Both rest and activity. This morning a call was made to Braidbar and in turn to Tim Tyler who built the shell and hence the original steering gear. Would a replacement rudder be avaialble? It seemed not, but a better design of helm was perfectly possible and would be no problem to fit. The boat just needs to come out of the water - but where. Friends had suggested Lymm Boat Club. Perhaps as members of the Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs, they could help as they had a slipway. Putting these suggestions back to RCR set more phone calls in operation, but without a tow (realistically breasted up on the Rochdale and Bridgewater would be the only option) we would get nowhere. Meanwhile our engineer, David Ormerod of Bronte Boats arrived, dismantled our handiwork and removed the rudder stock which proved it was indeed bent. There were a lot of dicussions between us, David and RCR. Could he fix up a temporary rudder. Now it just so happened that on the other side of the marina fence a team of demolition experts were cutting up a bridge and heavy sheet metal was present. Could the fitter cut us a rudder plate? How big do you want it?
David drilled a couple of holes, aquired some bolts and bolted this plate to our helm. We tested it and it worked well. Now no need for a tow. Our insurance company (Haven Knox Johnson) had been informed of our accident at the outset and RCR were in touch with them at all stages of this story. Now we had to put all these pieces together for a working plan to resolve our problem. Signs were promising. Tim Tyler had a working arrangement with Lymm Marina and their slipway might be available. The rest of the day was spent at the marina in hot sunshine. We did some shopping. Ben, the marina supervisor had been visiting and couldn't have been more helpful, as had other boaters when we arrived the night before, making space for us. The marina is 48 hours free, then £10 per day come what (or £50 per week). Pump out £8. Elsan, water also.
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