Supply Boat Repair

Peter Moore describes an error of judgement and the outcome thereof

Some while ago before dawn I went to our supply boat which is kept on a mud berth in Maldon. We had placed a large water tank on the boat to deliver fresh water in bulk. As you all will know!, a ton of water is 224 gallons but I found that the tank would take 250 gallons, and so filled it brim full, and then put another 30 gallons in to plastic drums.

The boat was thus very heavy and when stepping on board expecting it to move under my weight, it moved not at all. So while surrounded by water, it was not floating. If the river was flowing upstream there was time to wait until the boat floated, but the water was still so it was a situation of now or never. I started the motor and went ahead, where the boat travelled a foot or so and stopped. So I tried astern and it went back maybe two feet. Rather than wake all the residents sleeping on their houseboats I went astern with a lot of throttle and, albeit rather slowly, the boat floated free. Then there was a need to turn to Port and head down river but the wheel would not move as surely the steering was full of impacted mud.

By this time the stern had collided with the far side of the river and the boat was floating sideways downstream out of control, which was not good. But by gently working the wheel back and forth it eventually achieved full travel and the boat then steered normally. At was at this point that I realised, in the hurry to depart, my bag, with food and comforts, hat, gloves and phone was still on the jetty. But turning back was not possible.

Usually there is no point in hurrying down to Bradwell as the tide has to go out and then come back in to provide water at Maldon but as I was slowly freezing, more throttle was applied. The supply boat was secured alongside Revenge, water was pumped across and all was well.

When time came to depart, boatman Howard who has the attitude to always use a lot of engine power, advised me to pull away vigorously, but on doing so the remains of my steering gear was expelled from the stern along with noise and vibration of something striking the prop. I had to accept a tow, kindly offered by Howard (though I doubt he will ever let me forget it) back to the mud berth. At low tide the next day it was noted that most of the steering cowl was lying on the mud. What must have remained in order for the boat to steer at all is a mystery.

Some thought was given to making a repair in situ, but this was a nonsense, so the boat was craned on to hard standing at Noddy Cardy’s boatyard. The destroyed steering was a glass fibre cowl around the propeller which deflected the water flow but this was not precise. In discussion we decided to make a new conventional rudder with a large blade and further, rather than making a flat plate, to shape the rudder so as to increase the turning force. This required the stern tube and propellor shaft to be shortened, which created a major task.

Boats that live on drying moorings tend not to attract marine growth, but we pressure washed the hull anyway and I spent many uncomfortable hours applying new paint using a long handled roller. Years in the open air had destroyed the wheelhouse roof, but while a complete rebuild and re-design is needed, a ‘good enough for now ‘ repair has been made using hard plastic sheeting which is waterproof and surprisingly strong.

While trying to make few concessions to age, cold weather defeats me and renders me immobile but a cabin heater is being installed that will make the wheelhouse toasty warm. In closing, our boatman Nicky Boyce also decided to force his fishing boat through mud and shallow water on leaving Bradwell Marina, but wrecked his gearbox in the process, with a massive repair bill. So I got off lightly. Just to say, no charity money was used for my or his repair. I remind you also that the supply boat was gifted to us by Roland and Viviane Beaney some time ago.

Quo’s Francis Rossi becomes Patron of Caroline's Ross Revenge Charity

Status Quo frontman, Francis Rossi, has officially become a patron of Radio Caroline's charity MV Ross Revenge Home of Radio Caroline, established two years ago to drive vital fundraising efforts to restore and preserve the historic former pirate radio ship, Ross Revenge.

Rossi lends his support the charity at a pivotal moment, with Ross Revenge needing urgent structural repairs in dry dock to secure its future as a key piece of broadcast history.

Radio Caroline, the legendary offshore radio station that transformed UK radio in the 1960s, has taken a major step in safeguarding its legacy by setting up a dedicated charity focused on raising funds for Ross Revenge. Since taking to the waves in 1983, Ross Revenge has served as an important symbol of independent broadcasting, resilience, and freedom of expression, anchored in the hearts of millions of listeners and fans. The station still regularly broadcasts from the vessel today.

Despite being maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers, extensive wear from years at sea means that Ross Revenge requires urgent structural repairs, requiring it to be taken to dry dock. These repairs are crucial to maintain the ship’s structural integrity and ensure its survival as an important part of both broadcasting and deep sea fishing history.

"The Ross Revenge is more than just a ship, it is an important part of British musical history that deserves to be preserved," said Francis Rossi. "Radio Caroline allowed many bands like ours to be heard – and I am glad now to repay the favour by lending my own voice in support of this project."

Radio Caroline station manager Peter Moore said: "We are thrilled to welcome Francis Rossi as a patron for this important cause. His support, along with the public’s generosity, is essential to protect Ross Revenge and all it represents. We’re determined to secure a future for this legendary ship, and with Francis on board, we’re confident that our goal will resonate with even more people."

Radio Caroline’s new charity initiative aims to generate the support needed to cover dry docking costs and conduct essential repairs that will extend the ship’s life for years to come.

Ross Revenge is on the National Historic Ships register.