| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ken cattell |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 00:39:18
Sorry Folks! A rather self indulgent series of photos of the launch, re-christening and future permanant mooring for the Conquest Gladys - May after 2 years and 26 days since I got it off the Chesterfield cannal.
Sunday 31.3.13 3pm time to finally get the boat to the river.
 Note small tractor being driven by Merv the farmer....
Travelling down the 'Green Mile' to get to the river, actually its only 1/2 of a mile and normally used for aircraft taxying but it felt like a mile and that I was on my way to be executed for those who know the film.
No turning back now moments from re wetting the keel. Remember the small tractor earlier? Well after the trailer hit a soft spot and got dug in up to its axle we got the big David Brown on the job. No messing but very intimidating resorting the hitch next to it even if your day job sometimes envolves fixing 32 tonne container lifters!
Afloat at last, manic checking of lockers/storage spaces followed checking for obvious leaks.
No obvious problems found, a hasty libation was offered to the River Gods, Sea Gods, Wind Gods in fact any God that may of been bothered to listen. Officially naming the boat Gladys - May and annoiting the bow and at nearing the end of a long day / project. The beer was called Trade Winds and was oooh so good.
Ran Harry (my son who helped no end and took most of these pictures) home. Returned to spend the night on the boat, tested the new oven with a Chicken Korma; suberb, beer cupboard depleted.
Sunday evening. I reckon this view as cost me the best part of £4k for boat, engine, trailer, re-fitting out, equipment, insurance and river licence. Worth every penny.
Monday 1st April 2013 April Fools Day. How appropriate!
 Back into Swindon to pick up Harry, now dressed in reefer jacket as befits a self appointed Admiral who stands around getting others to do all the work.
By 2.30pm after a short delay to hand start an aeroplane and heard some sheep (never stuck for something to do on thid farm)we start the engine do some load tests, cast off and move the boat down stream.
After the calmness of the canal 2 years ago the river going downstream feels like like we are about to try water skiing (orange, current decreasing boards are still out for this section of the Thames).
However the engine is purring the new steering smooth and the rudder very effective after 1/2 mile we head back to the laggon.
Safely moored up against the other lagoon ocupant a Freeman 22 or is it 23? Whatever whilst I worked on my boat going up and down steps to get on or off, or repainting the hull etc it seemed big now it looks tiny.
Whatever from this:- To this:-
I reckon its been worth it. Dock to build now.
Thanks to Mervin for loads including the re-launch, Harry for the assistance where needed. This site for advice, encouagement and inspiration.
Did'nt Normans do a 25 foot version of a Conquest? Might look out for one of those next. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ken cattell |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 09:17:04
Well done, many congratulations. Hope the anxiety levels are returning to normal and all is well. I like the name choice, sounds 'reassureing'. |
| merlin |
Posted - 17 Apr 2013 : 13:29:27
Well the launch finaly took place last week some hassle
I had to appear in person at glasson marina to organise a mooring
after three postal applications and excuses 220mls from where I live
anyway the norman23 is now at Galgate so looking forward to meeting
the boaters at this end, we have changed her name to Barbara-Jane after the girls,and we are looking forward to the seasons cruising
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| kev13 |
Posted - 06 Apr 2013 : 21:08:00
Ken the finished boat looks a million dollars well done mate !!
Just got back off the Thames on a sewer tube holiday which included fighting the strong flow of the river at times and the snow. But given me more insperation to get on with my 23
Kev13 |
| Knighty |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 22:06:25
Top work Ken, you got there in the end and looks well worth the wait
Hope you are rewarded with a great summer (lots of fingers crossed) well it can't be as bad as last year...can it. |
| john-m |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 15:20:26
Nice tidy conquest. Do you just push it off the trailer ?
Cheers john |
| IanM |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 15:15:36
That's not self-indulgance. That's pride, and well deserved.
There was a slight flaw in your procedure though. Beer first, check boat second.
Nice one matey! |
| trevork |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 13:26:39
Don't ever apologise for that sort of self indulgence Ken. Its all well earned praise for a great job done! She looks really good!
Trevor
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| tigtog |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 08:36:55
great job done there Ken well worth the cash |
| merlin |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 06:58:31
Superb we love photos well done Ken
an interesting launch
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| Dolly |
Posted - 05 Apr 2013 : 01:12:02
Well done Ken that's given me hope, just in time for some decent weather. |
