Sometimes I wonder if I speak too soon about the fixing of things on the Monarch, or sometimes the timescale to get things done properly.....
Not this time though!!
The boat is, again, running beautifully and has carried passengers today without any delay to the timetable.
Working with steam is a hard and tiring slog, but it is so worth it when a young child gets the chance to pull the cord for the steam whistle whilst their parents relax amongst the gentle fizz made by the paddles on the aft deck. So, the only issue now is the weather-I'll ask the Chief Engineer if he can get that fixed for us too!
The Skip
Sunday, July 26, 2009
All Fixed!
Tis nearly a blink of an eye since I last posted on the Blog, and I am pleased to say that the circ pump is fixed.
The Chief Grease Monkey is currently testing it for leaks and clearances, and all being well it should be plumbed into the boat within the hour! Well done Ian, without your skills we would have lost a days sailing, but instead will be back on our feet (or should I say wheels) without any disruption.
On another note, we will be measuring the float immersion of the paddles wheels today in readiness for this winters big challenge of relieving the boat of her trademark knocking sound. I know I shouldn't really say it, but it does get a little bit irritating when passengers comment on the state of our bearings EVERY trip out. Hopefully I can lay everyones mind to rest by telling you that the sound is not in the engine itself, but actually comes from (we believe) the paddle wheels which are too deeply immersed. It will not be an easy job to complete, nor are we even sure yet how to overcome the problem without losing yet another large chunk of the season-but watch this space for developments.
Anyhow,
TTFN
The Skip
The Chief Grease Monkey is currently testing it for leaks and clearances, and all being well it should be plumbed into the boat within the hour! Well done Ian, without your skills we would have lost a days sailing, but instead will be back on our feet (or should I say wheels) without any disruption.
On another note, we will be measuring the float immersion of the paddles wheels today in readiness for this winters big challenge of relieving the boat of her trademark knocking sound. I know I shouldn't really say it, but it does get a little bit irritating when passengers comment on the state of our bearings EVERY trip out. Hopefully I can lay everyones mind to rest by telling you that the sound is not in the engine itself, but actually comes from (we believe) the paddle wheels which are too deeply immersed. It will not be an easy job to complete, nor are we even sure yet how to overcome the problem without losing yet another large chunk of the season-but watch this space for developments.
Anyhow,
TTFN
The Skip
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Poorly Circ Pump
Good news and bad today! The circulating pump (which pumps cold sea water into the condenser) decided to stop working in Cowes. Normally this would be a disaster, but after this winters improvements to the steam and water systems, we can convert the boat to non-condensing (puffing) running.
As this was the first time this system has been used in anger, I made sure that we were on tow coming up river...just in case! Luckily though, we made it upriver from Cowes to Newport Harbour under our own steam before lashing the tug to the boat to maintain full control in what was today, a very busy harbour. Obviously we had to hold the engine back quite a lot to conserve water, she still managed to hold a very impressive speed over ground and she sounded beautiful as normally the wonderful whoosing of the steam is silenced by the condenser.
So, although disappointing, a safety system has been proven to work; and this is great news really! Luckily, another pump is sitting in the workshop ready to be transplanted and we should be back in service before anybody can blink! With this experience safely in the memory bank, we will fit an auxiliary manual circ pump to the boat shortly as yet another safety system.
At the end of the day though-it proves just how safe steam power is-when a boat with an internal combustion engine has a problem they just stop....not us though!!
Anyhow, sailings are happening every day this week-with the exception of Friday and Saturday which are hallowed maintenance days. So do pop down the quay to see your beloved Skipper wading about in thick, deep mud wielding a paintbrush and trying resolutely to remain upright.
Until next time, oh ye nutters of steam,
The Skip
As this was the first time this system has been used in anger, I made sure that we were on tow coming up river...just in case! Luckily though, we made it upriver from Cowes to Newport Harbour under our own steam before lashing the tug to the boat to maintain full control in what was today, a very busy harbour. Obviously we had to hold the engine back quite a lot to conserve water, she still managed to hold a very impressive speed over ground and she sounded beautiful as normally the wonderful whoosing of the steam is silenced by the condenser.
So, although disappointing, a safety system has been proven to work; and this is great news really! Luckily, another pump is sitting in the workshop ready to be transplanted and we should be back in service before anybody can blink! With this experience safely in the memory bank, we will fit an auxiliary manual circ pump to the boat shortly as yet another safety system.
At the end of the day though-it proves just how safe steam power is-when a boat with an internal combustion engine has a problem they just stop....not us though!!
Anyhow, sailings are happening every day this week-with the exception of Friday and Saturday which are hallowed maintenance days. So do pop down the quay to see your beloved Skipper wading about in thick, deep mud wielding a paintbrush and trying resolutely to remain upright.
Until next time, oh ye nutters of steam,
The Skip
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weather Quite Yuck!
Well, what can I say, yesterday was foul! Lightening, thunder, hail and heavy rain all decided to pop up when we were well down river with a group from Chichester. Even in my hot box (wheelhouse) I was soaked to the bone...not a nice experience!
Anyhow, there is another charter booked for tonight-and guess what....we're promised more of the same! Ah well, at least Monarch is behaving like a good girl...it's just a shame that the same cannot be said for the weather!
See the Isle of Wight County Press this week for your "3 for the price of 2" voucher.
Till we meet again,
The Skip
Anyhow, there is another charter booked for tonight-and guess what....we're promised more of the same! Ah well, at least Monarch is behaving like a good girl...it's just a shame that the same cannot be said for the weather!
See the Isle of Wight County Press this week for your "3 for the price of 2" voucher.
Till we meet again,
The Skip
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monarch Issues
To combat those who have contacted us regarding our latest issues, please take on board the following:
We have an issue with a neighbour regarding ship safety, noise and wildlife concerns. None of the allegations, we believe, have any foundation and after 18 months of complaints from one person, malicious gossip and idol threats we have finally involved the Police.
Those of you which have offered letters of support are gratefully thanked, and we may call on you for these should the need arise. But for now, we are logging every incident, every passenger complaint about being photographed (or their children) and every letter sent to third parties about us.
Be very clear, there is no danger to the Monarch because of this harassment, and we fully intend to deal with the situation in the courts should it become necessary. We already have enough evidence to do so, but will wait for further evidence to secure our case.
Be of good cheer ye people of steam, Monarch is here to stay and we very much look forward to taking part in the Island Steam Show this coming August-volunteers required by the way!!
Anyhow, tatty bye for now,
The Skip
We have an issue with a neighbour regarding ship safety, noise and wildlife concerns. None of the allegations, we believe, have any foundation and after 18 months of complaints from one person, malicious gossip and idol threats we have finally involved the Police.
Those of you which have offered letters of support are gratefully thanked, and we may call on you for these should the need arise. But for now, we are logging every incident, every passenger complaint about being photographed (or their children) and every letter sent to third parties about us.
Be very clear, there is no danger to the Monarch because of this harassment, and we fully intend to deal with the situation in the courts should it become necessary. We already have enough evidence to do so, but will wait for further evidence to secure our case.
Be of good cheer ye people of steam, Monarch is here to stay and we very much look forward to taking part in the Island Steam Show this coming August-volunteers required by the way!!
Anyhow, tatty bye for now,
The Skip
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Monarch Doing Very Well
Well, all of the work so far to get Monarch running well has been very successful. The new plumbing and improvements to the boiler has resulted in a far more user friendly steamer that has vastly increased the drivability of the boat and also has improved the safety provision.
Passenger numbers are increasing and I am happy now that two of our volunteers can be classed as competent crew. I will be inviting more volunteers aboard over the coming weeks to train them and increase the crew numbers accordingly.
Last weekend's rendezvous with MV Balmoral was a great success with the exception of one small problem. A kindly power boater decided to pass the Monarch at breakneck speed causing an enormous wake. The boat handled really well, but the temporary generator was splashed which caused it to cut out for 5 minutes...not a good thing when we were expecting Balmoral at any time! Luckily, Cowes Harbour master towed us out of the way to give the Chief Engineer the chance to get everything restarted in time to give the grand old lady a jolly good toot of our steam whistle.
Many people thought that we were broken down, which made steaming out within minutes of landing enormously satisfying! In all, a great day was enjoyed by all and it is a nice thought that Monarch has now 'met' both Waverley and Balmoral at sea.
The auction of the Ryde's engine room console has boosted the boiler fund by just over £500 (hammer price £620 minus auction commissions etc) which was a great result. Watch this space for more fundraising activities.
Work continues to the boat to improve her even more, and I hope to be able to give you further updates very soon.
Until next time.....
The Skip
Passenger numbers are increasing and I am happy now that two of our volunteers can be classed as competent crew. I will be inviting more volunteers aboard over the coming weeks to train them and increase the crew numbers accordingly.
Last weekend's rendezvous with MV Balmoral was a great success with the exception of one small problem. A kindly power boater decided to pass the Monarch at breakneck speed causing an enormous wake. The boat handled really well, but the temporary generator was splashed which caused it to cut out for 5 minutes...not a good thing when we were expecting Balmoral at any time! Luckily, Cowes Harbour master towed us out of the way to give the Chief Engineer the chance to get everything restarted in time to give the grand old lady a jolly good toot of our steam whistle.
Many people thought that we were broken down, which made steaming out within minutes of landing enormously satisfying! In all, a great day was enjoyed by all and it is a nice thought that Monarch has now 'met' both Waverley and Balmoral at sea.
The auction of the Ryde's engine room console has boosted the boiler fund by just over £500 (hammer price £620 minus auction commissions etc) which was a great result. Watch this space for more fundraising activities.
Work continues to the boat to improve her even more, and I hope to be able to give you further updates very soon.
Until next time.....
The Skip
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Flog It Auction Coming Up
Oooh eerrrr missus, we're going to be on the BBC! We're selling the engine console from the Ryde which we rescued last year for two reasons.....money for the boiler appeal and blatant publicity!
Yes, it's true, the crew of the Monarch are right tarts and love getting on the telly!
The valuation day was a bit of an experience in it's own right, but hugely enjoyable; and the presenter, Paul Martin, seemed very at home surrounded by his harem of admiring ladies!
Anyhow, the auction is happening on June 16th at Island Auction Rooms...so come on and bid! Maybe, just for a bit of a laugh, all Monarch supporters should wear gold, black and red clothes-just so we can spot you all-but please, no gurning...leave that to the skipper.
Anyhow, the boat is running beautifully and we are just getting ready to celebrate John Garside's (volunteer) wedding anniversary tomorrow on board. Last weekend we welcomed our first bridal party from Cowes aboard, they all enjoyed themselves and we paraded up and down the river for their photographer looking marvellous! Congratulations Amy and Dan, we wish you all the very best....and you looked fabulous!
Anyhow, until next time (and sorry for the delay in updating, I shall try harder next time)
The Skip
Yes, it's true, the crew of the Monarch are right tarts and love getting on the telly!
The valuation day was a bit of an experience in it's own right, but hugely enjoyable; and the presenter, Paul Martin, seemed very at home surrounded by his harem of admiring ladies!
Anyhow, the auction is happening on June 16th at Island Auction Rooms...so come on and bid! Maybe, just for a bit of a laugh, all Monarch supporters should wear gold, black and red clothes-just so we can spot you all-but please, no gurning...leave that to the skipper.
Anyhow, the boat is running beautifully and we are just getting ready to celebrate John Garside's (volunteer) wedding anniversary tomorrow on board. Last weekend we welcomed our first bridal party from Cowes aboard, they all enjoyed themselves and we paraded up and down the river for their photographer looking marvellous! Congratulations Amy and Dan, we wish you all the very best....and you looked fabulous!
Anyhow, until next time (and sorry for the delay in updating, I shall try harder next time)
The Skip
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ups and Downs
Right then, first off...the generator saga.
We spent the dosh, did the work and still nothing so Portsmouth Celebration of Steam just didn't happen. All very sad and depressing, but we're offering anyone who waves a programme from the event under our noses a very cheap ticket for four quid. Moving on to lifting back in on the island, all went fine and then the wind happened....stuck in Island Harbour for a few days then. Still sad and depressing, oh when will the struggles ever end!! The generator issue looks to be complicated, so back on with the old auxiliary air cooled thingy and hope for the best. At least this way we know that we can at least run the boat-she simply must make money in the next couple of weeks or things might start to look bleak.
Anyway, last night we steamed up, went for a run up the river and.......perfection! Hoorah, she works! The new boiler feed system is holding up well, we've hydraulic tested it to over 350 psi and so far no probs. The economiser shows no sign of leaking, the condenser is giving us more vacuum than it ever has and the engine *seems* to be behaving (oh gawd where's my bit of lucky wood!!!!!?).
Monarch is now in Newport Harbour and has her first wedding trip this coming Saturday which is exciting, so fingers crossed for a great season.
We spent the dosh, did the work and still nothing so Portsmouth Celebration of Steam just didn't happen. All very sad and depressing, but we're offering anyone who waves a programme from the event under our noses a very cheap ticket for four quid. Moving on to lifting back in on the island, all went fine and then the wind happened....stuck in Island Harbour for a few days then. Still sad and depressing, oh when will the struggles ever end!! The generator issue looks to be complicated, so back on with the old auxiliary air cooled thingy and hope for the best. At least this way we know that we can at least run the boat-she simply must make money in the next couple of weeks or things might start to look bleak.
Anyway, last night we steamed up, went for a run up the river and.......perfection! Hoorah, she works! The new boiler feed system is holding up well, we've hydraulic tested it to over 350 psi and so far no probs. The economiser shows no sign of leaking, the condenser is giving us more vacuum than it ever has and the engine *seems* to be behaving (oh gawd where's my bit of lucky wood!!!!!?).
Monarch is now in Newport Harbour and has her first wedding trip this coming Saturday which is exciting, so fingers crossed for a great season.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monarch Looking Herself
Well, it's been a while, but Monarch is now looking herself with her fine funnel and gold lines reinstated. Now, I'm not saying that our gilding is the best in the world; but it does look a thousand times better than a strip of yellow plastic sticky tape.
It was rather funny today, John (one of our wonderful volunteers) almost did a runner when told that he might be asked to gild the hull...luckily the fabulous, soothing and masterful skipper gave him the equivalent of a degree course in gilding (in just 2 minutes) and he was set to work!! The results, I think all will agree are superb. I can't wait to see it all burnished so that it sparkles like a wedding band.
Anyhow, work left to do, bit of plumbing, bit of wiring and a wee bit of painting......job sorted! The last few woodwork jobs are left to be sorted and the Monarch should be set for the waves once again!
Pauline, another volunteer, has done an excellent job of applying lipstick to the paddle wheels (wish she's used proper paint as it would last longer...joke) and everything is looking all very festive again.
The only bad news to report is that the generator repairs which are essential for the passenger certificate have cost nearly 800 quid...this is a real setback and even more annoying as the previous owners lies about the gen set's history have resulted in this cost. All very disappointing.
One marvellous bit of news, however, is that the boiler passed it's statutory examination on Tuesday....hooooooray!!!
Anyhow, working towards the Portsmouth Celebration of Steam Event, all is looking good!
Until next time, paddle nutters,
The Skip
It was rather funny today, John (one of our wonderful volunteers) almost did a runner when told that he might be asked to gild the hull...luckily the fabulous, soothing and masterful skipper gave him the equivalent of a degree course in gilding (in just 2 minutes) and he was set to work!! The results, I think all will agree are superb. I can't wait to see it all burnished so that it sparkles like a wedding band.
Anyhow, work left to do, bit of plumbing, bit of wiring and a wee bit of painting......job sorted! The last few woodwork jobs are left to be sorted and the Monarch should be set for the waves once again!
Pauline, another volunteer, has done an excellent job of applying lipstick to the paddle wheels (wish she's used proper paint as it would last longer...joke) and everything is looking all very festive again.
The only bad news to report is that the generator repairs which are essential for the passenger certificate have cost nearly 800 quid...this is a real setback and even more annoying as the previous owners lies about the gen set's history have resulted in this cost. All very disappointing.
One marvellous bit of news, however, is that the boiler passed it's statutory examination on Tuesday....hooooooray!!!
Anyhow, working towards the Portsmouth Celebration of Steam Event, all is looking good!
Until next time, paddle nutters,
The Skip
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Making the best of the weather
Recently we have been joined by John Garside, a new and very enthusiastic volunteer who has worked hard to smooth out the aft lockers (which were beautifully painted, but ruined by overnight rainfall) and is starting work on stripping the saloon of paint ready for a fresh lick of the white stuff.
Pauline Rorke has been busy rust busting the railings and getting them spic and span, and Ian Rees (Chief Engineer) has rebuilt the engine room wall and is hurtling through the woodwork at a great pace.
The Easter weekend looks set to be fair, weather wise, and I am hopeful that the gold leaf can be applied to the hull so that all that is left to be done is the antifouling and anode changing.
Bad news re: the generator, we may be looking at anything up to £1000 to fix it in time for the coming season, more to come on that very soon. It is essential that early bookings come in quickly, it is charter bookings that get jobs such as this paid for.
Other than that, Monarch is progressing very well and we are hopeful to be afloat again some time next week....fingers crossed!!
Until next time,
The Skip
Pauline Rorke has been busy rust busting the railings and getting them spic and span, and Ian Rees (Chief Engineer) has rebuilt the engine room wall and is hurtling through the woodwork at a great pace.
The Easter weekend looks set to be fair, weather wise, and I am hopeful that the gold leaf can be applied to the hull so that all that is left to be done is the antifouling and anode changing.
Bad news re: the generator, we may be looking at anything up to £1000 to fix it in time for the coming season, more to come on that very soon. It is essential that early bookings come in quickly, it is charter bookings that get jobs such as this paid for.
Other than that, Monarch is progressing very well and we are hopeful to be afloat again some time next week....fingers crossed!!
Until next time,
The Skip
Monday, April 6, 2009
Work Beginning to Bear Fruit
The boiler is in, but we just need to connect it to the steam engine....gawd that sounds easy doesn't it!! Saint Len (Chief Mech Engineer of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway) is busy machining a couple of new flanges and has come up with a superbly simple way of overcoming our problems. Work is getting tough and our thought processes are getting fuzzy, sometimes you need another brain to work things out for you.
The beautiful new/old pressure gauges have been calibrated and are ready to be fitted and all that is needed now is for the boiler feed line to be attached from the economizer; after that a little bit of wiring and she's done!! Goodness doesn't it sound easy....
We are now all geared up for being ready for the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's "Celebration of Steam", to miss this great event would be appalling, not just in terms of ego but also the huge opportunity that it offers the boat in terms of publicity. The Isle of Wight desperately needs us tourist attractions to get out there and fly the flag, and we hope to be able to do our part in May...we might be small but we leave a big impression!
In terms of volunteering, I wish I had more to report, we have had a lot of offers and a few people come down for a look-but so far only the wonderful Pauline Rorke has been down regularly; I really hope to be welcoming more very soon. So far the funnel has been reinstated and gilded, the railings are beginning to receive their usual livery and the aft lockers have had a fresh lick of paint.
Work left to do:
Bilge Cleaning
Engine Room Wall to be Constructed
Wiring
Wheelhouse Overhaul
Big jobs, but with good weather and a motley crew, this should not take long!! Watch this space!!
Until the next installment, steam fans,
The Skip
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Boiler Works
Hoorah, hooray, it's boiler lift in day!
After much hard work and tattyfying, the boiler was finally craned back into the boat today-and what a cracking thing it is. The old, black and nasty sightglasses have been restored to their wonderous glory and the Lee Howl boiler feed pump has been rescued from the murky depths of the bilges to sit, resplendant, upon the steam dome. If anyone ever calls me an old boiler again, I shall point them in the direction of Monarch's water otter and admonish them for the error of their ways...anyway, even though I am not adorned with shiny brass fittings and a fabulous steam powered water pump, I think I'm a bit more handsome than the dear old thing (well maybe only just)!
See below for photos of the craning in, she looks a thousand times better than it ever has done-but don't be fooled, it still isn't big enough for what we need and £15,000 still needs to be raised to get a better one.
As you can see, the engine room and boat still looks grotty as hell, but now that the boiler work is complete, and the weather is being kind to us, miracles will be happening shortly. The best of it is, your glorious Skipper now even has a tan which will help move the work along enormously, I'm sure.
Anyhow, enough for now, the sun is well past the yard arm and Monarch's custodian crew are greatly in need the daily rum ration.
TTFN
The Skip
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saloon Roof Finished
Marvellous news on the saloon roof, at long last and after rain, snow, sleet, heavy rain and severe frosts, we have been able to replace the rotten plywood and fibreglass roof with a brand new one!! It's been one of those week long jobs that has actually taken a month to complete owing to the awful weather.
Many thanks to Mike Rees for coming over from sunny (or should we say snowy/flooded) Somerset to help lay the fibreglass sheathing with good military style. Another visitor of note was a nameless lady from Wales who is also a member of the paddle steamer preservation society. She came on a rather dull day in terms of work to be done and cheered me up immensely with her upbeat and positive attitude. I don't know about anyone else, but there is nothing like the welsh lilt to brighten up y'day!
Work now begins on the hatches and saloon doors to make the whole structure sound and watertight before we start on the long hard job of cleaning the bilges and reinstating the boiler and ancilliaries that make the old girl chug along!
If you're still waiting for the volunteers pub get together, panic not ye olde steam fans, we will get invites out shortly-just as soon as the boat is ready for you to attack with mallets!
Attached to this post are photos of the manky old roof being removed and the brand spanking new roof going on!
Cheery Bye for Now,
The Skip
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nearly Volunteer Time
The saloon roof's off and the boat looks appalling, but we reckon she's lost a HELL of a lot of weight, which will improve performance no end! Basically there was not one part of the roof that wasn't entirely rotten so it's a great thing that it's finally gone.
Work has not been progressing very well of late due to the awful weather that we've been having and all concerned are very narked off that we haven't had the chance to get our teeth stuck in as normal. Never mind, I'm assured that re-roofing is a simple and straightforward job, albeit weather dependent and fiddly...good job I'll be on tea duty as the skip and woodwork do not mix!
The parts necessary for the boiler will be purchased this coming Tuesday, and so we should be looking to crane the lumpy old beast back in very shortly. Once the boiler and roof are back on then we can finally let the volunteers come aboard and lend a hand-until then it is just too dangerous to allow strangers to the boat on deck.
Some more great news is that Monarch will be going on holiday in May to the Portsmouth celebration of steam-she won't be gone for long though, just the weekend....so here's hoping we don't book a charter in by accident in the meantime! As always, thanks have to go to Rob Kingswell for being on hand for haulage. Fab as Monarch is as a sea boat, any rough chop and she'll be stuck in Pompy so it's a trip out by low loader again!
Until next time steam fans,
The Skip
Work has not been progressing very well of late due to the awful weather that we've been having and all concerned are very narked off that we haven't had the chance to get our teeth stuck in as normal. Never mind, I'm assured that re-roofing is a simple and straightforward job, albeit weather dependent and fiddly...good job I'll be on tea duty as the skip and woodwork do not mix!
The parts necessary for the boiler will be purchased this coming Tuesday, and so we should be looking to crane the lumpy old beast back in very shortly. Once the boiler and roof are back on then we can finally let the volunteers come aboard and lend a hand-until then it is just too dangerous to allow strangers to the boat on deck.
Some more great news is that Monarch will be going on holiday in May to the Portsmouth celebration of steam-she won't be gone for long though, just the weekend....so here's hoping we don't book a charter in by accident in the meantime! As always, thanks have to go to Rob Kingswell for being on hand for haulage. Fab as Monarch is as a sea boat, any rough chop and she'll be stuck in Pompy so it's a trip out by low loader again!
Until next time steam fans,
The Skip
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Grim News in the Saloon!
Not only has our carpentry king got the paddle boxes and deck to make...he now has to effectively rebuild the saloon! After much digging and poking in preparation for the new engine room housing, a lot of the supporting posts have been found to be rotten and beyond repair. Therefore we have decided that there is no choice but to bring the renewal of the saloon roof forward-it must be done as soon as possible if we are to stay on target for an April start to the season, oh eck missus!
Volunteers are really starting to pour in, and if you're reading this and I haven't got around to talking to you yet, I'm trying to contact everybody individually at the moment and it will take a long time as most of the day is spent on the good ship.
As soon as we know where we stand with the saloon I shall let you all know on here, lets hope and pray for fine weather as I can smell epoxy in the air........... ;o)
The Skip
Volunteers are really starting to pour in, and if you're reading this and I haven't got around to talking to you yet, I'm trying to contact everybody individually at the moment and it will take a long time as most of the day is spent on the good ship.
As soon as we know where we stand with the saloon I shall let you all know on here, lets hope and pray for fine weather as I can smell epoxy in the air........... ;o)
The Skip
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Layup Going Well Despite the Cold
Well, the bottom of the hull has been treated to 5 coats of primer and 5 coats of black tar varnish before Monarch gets covered in her new bright red antifoul so there shouldn't be any rust on her for a good few years now! It's funny how much smaller she looks out of the water, but I can assure you that there is still a lot of her to paint!
I have been busy down in the bunkers cleaning out 25 years of slime, grease and unmentionables ready for painting and I hope for this to be finished very shortly. It is very dark and cramped down there, a most unpleasant job but well worthwhile. This season's layup is all about securing her future and carrying out preventative work, so I shouldn't complain really...it could be worse!
The boiler inspector is coming on the 15th Jan and work on the modifications is about to start courtesy of Len Pullinger from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway who will be overseeing the manufacture of a taller steam dome and lines to prevent the engine from priming...something that has plagued us during the 2008 season. Len really is an unsung hero for Monarch, when we considered bringing her to the Island we asked him if he would look after her should things go horribly wrong and I don't think that anybody could have ever forseen just how much assistance he would eventually provide!! Sometimes it's just a couple of hours workshop use at the railway, others a comforting second opinion and then the occasional bit of total hands on craftsmanship by him!! I would urge all readers of this blog and users of the Monarch to support the railway, especially as the boiler fund for Calbourne has been started up again. By supporting Len and his crew you are in some way helping the Monarch as well!
There are a few Friends of Monarch coming through now, but we need more!! If you only feel able to pop aboard for an hour a week and do a bit of polishing or want to go the whole hog and join me to crew the boat-you are most welcome! To be honest, you don't even have to DO anything by being a friend, just join up and let us annoy you every now and then with an update on the boat and get invited to 'exclusive' (!) get togethers in the pub!
Until next time,
The Skip
I have been busy down in the bunkers cleaning out 25 years of slime, grease and unmentionables ready for painting and I hope for this to be finished very shortly. It is very dark and cramped down there, a most unpleasant job but well worthwhile. This season's layup is all about securing her future and carrying out preventative work, so I shouldn't complain really...it could be worse!
The boiler inspector is coming on the 15th Jan and work on the modifications is about to start courtesy of Len Pullinger from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway who will be overseeing the manufacture of a taller steam dome and lines to prevent the engine from priming...something that has plagued us during the 2008 season. Len really is an unsung hero for Monarch, when we considered bringing her to the Island we asked him if he would look after her should things go horribly wrong and I don't think that anybody could have ever forseen just how much assistance he would eventually provide!! Sometimes it's just a couple of hours workshop use at the railway, others a comforting second opinion and then the occasional bit of total hands on craftsmanship by him!! I would urge all readers of this blog and users of the Monarch to support the railway, especially as the boiler fund for Calbourne has been started up again. By supporting Len and his crew you are in some way helping the Monarch as well!
There are a few Friends of Monarch coming through now, but we need more!! If you only feel able to pop aboard for an hour a week and do a bit of polishing or want to go the whole hog and join me to crew the boat-you are most welcome! To be honest, you don't even have to DO anything by being a friend, just join up and let us annoy you every now and then with an update on the boat and get invited to 'exclusive' (!) get togethers in the pub!
Until next time,
The Skip
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monarch to get new forward deck!
Hoorah, I'm pleased to announce that sufficient wood has been sourced to plank the forward deck! Regular passengers will, I have no doubt, appreciate that the original (temporary) GRP deck was, although safe and sound, not the prettiest aspect of the boat.
I look forward to seeing the results of the new decking next season!
The Skip
I look forward to seeing the results of the new decking next season!
The Skip
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The hull is now almost totally primed and we're just waiting on Dave from Brent Marine to work his magic on fairing the hull...something that takes him just a minute compared to anybody ese's frantic efforts! Apart from one slightly leaky weld which showed up after the sandblasting, everything is looking good for work to progress to the next stage which is yet more preparation before topcoats are applied-I'm told it's going to be worth the wait!
We're lucky enough this year to have obtained sponsorship from Teamac who manufacture some of the finest paints that I have ever had the pleasure of using. Last year we used a market leading brand (which shall remain nameless) and apart from it falling off in clumps we were dragging a green beard behind us bushier than Alistair Darling's eyebrows. So this year we decided not to use any old muck on the hull and we hope that the new paint system will stand the punishment that Monarch will no doubt inflict upon it!
The leaky weld that I mentioned before has been ground out and re welded by Andros Engineering. I was relieved to see that the area in question was only the redundant/never used hull pocket condenser on the port side and was a seam which might have affected the actual hull plating. We shall monitor issues such as this on a regular basis, but all surveys and professional advice so far tells us that the overall condition of the hull is excellent....phew!
Fingers crossed now that we come across a sufficient quantity of Mahogany to plank the foredeck so as to mach the aft deck in time for the 2009 season; we really do want to see that aspect of the project completed as it will add so much to the presentation of the vessel.
Nothing much to report on the remodelling of the engine room as yet, but we do hope to begin the rebuilding within the next couple of weeks.
One request please to those who have been trying to visit the Monarch whilst she is laid up for the winter. The boatyard is a working environment and there is heavy machinery moving around all of the time. I know that for supporters of the boat it is very interesting to visit and see the work that is underway-but please don't! Try and wait until next year when she is returned to the water as this is safer for everyone. If you want to see her in the meantime, the only way would be to volunteer some of your time and help us get the work done on time.
Until the next time old chaps and chapesses,
TTFN
The Skip
We're lucky enough this year to have obtained sponsorship from Teamac who manufacture some of the finest paints that I have ever had the pleasure of using. Last year we used a market leading brand (which shall remain nameless) and apart from it falling off in clumps we were dragging a green beard behind us bushier than Alistair Darling's eyebrows. So this year we decided not to use any old muck on the hull and we hope that the new paint system will stand the punishment that Monarch will no doubt inflict upon it!
The leaky weld that I mentioned before has been ground out and re welded by Andros Engineering. I was relieved to see that the area in question was only the redundant/never used hull pocket condenser on the port side and was a seam which might have affected the actual hull plating. We shall monitor issues such as this on a regular basis, but all surveys and professional advice so far tells us that the overall condition of the hull is excellent....phew!
Fingers crossed now that we come across a sufficient quantity of Mahogany to plank the foredeck so as to mach the aft deck in time for the 2009 season; we really do want to see that aspect of the project completed as it will add so much to the presentation of the vessel.
Nothing much to report on the remodelling of the engine room as yet, but we do hope to begin the rebuilding within the next couple of weeks.
One request please to those who have been trying to visit the Monarch whilst she is laid up for the winter. The boatyard is a working environment and there is heavy machinery moving around all of the time. I know that for supporters of the boat it is very interesting to visit and see the work that is underway-but please don't! Try and wait until next year when she is returned to the water as this is safer for everyone. If you want to see her in the meantime, the only way would be to volunteer some of your time and help us get the work done on time.
Until the next time old chaps and chapesses,
TTFN
The Skip
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Latest News
Well, we've sandblasted the hull and everything looks fabulous! Now that Monarch is nice and smooth the painting takes far less time and the finish will be amazing!
Work starts now to re-fair the hull and begin the laborious task of 5 coats of primer, followed by 3 coats of undercoat and 4 coats of topcoat....plus a good 6 coats of black tar and antifoul below the waterline! As you can see....rust aint welcome on monarch!!
We have taken down the wall in the switchroom to make the engine room more accessible and visable for passengers, a new wall will go into the saloon with larger windows to make the steam engine far more of a centrepiece as until now she has been mainly ignored by many of the punters!
More wonderful news is that a small ships telegraph...or more precisely an engine room repeater is to be installed for the 2009 season to give the boat a lovely ring-a-ding-a-ding sound!!
2009 passengers will see a huge imrprovment to the previously rather tired engine room and wee look forward to some feedback from it.
I notice that the blog is being read by quite a few people now, and would really like it if some of you would introduce yourselves by replying to my posts...it would make writing these things far more interesting from my point of view!
Ohh, and if you want to volunteer on the Monarch for next year's season, please send your details through to info@medinamonarch.co.uk and you can be added to the list!
Hope to hear from you all soon!!
The Skip
Work starts now to re-fair the hull and begin the laborious task of 5 coats of primer, followed by 3 coats of undercoat and 4 coats of topcoat....plus a good 6 coats of black tar and antifoul below the waterline! As you can see....rust aint welcome on monarch!!
We have taken down the wall in the switchroom to make the engine room more accessible and visable for passengers, a new wall will go into the saloon with larger windows to make the steam engine far more of a centrepiece as until now she has been mainly ignored by many of the punters!
More wonderful news is that a small ships telegraph...or more precisely an engine room repeater is to be installed for the 2009 season to give the boat a lovely ring-a-ding-a-ding sound!!
2009 passengers will see a huge imrprovment to the previously rather tired engine room and wee look forward to some feedback from it.
I notice that the blog is being read by quite a few people now, and would really like it if some of you would introduce yourselves by replying to my posts...it would make writing these things far more interesting from my point of view!
Ohh, and if you want to volunteer on the Monarch for next year's season, please send your details through to info@medinamonarch.co.uk and you can be added to the list!
Hope to hear from you all soon!!
The Skip
Monday, September 29, 2008
Season ends abruptly
The new bearing that we put in for the layshaft looks a bit dodgy....do we take it out and put the boat to bed or do we risk it? Basically the oil seal has come away exposing the ball race-last time the layshaft played up it broke the bearing housings, bent the pump shaft and caused us to remove both feed and air pumps from the system for a while...not something that we want to repeat! Seeing as we take paying passengers we have to be sensible, even though it will involve letting people down.
Had to cancel one charter as a result, felt very bad about it as it was going to be a total surprise birthday present for her husband. We'd rather cause a bit of upset than be the cause of a drama though!
The bearings supplier has been very reasonable though, it agrees that it is just a dodgy piece of kit and a replacement is winging its way accross. We think that the boat is telling us that she's cold and wants to get out of the water now, so plans are being made to get that done.
This winter we need to plank the foredeck, tidy up the saloon and have a bit of a rethink of the engine room. We've just taken off the float chamber and converted her to manual feed water control to stop the engine from priming when the boiler is slightly over full-this seems to be working well.
Newport is by far the best place for us to operate from and come next year we will be basing ourselves there permanently-ok so it's tidal, at least we'll have extra time for maintainence...plus there is an awfully good pub near the harbour; yum yum.
Also, stop press!!
Lots of punters have been coming up to the boat and giving us donations towards running costs-great I hear you say, except that we're not a charity and it does look rather bad to be accepting gifts such as that without being one. Therefore, as if by magic, a new charity is to be formed...Ta Daaaaaah!
Friends of Monarch will administrate the capital expenditure required to keep Monarch in steam, will help market the boat and also help improve access to the river on which she operates. At last, something legitimate for donations to be given to.
Our first campaign is quite boringly a new boiler fund, we need more and dryer steam with which we will be able to run like a banshee down the Medina with frightening reliability! We are looking to raise £16,000 and any donations or offer of assistance will be cheerily received!
And now we stumble again into the winter layup work....I wonder if they make mulled beer yet?
Had to cancel one charter as a result, felt very bad about it as it was going to be a total surprise birthday present for her husband. We'd rather cause a bit of upset than be the cause of a drama though!
The bearings supplier has been very reasonable though, it agrees that it is just a dodgy piece of kit and a replacement is winging its way accross. We think that the boat is telling us that she's cold and wants to get out of the water now, so plans are being made to get that done.
This winter we need to plank the foredeck, tidy up the saloon and have a bit of a rethink of the engine room. We've just taken off the float chamber and converted her to manual feed water control to stop the engine from priming when the boiler is slightly over full-this seems to be working well.
Newport is by far the best place for us to operate from and come next year we will be basing ourselves there permanently-ok so it's tidal, at least we'll have extra time for maintainence...plus there is an awfully good pub near the harbour; yum yum.
Also, stop press!!
Lots of punters have been coming up to the boat and giving us donations towards running costs-great I hear you say, except that we're not a charity and it does look rather bad to be accepting gifts such as that without being one. Therefore, as if by magic, a new charity is to be formed...Ta Daaaaaah!
Friends of Monarch will administrate the capital expenditure required to keep Monarch in steam, will help market the boat and also help improve access to the river on which she operates. At last, something legitimate for donations to be given to.
Our first campaign is quite boringly a new boiler fund, we need more and dryer steam with which we will be able to run like a banshee down the Medina with frightening reliability! We are looking to raise £16,000 and any donations or offer of assistance will be cheerily received!
And now we stumble again into the winter layup work....I wonder if they make mulled beer yet?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Monarch and Waverley
Amazing, after a good long time of Monarch running smoothly and with no problems we've managed to get out to sea!!
Who would have thought that after this miserable summer we'd have such glorious September weather! The sea was flat calm and we pottered around Bramble Bank for a while with a full load of passengers waiting for Waverley to appear.
I had a few tears at my position on the wheel as we blew whistles at each other with more than a faint realistion that our whistle is louder than theirs!!!
All had a great time, hope to be able to do it again!
Who would have thought that after this miserable summer we'd have such glorious September weather! The sea was flat calm and we pottered around Bramble Bank for a while with a full load of passengers waiting for Waverley to appear.
I had a few tears at my position on the wheel as we blew whistles at each other with more than a faint realistion that our whistle is louder than theirs!!!
All had a great time, hope to be able to do it again!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Cowes Week
How disappointing, even after a big splash in the county press no one wanted to come on a paddle steamer for cowes week-in Newport recently we have been getting full boat loads, but down here there just isn't any trade. Lots of pictures taken, but without punters we may as well stick a diesel engine in Monarch and leave it at that.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Alan Titchmarsh
Hooray for us!!
OK, so she didn't work immediately......
Our High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh (not a namesake....the actual one) was booked to join the Monarch at East Cowes Marina with some of his other civic chums to launch the Isle of Wight Walking festival. We couldn't get the blinking boiler feed pump to prime after fitting a super duper new filter to the feed line. Luckily Richard Morris from Thetis Taxis passed by and bought us some time by offering to pick him and his mates up and bring them to Island Harbour-if we managed to get Monarch working by then then they could jump off and join us, if not then he would take them into Newport. Guess what......
WE DID IT!!!!
Much whistle blowing and excitment from Carol (our MP's other half) and we landed our precious cargo at Newport Quay. We didn't tell them it was our first time as we think they'd have abandoned us!!
They sauntered off to make speeches and be posh, and we made preparations to leave.
She broke down again.
Luckily, Richard came up to Newport for a bit of a nose and he gave us a tow back to Binfield. Alan was making a speech so I don't think anyone noticed!!!!!!
Work continues.......
OK, so she didn't work immediately......
Our High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh (not a namesake....the actual one) was booked to join the Monarch at East Cowes Marina with some of his other civic chums to launch the Isle of Wight Walking festival. We couldn't get the blinking boiler feed pump to prime after fitting a super duper new filter to the feed line. Luckily Richard Morris from Thetis Taxis passed by and bought us some time by offering to pick him and his mates up and bring them to Island Harbour-if we managed to get Monarch working by then then they could jump off and join us, if not then he would take them into Newport. Guess what......
WE DID IT!!!!
Much whistle blowing and excitment from Carol (our MP's other half) and we landed our precious cargo at Newport Quay. We didn't tell them it was our first time as we think they'd have abandoned us!!
They sauntered off to make speeches and be posh, and we made preparations to leave.
She broke down again.
Luckily, Richard came up to Newport for a bit of a nose and he gave us a tow back to Binfield. Alan was making a speech so I don't think anyone noticed!!!!!!
Work continues.......
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Problems Problems
We've gone for several runs during which we have had the layshaft bevel gears come free (they were never tightened up in Kent), the water pump filter get blocked which gave us a low water situation resulting in burner cut out (thanks to Sally Taxis who helped us out whilst we drifted for a bit during which time Ian cleared the filters and pumped the boiler up by hand....he's good at that) and everything that holds water leaking.
We'll never be able to carry passengers at this rate!!
We've already had to cancel a couple of charters.
Work goes on....
We'll never be able to carry passengers at this rate!!
We've already had to cancel a couple of charters.
Work goes on....
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