‘Brooke Boat 26 - from original 1910 Flush-Deck design to Previous Low Cabin introduced under Admiralty Contract CP4443/12 as used on Torpedo Range at Loch Long.

One bright spring morning in 1996, I decided to take David Brown and “Smuggler” out of Jalsea pool and up the cut onto the River Weaver. Cruising at about five-knots we nudged the throttle up to Six knots. I instantly felt the bow lift to confirm “Smuggler’s” original design as a very early Racing Boat!

David Brown also remarked that Jack’s Bevan’s boat (with it’s two large marine motors) could never match the speed of “Smuggler’s” single screw marine motor, which at the time was a 4-Cyl 28h.p. Henry Meadows Kittiwake Marine Motor. As we turned about to head back into Jalsea Marine, we impishly ‘inched’ the throttle to confirm how “Smuggler’s” bow would rise onto the plane at the drop of a hat! Our experiment was a success and confirmed that “Smuggler” was designed as an early speedboat.

For “Smuggler’s” final lay-up, we took her to “Middle Brooke Marine” where Master Craftsman Colin Wood re-instated her flush-deck as per her original design. This lay-up was split into two parts, firstly to remove the cabin and secondly, to re-finish her main deck!

However, it would take an enormous amount of work if “Smuggler” was to reach Beaulieu in time for the Coastal Motor Boat Event in 2006 and I remain to this day indebted to Colin Wood for his perseverance and complete commitment to this final lay-up. A special mention for my wonderful wife Anne, our two boys Adam and Mathew and our daughter Ellie, without them I would not have been able to complete this task.

Personal thanks also to my late parents - Jim & Joyce Clements, without whom none of this could ever have materialised.

All hands on deck (and well-deck) for finishing!

Final Finishing just to do…