The Steamboating Forum

Well done! A lovely boat that performs to expectations. That is a real success.
Hope you get to have many more such days.

Pete

Thanks, Pete.
We are looking forward to many miles of fun steaming and gunk-holing.
Or just "...messing about in boats..." as a famous author stated.
RussN

Today we got Cluaran back on the waters of the Columbus River for a second hour of happy steam boating.
This was the first ride for my Wife, and she had a blast! So Cluaran is now drained, blown out, washed
and tucked away in the garage for the winter, which has been hinting of arriving soon. ...ish...

And just maybe we might take her out again, if the right circumstances arrive...
Really wonderful to be enjoying all that work to get her in this good condition.

Interestingly a Steam Friend of mine gave me a copy of UK "Light Steam Power" Magazine dated 1965 with an article by Cliff Blackstaffe,
who made the power plant in Cluaran. The included photo shows Cluaran in her original condition, probably the year she was hatched.
And she surprisingly survived in nearly original condition. I am pleased.
RussN

Happy New Year to you all. Looks like things in the USA will be getting better immediately!

A small teaser photo from last September 30th. Wife's first ride.
Looking forward to more in the future, but snow is arriving again today.
RussN

Beautiful boat. Plum stem and excellent sheer line.

Thanks DT. I agree.
Swift too.
RussN

In preparation for steaming this year, I finally got the boat's new name planted on the stern, along with the required Thistle symbol.
That way people will know what the heck "Cluaran" means! Gaelic for Thistle.
Appropriate for a boat designed by two Scotsmen: Douglass and McLeod.
'Sure looks nice to my eyes.
At Thistle sailing regattas, they still often have a Bagpiper accompanying the boats as they cross the finish line.
I think I will need a bagpiper...

Let's go steaming.
RussN

... I think I will need a bagpiper...

Wish you success

Lastest news: No steaming since that September 2020 fun.

First Covid-19 shut us down, and then In July 2021 my wife had a paralyzing stroke. So my life since then has been caring for her.
After 3 months in hospitals I got her home on Oct. 10th, in a wheelchair. Happily she's again walking talking and making daily progress toward recovery.
So we expect to enjoy some steaming in Cluaran this summer.

I recently finally got a padded carry bag for Cluaran's mahogany rudder, to keep it protected during transport.
Made by a local wind-surfing-sail-plus company, it is really nice. Exceeds my expectations.
I'd really hate to have to purchase a single piece of mahogany like that. Probably couldn't afford it!
'Looking forward to some steaming again.
RussN

That's a lovely bag for your rudder. Wayward belle has a removable rudder as well, and I never can find a good spot for it. I may have to steal your idea.