Filey Coble restoration

B

Broombroomput

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In a mad middle age crisis/remembering my Yorkshire roots/ too much vino- (pick any 2 of 3) I bid and won(!) a Filey coble that had been (BADLY) converted to a canal boat on e.bay. I think they are quite rare now as many had a Viking-style burning to get the decommissoning money. If I take off all the cr*p and make it an open boat, how do I stop the rain from rotting it from the inside? Will an auto bilge pump be enough? Do I have to have a cover made? How do I get it Wales where I spend my free time? Should I admit it was a folly and beyond someone who has only had 'plastic' boats before? HELP!

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Yup, it was a folly! However, you've got it now, so let's see what we can do to make it possible to enjoy it. How to get it to Wales depends on which part of Wales and where it is now. I think that on the back of a truck would answer most occasions. I thought that Wales was supposed to be famous for being wet? To keep the rain out, a tarpaulin draped over a ridge pole and secured around the gunwale would do a lot to help, plus an automatic bilge pump, plus a bucket of seawater left in the bottom after each time you have used it. Only fresh water will play host to rot spores. Look for places apart from the bottom of the boat where rainwater can be held by the internal structure. Leave an opening in the tarpaulin at the stem and stern for a breeze to blow through.
Peter.

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Sorry forgot to say it was in Rotherham on the river Don. Thankyou Peter, at the moment there is only 2" of water/oil in the bilges. I was concerned after reading posts here that if I took the top off I would do more harm than good before I had time to move it back to salt water.


















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Refreshing to see a constructive and proactive approach!

Not meant as tongue in cheek either!

B

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni
 
I'm just coming to the end of refitting (rebuilding) a 32' boat and it will have taken 3 years. The best advice I can give is enjoy the work and the challenge it represents. You will learn many new skills to do with looking after wood rather than plastic and hopefully appreciate that wooden boats are as good and in many circumstances better than plastic ones.
There are many great sites for wooden boats with lots of information and advice, search the net and get involved with the discussions. At the end of it you should have something you will be proud of and you will be surprised at how many other boat owners will take interest in you project.
Good luck with the challenge
PS is this the same as a Whitby Cobble, I spent seveal holidays on one of these in my youth and enjoyed every moment of it?

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I wish I'd been born rich instead of good looking ?
 
Tom, I think a Whitby Coble and Filey Coble are very similar, the latter was allways launched from the beach on a dolly mede from old truck wheels. The Whitby Cobles, I think, were moored in the harbour and did not have quite the same the same protection for the prop. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong about this.

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One advantage to taking the top off is that the hull will get well ventilated which helps a lot. I've been renovating my own 'impulse buy' (you're not the only one!) for the last two years or so and have had the deck off for a good chunk of that time but have had no real problems despite occasional water ingress under the covers. I do have a removable drain plug in the bilge which I keep open though.

Oh, and I'm in N.Wales too.

John

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I'm near Mold and so is the boat - well inland, behind my local petrol station! I had it brought close to home on the basis it would be easier to work on. Works out a lot cheaper too, I'll have more than covered the transportation costs by reduced storage costs alone by the time I've finished. Hoping to move her back to the coast next spring, Menai Straits/Caernarfon area all being well. Not too familiar with the Abersoch area but there are a few places around the Straits though I don't know what availability is like.

John

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