Whilst on holiday with the Mate based in a cottage in Holt, N. Norfolk recently we came across by complete accident a lovely museum dealing with boats of the Norfolk coast.
The museum, a working boatyard as well, is based at the former artillery training ground at Stiffkey. The site has all sorts within its bounds as well as caravan and holiday parks.
See: http://www.rescuewoodenboats.com/
The old working boats of the coast are unique to the local coast with its open beaches to the south on the curve from Sherringham to Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft and the shallow creeks that riddle the saltings on the more northern facing coast, running round to Kings Lynn.
The museum has a bent for lifeboats but has film footage of craftsmen (people) at work, artefacts and a spritsail barge model even, but it was the boat shed that lit my eyes. I think we got invited to view it as we (mate on the whole) got talking to staff about our own clinker sloop…
It was a howler dank sort of day, not really conducive to pottering, but we are hardy folk!
Inside the shed we met the resident boat builder and restorer, David Hewitt. He was actually star of one of the film clips in the main display shed. Chatting, I mentioned we owned a Finesse 24. His eyebrows raised as he said, fine boats … pity about the nailed decks! Indeed…
He had worked on two 24s locally and knew of a F21 along the coast which he had also done work on.
The boat builder told us a little about an old craft in the shed – in for some conservation as she was not on the radar for much else unless funding could be magicked up…
I was a little surprised at a lack of gunnel timbers at the top of the hull planking, but that was the way she was built.
A new vessel along similar lines was under construction with her hull all planked up ready for finishing.
Note the very deep sheerstrake plank also the wide gunnel,almost like a very narrow side deck.
Her propeller shaft was in and her engine beds were being set up ready to set up a small diesel engine.
Internal and external painting was not far off.
Within the shed too were a couple of boats receiving repair attention. One, seen above, had a large number of new ribs being fitted.
Further along the coast in Wells Harbour is a pontoon where a number of craft associated with the Boat Rescue Project are berthed. During summer months excursion outings can be booked…
Explore the web site and its sister site of the Coastal Exploration Company – fascinating stuff.
If you happen along that coastline in your travels, the museum and workshops are a worthwhile stop point. There is a cafe to quench thirst and post breakfast pangs too!