Wildsailing; "Mad Ray"

16/08/2026

Beta 10hp checked over, Coolant system flushed out and de-scaled. A fresh coat of paint and the new gearbox installed.

16/08/2026

Second (and last) plank replaced. There are a few more to repair, and also some to keep a close eye on for future repair/replacement. Next major job will be replacing some of the frames and thinking about them there knees..

16/08/2026

We are blessed at the boatyard to have Stuart, who lives on a boat but always wanted a garden. So the marina lets him cultivate a corner of the yard, and fortunately they plonked the “Fiddle” in that corner surrounded by greenery.

05/08/2026

Some thoughts on interior space. ….What I’ve always liked about Bawleys apart from the rig, is their wide uncluttered decks. Bawleys have very little interior space, and surprisingly enough even with a large cabin they still have very little interior space which is then compounded by little deck space, ….therefore Fiddle’s going back to how God intended her, wide uncluttered decks and a minimal interior... similar to these pictures of "Lilian" and "Marigold"

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Testing the replacement engine for the “Fiddle”. ...An old Beta 10hp, It’s already known around the boatyard as the ‘Egg Whisk’! ...Plan to fit a two bladed prop that can ‘hide’ behind the stern post.

01/08/2026

Steaming the first plank.

01/08/2026

Where be the Knees? ...We have pulled the interior out of the “Fiddle” to get access, and a good look at the hull. Three Ribs to replace and two planks up forard. ….Noticed there is a distinct lack of hanging or lodging knees by way of mast, Any of you Bawley Boys out there know whether that’s typical for a small Bawley? or maybe the knees could have been removed and not replaced at some stage in her life?

25/07/2026

Removed aft cabin to expose the original cockpit carlins, and give better access for the work on the hull. Started to remove the interior as pockets of rot seem to have taken hold on the interior trim without (so far) migrating to the hull.

25/07/2026

Lifting Fiddle onto the hard, underwater planks seem in fairly good condition, mostly Oak and Elm. Other than the two we had marked earlier that were pine and rotten. a few tingles are in evidence , but after all "A tingle a day keeps Neptune away!"