Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter
Construction
Planked in Scottish Larch, fastened with galvanise boat nails to heavy sawn Oak frames in pairs.
Majority of the hull planking and frames were replaced in the 84′ – 86′ rebuild
Oak keel with a new bottom section added in 2004.
All internal ballast as is common in the Pilot cutters, 4.5 tons of iron and lead
Grown Oak floors across the centreline, 17 new floors fitted in 2004 with new iron keel bolts fitted through these floors.
Solid straight laid pine deck fastened with galvanised drive screws to the deck beams and payed with Sikalfex. New in the ’84-’86 rebuild.
Varnished teak skylight and cockpit coamings. She has an entrance hatch from the cockpit into the aft cabin and a second sliding hatch down into the saloon.
Rig
The entire rig was replaced in 1986 with updates and changes since that time.
Gaff cutter rig on a hollow mast made by Noble spars in 1986. Mast reduced in height with new standing rigging in 2010. Fidded topmast.
Hollow boom, gaff and bowsprit all by Noble Spars. Booom has a galvanised Appledore roller reefing system.
Standing rigging new in 2010. Galvanised wire to dead eyes and lanyards with external galvanised chain plates.
Traditional 3 strand running rigging with block and tackles.
All sails by McKillops of various ages, new headsails and refitted mainsail in 2010. All sails in good or excellent condition.
Machinery
Beta Marine 4cyl 50hp diesel installed new in 2004.
Centreline fixed 3 blade bronze propeller gives 6 knots max speed at 4l/hr
280l steel fuel tank under the main cabin double bunk.
200 gallon water tank under the saloon seating.
2 x 12 volt batteries with mains shore power charging.
Accommodation
Companion steps down from the cockpit into the aft cabin with a single berth to port and workshop storage space to starboard. On the centreline is the engine with an insulated box around it.
Starboard side passageway going forward into the saloon.
L-shaped galley to starboard with a 2 burner Primus stove and single large stainless sink. Work surface space at the forward end with storage shelves under.
Opposite the galley is a separated double berth cabin with the fuel tank under.
Large saloon with plenty of light from the long skylight. Starboard offset saloon table with seating around 3 sides. Water tank is built in under the seating unit. Long settee berth to port with a Pullman berth back creating a higher level single bunk.
Large cast iron wood burner in aft port corner of the saloon.
Port side passageway going forward into a comfortable sleeping cabin with a single berth either side and a single pipecot berth above either side.
Centreline door into the forpeak where there is a Blakes Lavac sea toilet which pumps directly overboard. Also plenty of storage space and the chain locker.
Full specification and details available upon request
Builder: Rowles of Pill Length on deck: 45'
Year: 1903 Beam: 12'6"
Location Bristol Draft: 7'6"