SS22 Inspiration
traditional Cornish cove boat

Originally, the Inspiration, built for owners in Cadgwith as the Chimara. Materials and methods used in the rebuilt boat have been combined with more modern technologies available and required of an inshore fishing boat these days by the MCA.

The boat is equipped with a number of modern aids to safety, navigation and fish finding. With Dick Ede at the helm, much of the time the boat will be fished using shore marks passed down to him or learned from years of experience working the rocky coastline to Lands End. A small set of navigation lights and the all-important radar reflector tops the mast in order to make passing vessels aware of her presence in poor visibility.

Starting life as a cove boat built in 1976, she has now had any damaged or rotten timbers above and below the waterline replaced with new oak frames and larch planks.

Slideshow of restoration work - click here

The original engine, a 9hp Stuart Turner was removed after she was purchased and a hunt was made for a suitable replacement. After many months of deliberation and debate around the local Mission tables, two 18hp engines and gearboxes were salvaged, stripped and rebuilt to provide a new main engine with plenty of spare parts now in store.

Not for the feint-hearted, the heavyweight two cylinder Petter 18hp engine requires hand starting. With a 16" propeller the boat can circle slowly, a technique known as 'wiffing', used in the summer months when fishing for small shoals of elusive mackerel.

On the 8th of the 8th 2008, the boat was launched several hours before high water from a small trailer. With the boat having been out of the water for many months it was decided to sink her out in the harbour to allow the new timbers to 'take up' and become watertight.

View the launch movie