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Restoration
As mentioned on the home page Asco is a 1941 Admiralty 60ft Seagoing Motor Boat and our intention is to restore her to her original. In order to achieve an accurate restoration we were in need of drawings. Our search for these has borne fruit thanks to Terry Holtham of The World Ships Society we were able to find numerous useful constructional and detail drawings of mainly RAF Pinnaces, same boat as 4195, from the RAF Museum at Hendon.
Work started in 2000 with the boat lifted out of the water we were able to have the hull grit blasted to remove all of the old coatings. This also exposed any defective areas. Once everything was dry and stable we were able to set about removing and replacing any planking and framing as necessary. The transom was completely renewed along with some areas of planking amidships both port and starboard. Epoxy sheathing using West System was the next operation starting from the keel and working upwards to the gunwale. With the keel finally receiving six layers of 600g cloth and epoxy which completed the hull.
After grit blasting all the internal hull, numerous coats of International epoxy paints were applied both externally and internally giving her a high degree of protection. The colour scheme grey and black is as original.
Decks forward of the step were taken back to the original (at some point laid decks were installed) we have now sheathed with Robbins Elite marine ply and a layer of epoxy glass on top. Aft decks and framing had been messed with in the extreme leaving us with no choice but to start again. So the whole of the aft deck and superstructure was removed and replaced back to the 1941 original which includes a covered hold with a removable cargo hatch.
The Wheelhouse had long gone. It has now been restructured with Robbins Elite marine plywood and toughened glass screens, Iroko framing and Cedar deckhead. Iroko and ply paneling make up the internal bulkheads.
We have started on the internal fit out having rebuilt the amidships missing watertight bulkhead and partially completed each accommodation area. With electrical systems steering and engines underway we are aiming to have all main systems in place this year.
The mast is now complete fittings are currently bieng fabricated and galvanised we hope to step the mast soon. We had the good fortune of sourcing the correct sized portoles for the hold and these are now fitted.
We are constantly attempting to source original fittings etc. If anyone could help in this direction we would be most grateful. Contact us via the feedback page on this site.
Pictures of the restoration can be viewed on the picture gallery
Work started in 2000 with the boat lifted out of the water we were able to have the hull grit blasted to remove all of the old coatings. This also exposed any defective areas. Once everything was dry and stable we were able to set about removing and replacing any planking and framing as necessary. The transom was completely renewed along with some areas of planking amidships both port and starboard. Epoxy sheathing using West System was the next operation starting from the keel and working upwards to the gunwale. With the keel finally receiving six layers of 600g cloth and epoxy which completed the hull.
After grit blasting all the internal hull, numerous coats of International epoxy paints were applied both externally and internally giving her a high degree of protection. The colour scheme grey and black is as original.
Decks forward of the step were taken back to the original (at some point laid decks were installed) we have now sheathed with Robbins Elite marine ply and a layer of epoxy glass on top. Aft decks and framing had been messed with in the extreme leaving us with no choice but to start again. So the whole of the aft deck and superstructure was removed and replaced back to the 1941 original which includes a covered hold with a removable cargo hatch.
The Wheelhouse had long gone. It has now been restructured with Robbins Elite marine plywood and toughened glass screens, Iroko framing and Cedar deckhead. Iroko and ply paneling make up the internal bulkheads.
We have started on the internal fit out having rebuilt the amidships missing watertight bulkhead and partially completed each accommodation area. With electrical systems steering and engines underway we are aiming to have all main systems in place this year.
The mast is now complete fittings are currently bieng fabricated and galvanised we hope to step the mast soon. We had the good fortune of sourcing the correct sized portoles for the hold and these are now fitted.
We are constantly attempting to source original fittings etc. If anyone could help in this direction we would be most grateful. Contact us via the feedback page on this site.
Pictures of the restoration can be viewed on the picture gallery
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