Today we drove up to Stoke-on-Trent to visit Tim Tyler’s workshop to see Kingley Vale. Quite a bit has happened since Tim sent the photos last week: the cabin is on and the roof is there; there’s a stem post, guard irons, and rubbing strakes.
At the stern, there are cants, dollies, and the rudder stock. The rudder has the Braidbar cruciform in it, and there are plates on top to keep the water down.
We had a good chat with Tim and Sam, and even learned a bit about boat building. The roof is currently supported on jacks, then when the handrails are welded to the cabin sides, the roof is pushed up to meet them. We could also see how much bracing the roof has.
Before we left, the lads had finished their tea break and begun to weld the handrails. Before long, they were in place.
It was great to see the boat for ourselves, and see the pride everyone takes in their work. We’ll pay another visit next week when we’re in Stoke by boat, by which time the shell should be almost finished.
if you want to see what else we’ve done today, head over to the Briar Rose blog.