Metric units


Merganser

Status: Undergoing renovation

Owner: Roger Dunstan & David Cairncross

Area: UK


Hull

Open Launch. Construction: Clinker cedar and larch on oak.
Built 1981 by Ian Cooper at Kendal
LOA: 18' 0", LWL: 16' 0", Beam: 5' 6", Draft: 2' 0",
Rounded stem, transom stern, varnished, tiller steering. Owned by Peter Turvey 1991-2022, sold to David Cairncross and Roger Dunstan 2022

Boiler

Blackstaffe type 3-drum WT Designed by SBA,
Built 2023 by Steamwell Boilers at Chew Stoke
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 150 psi,
6.625" dia X 19.5" long Steel drum(s). 10 X 0.63" dia Cunifer tubes. Welded drums, silver soldered Cunifer tubes construction,
non-condensing, engine driven pump, hand pump, feed water heater, whistle,
Mud drums 2" dia x 20" long, hand feedpump, feedwater heater, 2 cwt bunker, Windermere kettle.

Engine

Twin. X 2"
Built 1981 by Roger Mallinson at Windermere
Design: Swan by: Stuart Turner
sv valve. SLRG valve gear.
Enlarged bearings, No.7. Cast A frames, reduction gear ecc driven fp, 3 IHP, non-condensing. Twin feed mechanical lubricator added 2000.

Propeller

Bronze, 3 blades, Right Hand, 16" X 20"
Narrow bladed steam launch type by Roger Mallinson


History

Built for previous owner Edward Paget-Tomlinson, plant installed by Roger Mallinson, first steamed July 1981. Acquired by Peter Turvey June1990. Laid up summer 2009 awaiting reboilering. Acquired by David Cairncross and Roger Dunstan in 2022. Refurbishment ongoing with intended relaunch in 2024 New boiler pressure vessel manufactured and installed by Steamwell Boilers of Chew Stoke 2023


Last Modified: 2024.01.07.


(Peter Turvey) Child Beale Park

Photos


(Source unknown) This is an early photograph, perhaps taken when Merganser was new c.1981; shows exhaust line with no feed heater and original high position of water gauge on boiler.


(Peter Turvey) Crofton Steam Gala c.2009


(Peter Turvey) Laid up 2019


(Peter Turvey) On trailer c.1994


(Peter Turvey) Hull Builders Plate


(Peter Turvey) Engine Makers Plate


(Peter Turvey) Engine c.2007


(Peter Turvey) Boiler Makers Plate


(Peter Turvey) Boiler with port casing door removed

Videos