We brought “Smuggler” back from Wappenbury and housed her in the showroom at Jalsea Marine in Northwich, Cheshire, under the watchful eye of the owner ‘Johnny Allen’ and ‘Norman’ the site security officer, a formidable character! Here began an immense effort to re-build and finish “Smuggler” to what we then believed to be her original form.

B26 / ML117 SMUGGLER at JALSEA MARINE in NORTHWICH, 1991

A close-pitch between frames coupled with ‘low cross-sectional area’ provides additional strength to a hull by allowing it to torsionally “twist” along its longitudinal axis when moving from forward to reverse - and back again. “Smuggler’s” hull is lightly planked to facilitate this ‘torsional twist’ feature along her central axis. Copper nails through the low profile frame sections are clenched and roved throughout the boat to enable this feature.

Original items that remain following her extensive restoration are; Keel; Topside Honduras Mahogany planking; Gunwales, Stem-piece; Stern-Post, Port-lights, Cleats, Fairleads, Petrol-filler Caps; Stuffing-box; Propeller / shaft and Stern-tube assembly); Ships-wheel, (complete with Chain, Cables, Runners and Quadrant), and the 28 h.p. Henry Meadows Kittiwake petrol engine (circa 1925) - Now removed.

The pitch between centres of each oak frame is just 4.5” in order to provide sufficient strength to Smuggler’s hull when broaching in heavy seas.

Note: - An effective 'Broaching Characteristic’ is essential to keep the boat on station, especially in a deep swell during ship-to-shore goods and personnel transfers.

The cross-section of each rubbing band was altered to stop short of the bow to reduce water welling, maintaining longevity of the boat’s hull (both rubbing-bands previously went to the stem). Smuggler’s quarter-badges were similarly modified in section to reduce water-welling.

It is most likely that Smuggler’s port-lights and side strakes were later additions.  On the plane at just Six-knots she is fast and truly a racing boat with her “Brooke 65-F/10” marine motor. However, before she went to the Torpedo Range (1910-1912), she would be carrying no excess “Weight”. Brooke’s only ever built one 32’ boat, the keel for which was laid down in 1910 (i.e. same year as her lumber order). It is believed that “Smuggler” was initially built as an early racing craft without a Cabin (1910-1912), possibly as a test bed for early Brooke racing trials using the 65-F/10 (1910) Marine Motor. Not until contract CP4443/12 came along in 1912 did B26/117 did she have her Low Cabin (three windows to each side) as seen below!

Admiralty contract placement was on 13th Jan. 1913. Smuggler’s release to Service date was on 24th March 1913, leaving just 50-days (or 10-weeks) to build a brand new wooden (racing) boat!
Peter Hansford considered this scenario “unlikely” as boat ML 117 was already in being. If so, for lightness she may possibly have not carried any side strakes or Port-lights. If the photo of her on the range is anything to go by, her cabin may well have been a later addition.

“Smuggler” was taken to Windermere in 1991 and won two awards A First for the ‘People’s Favourite’, and a second award for ‘Best Pre-War Restoration’ category.

Smuggler is powered today by a Brooke 40-F28/30’ (103 h.p.) ‘Hundred’ Marine-motor of 1928 vintage. This is the replacement to the 65-F/10 Marine Motor.