Safe Hand

Safe Hand's mooring in Northwich is courtesy of Northwich Drydock Co . I seriously cannot recommend these peeps highly enough, whatever the scale or scope of your work, the Drydock team are on hand to assist, support and enable.  First on the list was how to get aboard? The wooden ramp made for use at Saltersford locks was more of a nuisance than a help here.   These steel steps were simple to fabricate and are light enough to move single handed. They lock onto the kickboard, and scaffold clamps on the lower stays allow adjustment for hull curvature. Handrails may be added in the future, but so far I have not felt the need. Up to now, AC electrical power has been supplied by a 10Kva 230v diesel generator. Now there is access to a shore supply, I will use this paint storage locker to house the necessary equipment. Disconnect, metering, RCD / overload protection, and a 7Kva isolation transformer, all in a nice compact space.   The transformer is essential fo

After a short stay at Acton bridge over the the Easter holiday, CRT swung the bridge open for us and Safe Hand continued up the River Weaver. Our next stop was Saltersford Locks lower mooring.   Engineering works to the sluice mechanism prevented the lock from being cycled, and despite being near completion as we arrived, complications arose and this picturesque mooring wound up as base camp throughout the summer of 2019. Without access to dock facilities, decent surface preparation is not practical, so the worst of the scale is scraped off and a thick coat of Jotun marine primer gets applied.  This rough and ready paint job will prevent further deterioration during conversion, and I won't mind if it gets a bit scuffed up during the heavy work still to come. Topcoat begins to transform Safe Hand's rust streaked appearance, and also serves as a declaration of intent to restore. Several passers by had commented on her shabby looks, and some pictures turned up in

This manifold was for shore connection, and allowed unloading and offloading of cargo. The main engine drove a centrifugal pump capable of moving approximately 238,000 litres of oil per hour.   In order to allow easy access to the cargo bay, this 6" pipework will have to be removed, and a new bit of boat added. With drip trays and end caps removed, the full size of the manifold becomes clear. I had planned to unbolt and remove a piece at a time, but my friendly neighbours from Huskisson welding turned up with their forklift and removed it in one go. Thanks guys. Now the space is cleared, new construction can begin. This will form the cover over the staircase, as well as providing additional headroom over the mezzanine floor.   The plan was to create an angular addition with a large flat front, following the style of the store room and galley. After fitting the starboard side and standing back, I did not feel that this looked right. After a little experimenta

After successful dock trials, Safe Hand leaves Huskisson dock via Gladstone lock, and makes her way up the river Mersey.

After a layup of nearly two years, Safe Hand sets off on a shakedown around the Liverpool dock network, a carpet of seaweed and marine life in her wake.  A temporary stop whilst final preparations are made to cross the river Mersey.