Hi All,

Given the response to my previous "thread" I'm not sure there is much interest here for the things I collect. Be that as it may, I thought I might share one of my current projects as I feel its something special.

I bought this hull recently, its big… just over 4 foot. This is how it came complete with a non original boiler that weighed more than the hull and horrible fibreglass resin on the hull. I think someone might have had a go at "restoring" it sometime in the last 20 years. Luckily the mahogany deck still had its original finish.

Here it is after I stripped the resin off.

I made this windscreen out of brass channel and 1mm thick glass… it took nearly 2 days but the result is very pleasing.

This picture shows me trying to make a pattern for the missing bow point.. it wasn't easy but I made one out of car bog… just waiting for the foundry to cast it. In case anyone is interested… thats a dental product I got from my dentist. It only bought limited success as it doesn't hold its form well. I ended using it as a rough guide and used another technique I have seen my dentist use when he was making splints for me.

Here is the new engine cover I made. I had great troubles making this as the 2 pack glue didn't want to work on the mahogany end grain (I have never come across this before with any type of timber). Believe it or not there is about a weeks work in this piece so far. Even though im probably considered a master timber worker each hull I do presents its own challenges… I hadn't foreseen that this piece would be a such a problem. The hatch handles were door handles off the UK hull. This was all assembled with glue but I had to "plug" it to match the rest of the hull. Luckily the deck finish is relatively easy for me to "colour match". .. darker finishes always are.

I bought another boat from the UK and removed all the running gear and fittings. The poor guy who made it was probably "rolling over in his grave" as I was "destroying" the work that had taken most of his retirement to complete… the hull was nothing special however the engineering was outstanding. The engine only just fits once I modify the "plumbing".

This lovely little flag came with the UK hull.

I am trying to work out how to set up a steering system that works via a steering wheel… lots of work to be done!!!

I do allot of these hulls but rarely have ever taken pictures…I guess if anyone is interested in this post I will continue to add to it until the project is complete.

Hi Ian,

Thank you for the info. I am aware of this product or something similar however I prefer to use car bog as it can be sanded to shape.

As for asking my spouse…. she moved to our other house shortly after we got married. Seems she wasnt too keen on me stripping down my Triumph in the lounge. She reckons I live in a wharehouse!! Anyway the system works well … I can recommend it to all !!!

I wonder how many forum members could get away with this on the kitchen bench for 10 days !!!

Edited By Adrian H on 29/07/2012 10:04:56

Hi there,

I could never make this a radio control unit. That sort of stuff doesnt interest me as I dont think this will ever see the water again.

Either way you idea does seem to have some merit it someone wanted to R/C a steering wheel.

I have sort of lost interest in this project for the minute.. I did weld up a wall bracket.. I will take a picture and post it soon. That might encourage me to finish this hull.