SS Freshspring

An interesting visitor at Sharpness this weekend, Steamship Freshspring arrived ready to go into Dry Dock for hull repairs. SS Freshspring, originally a coal fired steamship, was first launched in August 1946, she sailed to her permanent base in Malta in February 1947 and served as a water carrier and fire tender. She is the last surviving Fresh class water carrier built for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and she will be converted to carry cruise passengers while preserving the past and educating and inspiring knowledge for future generations. http://www.ssfreshspring.co.uk

Not something you see every day! The 38m Wye Invader photographed in July 2013 in “The Parting” travelling North to Worcester from Gloucester. A rope had become entangled round the prop and she pulled into the side to have it removed, a Narrowboat travelling in the same direction came round a bend and the owners took this photograph which they kindly sent on to us. On her return, Wye Invader navigated “The Parting” backwards to keep her speed down! If anyone has any photos of Wye Invader on her trip to Worcester or return to Sharpness in July 2013 we’d love to have a copy - Get in touch via our website at www.wyeinvader.uk

The Parting - New Video online.

The 3.5 mile 'cut' north of Gloucester from the River Severn to Gloucester Docks is often avoided by those who might have heard horror stories about it! - Here, Wye Invader Two gives you a 'Real Time' guided journey down "The Parting" to the lock at Gloucester on the Wye Invader Two Website

New throttle cable for Wye Invader Two

About three weeks ago Wye Invader Two was put in the Canal after 6 months of repairs, the first test run was to Saul Junction, about 14 miles in all, then back to Sharpness with no problems and all seemed to be fine.

The boat was secured at the mooring until the following weekend when, as normal I started the engine, I put the gear into position and moved slow astern, when the boat was clear of the mooring I couldn't increase the speed, all I could do was select forward and astern.

2 hours later and after removing the Morse gear controls, the problem turned out to be the accelerator cable not secured and touching the hot exhaust, melting the cable, it was 3 metres long and should have only been 2 metres long, so a new cable was ordered and fitted. 

 

 

Wye Invader 1990

Wye Invader moored just upstream of the New Bridge Hereford, adjacent to the South Bank and opposite Hereford Rowing Club. The original photo was taken in March 1990 following a trip further upstream towards Hay-on-Wye. Wye Invader only made it as far as Monnington Falls before having to return due to lack of water. As the original negative had been lost, this photo was taken from a large framed print that hung in the bar of The Saracens Head for around 14 years, when the pub closed I asked Des, the Landlord if I could have the print, the pub has since re-opened.

and we're back in the water.....

After being lifted out in October 2015 and following nearly 6 months work, Wye Invader Two was lowered back in the Marina on May 9th 2016. See our website for the details and photo's.

New Gearbox and Drive plate fitted

The new gearbox and drive plate arrived just after Christmas and were fitted in early February. We took the opportunity to replace the 2 high pressure oil feed and return pipes at the same time. While the engine was out the fuel pipes were replaced with the correct marine quality fire resistant rubber pipe.

The Engine assembly was refitted the weekend Saturday 26 February and started Saturday 2 April