Narrowboat Rudder / Ellum Replaced, Historic Butty boat repairs | Grand Union Canal

[@gismoheslo]

Several years ago (think at least 25 years) a skipper of a boat dislodged the lower fixing of the rudder of the charity boat he was taking through a lock. My son at that time had a hobby of wreck diving. So I persuaded him to drive up and help. He went in the cut with a complete frogman's outfit. Tank, bubbles and all. Reset the rudder in a few minutes. Fantastic sights for all the gongoozlers hanging about City Road Basin.

[@ssliberte]

Way to go Butty!

[@StarCraftsontheCanal]

Thanks for watching

[@NorthernNarrowboaters]

So interesting to watch. Nice but if scenery behind you too c

[@StarCraftsontheCanal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Misterwhistle]

Preventive maintenance is so satisfying. 👍

[@StarCraftsontheCanal]

Absolutely

[@DEmma1972]

Love how the rudder is held on by gravity

[@StarCraftsontheCanal]

Simply engineering, it has what’s called a ‘Jump Strap’ on it so if it hits bottom it should stop it jumping out.

[@chrisrand5185]

I wondered how you were going to locate the lower pin and soon found out: the cold wet way. I find it difficult enough to fit the ellum on my 1/27th scale star class pair, let alone the full size boat. I have a retaining chain on mine for fear of losing it while out on the cut.

[@StarCraftsontheCanal]

it was COLD! Yes this vellum is also chained on along with a jump strap. Would love to see your models.

[@chrisrand5185]

@@StarCraftsontheCanal I have uploaded a video of their maiden trip last March at th-cam.com/video/ccttWWGReRs/w-d-xo.html