Classic Boat – August 2019

CLASSIC BOAT AUGUST 2019^91

CRAFTSMANSHIP

involving her planking and frames,” says Tony. “We replaced her
drive trains including new propellers and we’ve just finished adding
an outside helm position with a passenger bench seat behind.”
Finally, we view Elvin, a 36ft craft built in 1937 from pine on oak
and constructed by Clapsons & Sons. She features a long cabin with
a small enclosed rear wheelhouse and an open cockpit at the stern.
Looking at her a„ectionately, Tony says: “In 2008 I met her owner
and he asked if we could restore her. She was in pretty poor shape.”
Elvin was completely stripped with 52 new frames down each
side and replacement planking. “In 2010 we took her to Dunkirk with
just the engines in situ. There was no interior and we used sleeping
bags as beds. We then spent another two years finishing her o„.”
In 2017 Elvin completed a three-month circumnavigation of the
UK including Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. “She has a very
enterprising owner and last year he completed over 2,000 sea
miles,” says Tony
Also moored outside is a ex-Thames Police launch. Built in 1934
by the Sittingbourne Shipbuilding Company she was taken out of
service in 1952. “I’ve known her since 1984 and she’ll be brought
into the yard for a full restoration when time permits.”

1934 ex-Thames Police

launch awaits full

restoration, with

a 1962 cruiser by

Richmond Slipways and

a 1904 Tjalk steel barge

moored behind. Inset:

The 1964 Fleur De Lys

Pippin undergoing a

complete rebuild

including timber and

running gear

From top: Tony Woollard, owner of Otter Marine;

John on the roof of Barton B; St Joan waiting for parts

for her Cummins diesel engines

Inside the team are busily working on a 20m Dutch steel barge

called Barton B “Around 12 years ago we surveyed her, over plated

the hull, painted it black and fitted a new anode,” says Tony. “The

lady owner uses the saloon as her studio. It’s being completely

updated with the addition of double glazed windows.“

Finally, comes Pippin, a 1964 Fleur De Lys. She is being totally

rebuilt with replacement engines, gearboxes and generators, as

well as a new transom, frames, ribs and planking. “In December 2018

she was brought inside. By the end of this year she’ll be back in the

water with a final six months before she’s finished.”

Tony adds: “The best thing about working on timber-built Dunkirk

Little Ships is the people – the owners have all become friends. It’s

great to see how they bring these boats back to life.”

Are there any shortcomings to working with wood, I wondered?

“We do struggle a little with sourcing the right timber,” says Tony.

“For example we will need 500m of quarter sawn Iroko for re-

decking Pippin.”

So what of the future for Tony and his yard steeped in such

fascinating history? “Retirement,” he said without hesitation, smiling.

“Though I’ll still keep in touch with the yard, naturally.”