Looking for bulworks/gunwhales to study (South East)

[meekumslr]

Hi.
I'm altering my deck to give a large hold opening, re-caulking my deck and building (hopefully) some original style bulworks around the deck of my 50' MFV in Mahogany throughout the winter.
I have a good idea of steaming the wood but am not sure about the supports for the planks, ie, how far they go down on the frame, how far apart they are, how thick they are etc.
Is there anyone in the London/Kent/Essex area with this structure who could possibly let me pop by and study it before I make a pigs ear of it?
Many thanks, Neil.

 

[Katouf]

Not sure if this info is still accurate but there was (last year) an MFV in Heybridge Basin on the River Blackwater in Essex.
Got to be worth a visit if only to see the barges in Maldon and visit one of the pubs next to the lock. Come to think of it, you could get your bulwark requirements from the barges at Maldon.
Good hunting and hope you don't find too much rot when you start cutting holes. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[meekumslr]

Thank you for that. That would be a nice trip out and well worth doing.
I know what you're saying about finding more problems but... a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do!
Thanks again, Neil.

 

[Hoilung]

The MFV referred to by Katouf is still in Heybridge Basin. We were there a week or so ago on our summer holiday cruise. I belive that the vessel is a sister ship to 'Lady Florence', based on the R.Alde as floating restaurant.

 

[Katouf]

I was in Heybridge yesterday and spoke to the owner of a gaff ketch (can't remember the name but he's one of Mirelle's sidekicks!). He said that the MFV is in an advance state of stripping prior to rebuild and, at the moment, is ideal to have a look at in terms of how its put together.
About 50 yards up from the lock gates on the western side of the basin. Look for a blue tarpaulin with the mast sticking up about 12 feet.
Good hunting.