With KC afloat once again following the first and major part of her rebuild naval architect Geoff Wilford, accompanied by MCA surveyor Simon Judge, conducted a Heel Test to check the ship’s stability on Thursday 6th July. A pendulum was set up on the foredeck next to the forward saloon entrance to measure how much the ship listed with weights representing passengers moved about to different positions.
A second pendulum was set up under the awning.
Weights were moved from one position to another led by KC’s master Richard Swinglehurst and readings were taken.
Notes were compared.
Then it was off in a boat with shipyard manager Richie James to check the freeboard forward.
Then aft.
Then amidships
Then there were calculations and discussions with engineering director Paul Merrington.
Work is continuing apace to put everything back together and it is anticipated that running trials with the MCA will be conducted next week.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2023 after the first part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years running on the River Dart. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for the second phase of the rebuild. You can read more about the rebuilds and how you can help if you can here.
John Megoran
