THE BLUE CIRCLE LINE
MV "PORTLAND"
the history, the project & the pictorial story so far!
(Its Full Steam Ahead !)
February 2006
A Brief History
Privately built some years ago in Galloway, Scotland, the boat known as "Carran" was used for fishing and leisure in the Solway Firth for many years. Upon the passing of her owner and original builder, the vessel lay unused for many years until February 2006, when she was transported by road to Fairlie Quay, North Ayrshire .
On Wed 15 February 2006, "Carran" was hoisted into the Firth of Clyde and towed to her new home in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
These pictures show "Carran" lying ashore in Galloway, prior to her road journey north,
and here she is being hoisted onto the road trailer, prior to her journey North,
Specification/Design
Built from cement composite, she is 23 feet long, has fibreglass topsides which provides a forward cabin with cooking facilities, sleeping accommodation and one head.
The Project
The project will entail rebuilding of the deck, removal and replacement of the wooden wheelhouse section, repair/re-surface of some hull sections, engine installation and complete re-painting. After fitting out with VHF radio, depth sounder, GPS navigation and all safety equipment, it's hoped the newly-named "Portland" will be afloat for mid-late Summer 2006.
To date, the following pictures show the progress of "Carran" from Fairlie,
to Millport Inner Harbour, 
then to Stewart McIntyres' Yard for hoisting back out,
.
Work has commenced on the project and the following pictures show the removal of the wooden wheelhouse section:
The sections removed will be retained to provide a template for constructing the new wheelhouse.
Here are some more February pictures of work completed to date:
March 2006
Work has continued apace and the hull inner surface transformed from the picture above displaying the steel strengthening framework above to a new surface as shown here:
Repairs to the skeg have also been carried out and the original condition can be compared to the replacement as follows:
The next stages of the project are:
Clean out, paint the inner hull
Replace steel deck support
Install recently acquired engine & gearbox
And......... as if by magic.......................................
Already we are progressing with the aforementioned plan, the new deck supports are in place and in the second pic you can see the stainless fuel tank has been freed for cleaning and will be re-sited to the stern of the boat.
The engine, a Perkins 4107 providing around 45hp has been acquired as shown below and will be put onto newly cast engine mounts:
A lot of hard work has resulted in the black paint on the hull being removed. The hull will be smoothed and then keyed prior to repainting,
and as can be seen here, it is now completed and ready, in the process of some filling and ready for re-painting (and its not even the end of March yet...........could be in the water by Easter !!!!)
April 2006
Extensive work continues, the hull has been coated in resin, the stern section fitted. The top half of the hull has been undercoated. All this can bee seen in the following pictures.....
The next plan is to fit the engine assembly, cut & fit wheelhouse structure and windows, complete deck panelling. Once these parts are completed, we can consider putting in the gunwales and fitting out the wheelhouse.
May 2006
These next photos show we have the engine in place on its assembly and most of the deck has now been competed.......
Next, its rebuilding the wheelhouse..............
Despite the Skipper saying he's been held up by the fotiegraffer (!!!), progress has moved on apace, as can be seen here:
The following sequence shows the rebuilding of the wheelhouse, in similar proportion to the original:
Next tasks are to coat wood in resin & fibreglass, paint and start installing electronics & electrics.
The Portland Boat Builders have made a further acquisition, staff are presently terrified it will be rebuilt around them.
June 2006
Work aplenty has been carried out by Capt "Carver" of the MV Portland ! (Always slice towards yer freens Capt'n!!)
As you can see from the following pictures the craft is now really taking shape:
The exterior now really taking shape, its full steam ahead for the finishing external touches. Work ongoing internally to install instrument binnacle, engine controls, wiring, steering gear etc. Hopefully Capt Carver will have the crew & passengers in stitches soon ( and not his thumb!!)
(Note from webmaster.....notice I avoided any computer jokes about thumbnailing !!nuff said!)
Keep up the good work, the sun's shining!
July 2006
Less than 5 months from Portlands' arrival, the progress is outstanding. The engine tested and running, electrics installed. MV Portland is days away from entering the Clyde. Here is how she looks now, looking mighty fine!.......
Well done!
Work will continue on the interior throughout the rest of the season & winter, keep watching to see the progress. If the interior ends up transformed to the same level as the exterior, P & O Cruises better watch out!
1st September 2006, LAUNCH DAY!
As a result of all the hard work to date, Mick & Craig were able to launch MV Portland today and all went according to plan:
Engine, electrics, everything all working as planned, MV Portland achieved 8kts on her maiden voyage and only some small cosmetic jobs remain to be carried out over the winter months!
So basically as a reminder of what has been achieved here is the before and after pics,
From this .......
to this.........................MAGIC!!
Well done guys and happy sailing!
Keep Watching !
