Anachronism

Status: Steaming

Owner: Dr John Knapton

Area: UK-North East

Hull

Open Launch. Construction: Strip plank covered with epoxied bi-axial glass cl.
Hull model: Open Launch designed by Sam Saunders in 2000
Built 2017 by John Marrison at UK
Fit out 2023 by John Maltby/Self at Windermere
LOA: 28' 0",
Strip plank construction by former owner John Marrison based on lines drawn from an original Saunders Thames Launch recovered from the mud of Benfleet -on-sea, Essex.

Boiler

Yarrow type 3-drum WT Designed by J King,
Built 2004 by A G Bicknell at Hazlemere, Surrey
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 200 psi, Grate area: 3.12 sqft, Heating area: 60 sqft,
8" dia X 30" long Steel drum(s). 0 Steel tubes. welded construction, Steel superheater,
non-condensing, engine driven pump, hand pump, injector, feed water heater, whistle,
Drawings in SBA Library of Boiler Designs WTB3 Professionally built by Bicknell & Co Haslemere

Engine

2 cyl compound.
Built 2022 by John Maltby at Crackenthorpe, Westmorland/Cumbria, UK
Design: twin high pressure by: Belliss
Slide valve. Stephenson valve gear.
Power: 15 HP
Replica Belliss engine built by John Maltby, Marine Engineer, Crackenthorpe, Westmorland/Cumbria.

Propeller

Bronze, 3 blades, Right Hand, 22" X 38"
Designed and made by Michegan Marine Propulsion to replace the original smaller and left hand prop.

History

Anachronism was built over many years by former owner John Marrison of Benfleet -on-sea, Essex. Sadly he passed away before fully completing the project though he did manage to launch her under steam before he became ill. I purchased the boat to fulfil a long term dream to own a steam launch having being interested in boats since my school days. On purchasing the boat I had the opportunity to install a replica of a Belliss High Speed Steam Launch Engine which Mr J Maltby happened to have in his workshop. This replaced a home built Leak Compound. The original boiler had had little use and thankfully passed hydraulic and ultrasonic inspection. There was no steering gear so I subsequently installed a binnacle to accommodate Vetus hydraulic steering gear. Along the way we required various items to be cast or fabricated including a new wet ashpan, cast iron firebars, steering wheel and cover, brass oiler and Steam condenser. We utilised the CAD 3D design skills of my son to produce various patterns and DXF files and have learned new skills along the way. First launch on Windermere was successful with several 'sea trials' completed. There is still work to do!

Added to the register: 2021.03.05. Last Modified: 2023.07.25.