To quote John Stancliffe, the
owner of “Merlion”,
our most recent winner of the Osland Trophy TTBR 2005.
“Everything
you said about the quality of the Stanley & Thomas
team’s work proved to be absolutely right. It has
been an eye- opener to watch them over the last two years.
What a thrill to see that such skills still exist on the
river.”
|
|
| Trophies
Won: |
|
Osland
Trophy (best structural restoration) 2005
Runner up for Sheila Bourne Trophy (Best in Show) 2005. |
| Year
Built: |
|
Circa. 1921
Salter Brothers, Oxford |
| When
Restored: |
| 2004
/ 05 |
| Type: |
| 32ft
Gentleman's Beaver Stern Cabin Launch |
| Description
of Renovation: |
|
Formally known as "Magaretta",
Merlion's earliest trace is to the River Cam in 1967, the
boat was found sunk on the bottom of the River Trent and at
this time a restoration was carried out. The boat was brought
to the River Thames and when she was pulled out by the boatyard
in 2000 the boat had deteriorated to the point that she was
unriver worthy. A new owner was found and Stanley & Thomas
set about restoring her completely from the keel up. Most
of the planking and all of the timbers in the hull were replaced.
The engine was removed and a restored 6 cylinder Gray Marine
engine was installed by Dean Marine. A new cabin was designed
and built in Mahogany with beautiful carvings. A removable canopy
over the foredeck completed the look of the period. |
|
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