Iris

Status: Under Construction

Owner: M. J. Richards

Area: UK

Hull

Open Launch. Construction: Carvel mahogany on oak ribs, iroko decks..
Built 1895 by J.Wilesmith & Co. at Worcester
Fit out 2006 by Malcolm Richards at South Shropshire
LOA: 18' 0", Beam: 5' 5",
Straight stem, transom stern, varnished. Wheel steering, with tiller option. Two bilge pumps.

Boiler

3-drum Yarrow WT Designed by J King,
Built 2007 by Malcolm Richards at South Shropshire
Fuel: Coal or wood., Pressure: 150 psi, Grate area: 2.4 sqft, Heating area: 32 sqft,
1x6" dia Seamless steel Cunifer tubes. Steel Drum, Cunifer tubes, bolted ends construction, Cunifer superheater,
non-condensing, engine driven pump, hand pump, feed water heater, whistle,
Engine-driven feed pump. Hand pump. John King weldless design, 6"steel steam drum, 4" steel mud drums, 206 x 12mm Cunifer tubes, superheater, economiser.

Engine

Propeller

Bronze, 3 blades, 16" X 23"
Shaft: 1" bronze
The two piece propeller shaft includes two vehicle type universal joints and a self-aligning ball thrust bearing, with the drive from the engine via splines to eliminate end thrust.

History

Iris was built sometime between 1895 and 1928 by J.Wilesmith & Co. of Worcester, and was used until about 50 years ago as a motor-driven ferry on the River Severn at Kepax, Worcester. It is not known whether steam plant was ever fitted. She lay derelict for many years until rescued by Michael Lamb of Worcester, who fitted a new oak keel and ribs. Restoration was continued by Malcolm Richards 2006 onward, but is not yet complete because of pressure of time and advancing age. Further information in "Funnel" Autumn 2017.

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