Steamboat Register

Pickle

Status: Active use

Owner: Jim Huntley

Website: http://www.youtube.com/steamandthings

Area: UK-South West

Hull

Open Launch. Construction: GRP.
Hull model: Frolic 18 designed by Rupert Latham
Built 1982 by Steam & Electric Launch Co. at Wroxham
LOA: 18' 0", LWL: 16' 6", Beam: 6' 0",
Straight stem, counter stern, white, varnished teak deck, tiller steering, 1/2 cwt coal bunkers.

Boiler

2-drum WT Built 1984 by Thames Steam Launch Co.
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 125 psi, Grate area: 100 sqft, Heating area: 16 sqft, Output: 80 lbs/hr,
Steel 0 Copper tubes. Steel drums, copper tubes construction,
selectable condensing or non-condensing, engine driven pump, hand pump, injector, feed water heater, whistle,
Two drum 'weldless' design. Originally built by the Thames Steam Launch company and fitted to SL Kathleen. New casing constructed in 2025 by the present owner. Originally fitted with a two drum water tube boiler designed and built by Brian Smith. Later replaced with an Illingworth VWT boiler, although not believed to have been used in this configuration.

Engine

Single. 2.5" X 2.5"
Built 2007 by Richard Rankin
Design: T1 by: Cyril Taylor
Slide valve. SLRG valve gear.
Power: 1 HP
Four column vertical single cylinder engines. Geared reduction driven feed and air pumps. Fitted with exhaust feed water heater and option of keel condensing or puffin operation. The engine was the winner of the Taylor Rose Bowl 2007. Originally fitted with a Ron Thorougood designed compound built by Brian Smith in 1984. Replaced as part of 2025 restoration.

Propeller

3 blades, 16" X 15"

History

Built as Lightning, new hull fitted out and plant installed by first owner Brian Smith, first steamed 1985. Acquired 1997 by John MacMillan and used in Scotland. Acquired by Mark Fensome. Purchased by the present owner in a derelict state on 27/10/24. Restoration began 20/03/25 and was re-launched as Pickle on 18/07/25 at the Bristol Harbour Festival.

Last Modified: 2025.11.12.

Pickle on the Bristol Feeder Canal 20/07/25.

Photos

When viewed by present owner prior to purchase. 20/10/24	Ongoing restoration...	First steaming of the new boiler.
First coat of varnish.	Ongoing restoration...	Launching 18/07/25.
Night sailing! Bristol Harbour Festival 19/07/25.	Forth and Clyde, 2005. (Norman Clasper)	(Anne Massey) Thames Regatta, 1998