Metric units


Grayling

Status: Active use

Area: UK-Northern Ireland


Hull

Open Launch. Construction: GRP.
Hull model: Frolic 18 designed by Rupert Latham
Built 1987 by Steam & Electric Launch Co. at Wroxham
LOA: 18' 0", LWL: 16' 6", Beam: 4' 8", Draft: 1' 6", Displacement: 1210 lbs.
Black, tiller steering

Boiler

3-drum WT Designed by Antony Bever,
Built 1991 by Anthony Bever at Swindon
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 120 psi, Grate area: 1¾ sqft, Heating area: 15 sqft, Output: 200 lbs/hr,
5.5" dia X 15" long Copper drum(s). 30 X 3/8" dia Copper tubes. Silver soldered all copper construction,
condensing, engine driven pump, hand pump, whistle,
Steam drum 5½" dia, mud drums 1" dia x 15" long, 30 x 3/8" id tubes, casing 24" x 13" x 21".

Engine

Compound. 2" + 3 1/4" X 2"
Built 1991 by John Hopkins at Highclere
Designed by: Anthony Bever
Slide valve. SLRG valve gear.
Power: 3 HP
Cast A frames, Keel condenser, crosshead driven feed pump and air pump, rated at 800 rpm at 3 IHP. At 6 mph, 420 rpm so probably about 1 HP. Mechanical lubrication to HP steam chest, mains, big ends and slidebars, to using "Interlube" pumping elements and nylon flexible tube.

Propeller

Bronze, 3 blades, 14" X 20"
Shaft: 3/4" Stainless Steel

History

The hull was built in 1987 to the order of a John Hopkins. He also bought a boiler and a set of castings for the engine from Anthony Bever of Swindon. Mr Hopkins assembled the engine and fitted out the steam plant. By 2010, the almost complete, but still unused, boat, was in the care of Harry Webster on the Kennet and Avon Canal. In 2011, it was purchased by two members of the Linlithgow Union Canal Trust in West Lothian. They steamed it on their canal for a few years until it was purchased from them in 2015 and brought across the Irish Sea (not under its own steam) in September that year. The canopy was added in 2016 after one occasion when mutiny seemed imminent as the crew were soaked by an unseasonable downpour. It was recently fitted with all round PVC windows which means that sailing on showery days is now an option.


Last Modified: 2022.10.02.


Upper Lough Erne

Photos


Canopy under construction from laminated ply and epoxy.


On the Erne near Crom Castle.


At Devenish Island.


On the Lagan.


On the shore of Upper Lough Erne.





From left to right - condenser vacuum, low pressure steam chest, high pressure steam chest.


Tied up with PVC windows in place.


Interior view. Bever Compound engine in the centre, wooden handle on boiler feed pump.