Old Boats and Boatmen

Looking at the two photos below reminds me of an interesting conversation I had with an old boatman a few months ago.

He noticed the lack of rivets around the counter wrapper plate and correctly deduced it had been replated in that area, no "washers" having been used.  He then went on to say words to the effect, "I thought as much.  They have lost a lot of the upswing in the counter in the rebuilding".

As I look at the photos and compare, my feeling if anything, is that she has gained a fraction MORE upswing.

The moral of this story to me is, listen carefully to old boatmen, they have a lot of useful knowledge to impart, but don't take it all as gospel.  Time plays tricks on old memories as I am finding out as I grow older.

George

Having mentioned BADGER I thought I would just put up a couple of photos of her for anyone who does  not know her.

The first photo is her present appearance and the second is how she looked when new.

Sandbach has now been sold.  Thank you to all who have shown an interest in her and she has gone to a good home with a couple who have a long history in ex working boats.

George