Monday 21 September 2015

Greg's new gaffer

Friend and local boat builder Greg has an interesting project in build down at the Elephant Yard, converting a 1970's Itchen Ferry into a modern, gaff rigged cruising boat.

It's interesting to see what type a boat a professional boat builder makes for himself and knowing Greg who used to build the cunningly fast Memory, I have no doubt that his new boat will have  good turn of speed.


Back in the 1970's a local company Drummond Bayne Marine built a GRP cruising boat based on an old Itchen Ferry hull, I'm guessing they took a mould off an original boat, the Itchen Ferry being a famous Solent fishing boat type, but added a "modern" cabin and Bermudian rig. 

Greg found a cheap example (not the one pictured below I hasten to add) and did some major surgery, which includes cutting off everything above decks, stripping out the hull and a complete remodeling of the stem, pulling in the forward sections. 


The hull mouldings were in great shape, now substantially reinforced. Below Greg giving me the tour of the deck frames, beam shelf and carlins, which are built in straight grained Douglas Fir, lovely stuff.


Greg plans a traditional wooden cabin, she should be launched and ready to go for next season.

8 comments:

  1. Great idea.
    I cannot see what possessed them tobmodel the ichen ferry coach roof as they did.
    Had been pondering putting a wooden top on a Falmouth gypsy but am thinking its one project too many!

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  2. Great post. I had also thought about what a great hull was hiding below such a horrible top sides. They sell quite cheaply, yet will make such a good boat when converted. Well done Greg.

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  3. this one went on ebay today. In Southampton http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Itchen-Ferry-22-/151824652347?hash=item235974583b

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  4. The cabin trunk on this yacht is absolutely appalling. I often look at yachts and think about how I would alter them and it usually involves making the top hamper a hell of a lot lower - sailing and yacht design is a lot things... including aesthetics!

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  5. Alden, Brian, don't forget market pressures, how do you cram 4 berths, toilet compartment and full standing headroom into a 22 footer? and of course it came from the same era that gave us the Austin allegro with the square steering wheel!

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  6. Don't forget the Austin wedge and the tr7 and rover sd1!!!
    Westerley centeur prices are falling which is a far nicer boat.
    James

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  7. Don't forget the Austin wedge and the tr7 and rover sd1!!!
    Westerley centeur prices are falling which is a far nicer boat.
    James

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  8. Think you're missing the point of what Greg' doing James

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