early shot taken within the Engine Room (before engines were installed) showing the offending Flanges. They have now been replaced, not without some difficulty as the massive Engines and Fuel Tanks etc are now obviously in situ making the work area very cramped.

The story continues: 

This shot is of 'Archer at Salford Quay December 2005. Mk 3 Bofor now sporting its Barrel

The boat will be berthed here until March 2006 I am told.

Another shot of ex-HMS Gay Archer, taken during a very cold evening of December 2005 whilst moored at Salford Quay, Manchester UK.

  Can anybody help as Gay Archer is now ready to set sail first to Ellesmere Port and then to Wachet, it is believed that a legal requirement to have on board is an Ecomat EM230 AIS Receiver as to date - nobody can give a firm answer. Is there anybody who who can give a definate answer?

              Ted Childs Drum1

Hi Ted

What type of vessel is she registered as?My understanding is that currently leisure and fishing vessels are exempt but all passenger and commercial shipping must fit it.I don't know the Ecomat but Nasa Marine do quite an economical version if you do need to fit one.

Regards,Christian

p.s.I saw a handsome fellah posing next to your model in the Mayhem "shows" section....

ex - HMS Gay Archer at the Holiday Inn - Ellesmere Port UK

Engine Room Cowls fitted - Tear Drop Fairing over Port side Exhaust - the refurbishment continues.

A great shot of the ex- HMS Gay Archer under power. This image was taken shortly before she left the Salford Quay's on her way down to Ellesmere Port

Happy to say that she is now berthed at her 'base' at Watchet Harbour. Somerset UK.

Image courtesy of www.davebillingephotography.com

Another fine shot - courtesy of http://www.davebillingephotography.com - www.davebillingephotography.com - ex-HMS Gay Archer leaving the Quays - April 2006.

Just a few lines as an 'update' on ex-HMS Gay Archer.

Now berthed at Watchet Harbour, she is currently minus her St'bd Main Engine. Having 'over heated' - the Engine was removed and is now awaiting a new Crankshaft being shipped out from the 'States.

This shot is of her first CO - Cdr Tom Kitson (then Lt Kitson) alongside Paul Childs - the current owner, taken in the latter part of 2006

Hi Pioneer,

Great to see the picture of Gay Archer and her first CO, magnificient job done on her, an inspiration to others I am sure, another vessel I must get round to seeing at some time.

John

Another shot of the 're-union' and one of the Stern

Yes John -a superb effort realised by the dreams of one man.

Indeed, a great tribut to the post-war coastal forces, thinking about it, she must be the only one? I can't think of another ie restored to origional, a few war and of course 102 pre-war, so doubly important, I am sure I am telling people how to suck eggs, but would it be worth trying to get her on the national register, not worth much, but at least some recognition, they used to leave it at 1945 but it has been exstended to mid 50's, applies to Gay Archer? have not checked the history before writing this! sorry if wrong.

John 

I got taken to the Grand National last year and stayed in Ellesmere Port at the Holiday Inn where I saw Gay Archer. I must agree with John she was an inspiration and looked amazing. (girlfriend was not as impressed)

Very well done.