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Bought in 2008 when advertised as Norman 23 but I think a 22 after reference to NBAS pages and Norman Brochure. Been out of the water for a number of years on a decrepit trailer , since replaced by a SBS RS/2600EL trailer. When surveyed (Paul Rutherford, Quest Marine Surveys, Bolton) she was found to be sound but in need of refit and overhaul. This work is progressing well. The hull is still in original gel coat and external teak rails and rubbing strakes have sanded up as new. Much of the cabin woodwork is extant though the cockpit has been completely stripped out and replaced. Unusually? the water heater is a Carver as fitted to caravans but with the new water tanks/plumbing works well. Many other jobs completed, rewiring, remodelling the wheel (big improvement to the cockpit) with new hardwood spokes and centre cap all turned by a friend. Still a lot of small jobs to do all with the aim of acquiring the BSC and eventual relaunch. Lastly, we decided to retain the name "Greyling" but question the spelling. Still, it adds a little interest! Some photos available.

The most obvious feature, the wheel, see next photo. Also in view the basic dash, the "Cascade" gas water heater & control box (some panels removed to show) and the newly cleaned canopy and varnished woodwork.

It was a rather plain and worn wheel with 15mm copper piping as spokes and exposed centre nut/washers. It has been transformed by new hardwood spokes, superbly turned by our friend Helen Rutherford, which have been sleeved over the old spokes and rebated into the original wheel. To finish it off Helen then turned a matching centre cap.

Still looking rough! So far new water tanks, pump and pipework installed and working. Our intention is to trailer Greyling to various waterways so all the old concrete flags and sash window weights previously used as ballast have been removed to keep weight to a minimum. I'm hoping the water tanks when filled will act as ballast and as the fresh water level drops the weight will be made up by filling other containers stowed in the bow. Will it work? we will see.

With no need for centre bed the flaps that lift up to provide the bed base have been removed to storage. Doors will be fitted in place to give further cupboards. Both sliding windows have been freed (time and plenty of dry silicone lubricant) and work well. Plenty of woodwork done including a hardwood block for the new Wichard bow eyebolt, new tops for chain locker ( chain presently in storage to save weight, no immediate plan to sail on rivers or estuary) and under table shelves.

Just arrived at Preston Brook marina slipway on the Bridgewater Canal, Wednesday 21st April 2010. Lovely sunny day, just what is needed for the first launch and trial.

Having released all the lashings and electrics and with ropes attached fore and aft the trailer is positioned on the slipway ready for the launch

Temporarily moored whilst all the gear stowed on board. Prior to casting off the bilges were checked and all dry. Honda outboard run up. Our first trip out down the Runcorn arm went well and only threw up one fault to rectify, the reverse gear failed to engage despite operating correctly in the test tank following installation of a new impellor and a full service. Sadly only one day available so on returning to the marina Greyling had to be removed from the water. The process of getting her back onto the trailer went extremely well, no hitches. After our first ever canal outing we are now eager to return , hopefully to spend a few nights on board and travel further afield

The cockpit is now fully completed and operational. Trials in April on the Bridgewater Canal went well. The problem of the selection of reverse gear has been sorted, will be happy knowing reverse can now be correctly selected via the remote without the need for the mad dash to press the selector on the outboard itself to engage! At this time no further thoughts to any alterations or additions, keep looking through the other Norman pictures on the site for affordable ideas. The cabin has still got a number of outstanding small jobs and once completed a photo will be provided. Next outing will entail some nights aboard.

Much research on the forums and reference to the Boat Safety Scheme lead to the end result pictured here. A 22ltr fuel can sits on a sternward sloping platform fitted above the transom well and next to the outboard. The container is held in place by the strap and a hardwood rail. The whole is outside the cockpit and additionally the well has a breather at its bottom so any vapours should escape freely to the stern.

May 2011 saw the purchase of a ruddersafe size 2 for connecting to our Honda 15hp outboard. Previously we had used a rudder extension which overall worked to good effect but not at low speed. So after research on various forums including our very own and, dare I say it, the Viking owners forum we bought one. This was fitted just in time for a ten day outing on the Lancaster canal at the end of May and into June.

So, how did we get on with it? Well a mixed result really. The edge was taken off much of the trip by strong winds which in themselves gave a number of problems (not much wonder we were often the only cruiser moving!!). We had booked the time , the slipway and parking for vehicle and trailer so were pretty much tied into going.

Slow speed manoeuvres once launched were certainly helped by the Ruddersafe, almost no requirement to use the outboard for extra steerage. Much of the cruising was also improved with far less deviation in course. Good so far, but we came across a major problem on the return leg just north of Carnforth. A large piece of farmer Giles' pale green silage wrapping was lurking in the depths and of course was drawn up into the prop. The plastic acted like a length of heavy rope wrapping itself around the prop but worse the Ruddersafe as well. We lost all power and steerage.

After limping into Carnforth to carry out clearance work ( had to moor on the "bus" area as the place was jam packed) we found the extent of the problem. The ruddersafe had been forcibly torn off from one side of the cavitation plate and fouled the prop. The whole of the outboard lower leg, prop and one very bent Ruddersafe were encased in a plastic tangle which then occupied a lot of time to cut free. We were very fortunate not to have lost the Ruddersafe and that damage to the outboard was only minor to the prop.

Temporary repairs enabled us to continue to Moons Bridge where Greyling was pulled out onto her trailer. Full repairs were carried out subsequently at home but we lost the last part of our planned trip south to Preston.

Draw your own conclusions. The ability of the Ruddersafe to lift at speed doesn't enter the equation on the canals. The method of fixing is perhaps a weak point, add to that the proximity to the prop!! But it does give improved steerage.