Work in Progress
RAF 441
441 is one of last RAF rescue boats to have survived from World War II. She saved the entire crew of a flying fortress and complete with shell and machine gun holes in the transom is a valuable part of our maritime history.
A development from the sea plane tender, this high speed rescue vessel should be capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots when its modern twin 300hp Perkins diesel engines are installed.
Originally built from Honduran Mahogany, the repairs seen here will be reinforced by a West System Epoxy coating. Otherwise the original features will be carefully preserved.
Wey Barge Reliance
Reliance is one of only three surviving Wey Barges. She is based at the National Trust's “Dapdune Wharf” in Guildford and is a central exhibit for this award winning site. She affords the general public a valuable insight into the construction and workings of a traditional barge.
Our work has been concentrated on the back end to date, where we have been
replacing the cabin, deck beams and decks to make the back cabin water tight,
so that the back cabin furniture can be reinstated. Replacing planks in
this huge barge has required the use of some over sized timbers such as
the 2 ½" thick 14" wide top plank that has been steamed through 3' of
bend around the back of the boat.
