Sundragon
Visit date: Easter 08
Jason Burnham writes: Dear CUCT, Just to let you know N.B.'Sundragon' navigated Froghall tunnel for the first time at Easter 2008.
I did have the cabin lowered on this boat by 2.5 inches, so you can imagine how pleased I was when she slid under the gauge at Poddy's lock with about 2-3 inches to spare at the corners. Stil think the gauge is a bit pessimistic as I seemed to have more clearance when I actually went into the tunnel.
I
motored through on tick-over and managed not to hit the tunnel roof - thought
I would try and get through before I painted the boat! - I need not have
worried. I emerged from the tunnel to a round of applause from a boater
who had walked to the basin (his boat wouldn't fit) - I tried really hard
not to be smug!
I thought the basin was fab and BW seem to have done a good job restoring the winter flood damage - it really is a great destination and a lovely spot from which to walk and explore the area.
Looks like I am part of a reasonably exclusive club who can use the facilities at Froghall. This is a shame. I know the tunnel is low but a fair proportion of the blame should be placed with current boat builders. My boat has an air draught of about 5' 2" at the bow and a max draught of 26" at the widest point at the stern. The internal headroom is 6' 4"- which I would say is adequate for most boaters. I fitted the boat myself so was able to make the necessary adjustments to floor and ceiling etc. Why on earth are these tall boats necessary? However, it was a real thrill to navigate the tunnel for the first time and I am looking forward to coming back again!
Sure enough, he was back a year later! This is his update from the visit at Easter 09:
The Club went down to Cherry Eye bridge for the Easter cruise again this year. With the boat now fully painted I thought I would send a new photo for your website.
Slipped throught the tunnel again with no problems - didn't scratch
any paint ! It was a lovely sunny afternoon and as before I had the basin
to myself.
Kind Regards,
Jason Burnham.
Nice paint job Jason! Note that the photo of a boat in the tunnel on the main Froghall page is also of Sundragon on the Easter 09 trip. Its such a great shot we wanted to be sure that everyone would see it!