Bream

Visit dates: May 2004, July 2005, August 2010

Former FMC working boat Bream has visited Froghall several times. On the first occasion, it was proved that it is not quite possible to turn a 70'6" boat in the winding hole before the tunnel. This is illustrated below.

Various roof fittings made it impossible to pass through the tunnel even though most of the boat fitted the profile. The photo on the FAQ page, which is of Bream, illustrates this. A team of willing volunteers bowhauled (sternhauled?) the boat two miles back to Flint Mill lock as this was found to be quicker than using the engine as the deep-drafted boat would not steer well in reverse.

The second visit was on the weekend of the re-opening of Froghall Basin. Knowing from past experience that the boat could not turn or pass the tunnel, arrangements were made for a tow back to the winding hole behind Endon Wildrose. This was a far more successful technique and the two-hour reverse journey time from the earlier trip was better than halved.

Following a refit during which changes were made to both the cratch and roof fittings the boat returned to Froghall in August 2010. The new cratch was taken down and the boat managed to fit through the tunnel, with less than two inches to spare on the front corners of the cabin at the lowest point.