Boatdreams

Robin Watson Yacht and Boat Builder

Marian, a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter was originally built by Hambly of Cardiff in 1889. She was commissioned by the Cardiff pilot John Morse. Marian measures 50ft on deck, 12ft 6in beam and 8ft draught.

Marianne, as she was called when she arrived at Gweek Quay Boatyard, turned out to be a total rebuild project. Work starting with an ekki keel and sternpost followed by English oak stem, deadwoods, floors and frames. When these were in place the new larch planking was screwed to the frames. As with all the fastenings, the screws were bronze.

The interior was fitted out with a traditional feel. She had painted T&G bulkheads and fielded panelling, the surfaces of varnished French oak. She now has a 65hp Perkins diesel driving two propellers through hydraulic drives instead of the original single quarter prop. The original mast was found to rotten, so a new mast, some six feet higher, was laminated from clear douglas fir. The bowsprit was also lengthened to produce a balanced more powerful rig.

After two and half years the team comprising of: Marine Surveyor, David Cox; Chief Shipwright, David Walkey and shipwrights Mike Lyon and myself were proud to see the new Marianne emerge. Her beauty was sealed by the brush of Ken Heys, finishing her in a traditional manner.

Dominic Ziegler, Marianne’s owner, decided to role back the clocks and return the pilot cutter to her original name of Marian. Marian was re launched completing the transformation of tired old lady to reborn pilot cutter with many of her original features restored.

Now Marian is afloat again, taking part in pilot cutter races, cruises and traditional boat festivals. She is also being used for chartering.