Description

Fiddle is one of the last remaining Gravesend Bawleys. Built in 1860, she fished for nearly 100 years before being converted to a comfortable cruising yacht in the 1960’s.
It is believed that Fiddle was constructed at G Bauckhams yard on the site of the old Coal Wharf, Gravesend, probably by a legendary local shipwright , George Waters, some time in the late 1850’s or early 1860’s. Several clinker Bawleys of the same size were constructed in Gravesend at this time including Lilian, Highland Mary and Charlotte. All of these, including Fiddle are well referenced in numerous text books, many of which are still in print.
Fiddle was registered as LO 155 and fished under sail alone, trawling for shrimps predominantly, in the lower reaches of the Thames estuary from the 1860’s right up to the start of WW2 when shrimping had to stop due to a protective barrage in the Thames. It is believed that her first auxiliary engine was installed in the 1930’s.
After the end of the war, she was sold and transferred to Whitstable to dredge for oysters and re-registered to Faversham with the number F124, which she still displays. She was then taken down to Brixam, Devon in the late 1950’s/early 60’s and has remained in the West Country ever since.
Bawleys are generally loose footed cutter rigged with disproportionately tall top-masts to catch the higher breezes, often encountered in estuaries and river sailing. With this rig, the mainsail can be brailed up to the mast allowing exceptional control in congested waters. They are shallow drafted with a wide beam and pleasing lines. Fiddle maintains this original form of rig with a long bowsprit, tall topmast and loose footed main.
Fiddle is currently moored in The Floating Harbour at Bristol. She has been under the guardianship of the current owner for the last 10 years during which time she has undergone significant restoration work and routine maintenance under the guidance of Mark Rolt at Bristol Classic Boats. Recent work (2022-23) has included significant replanking, repairs and renewal of deck beams, complete rebuild of fwd coachroof and complete re-decking. Repaint and overhaul/varnishing of spars. Standing rigging replaced by Traditional Rigging (Bristol) in 2016.
Unfortunately the current owners are now unable to complete their plans to retire early and enjoy sailing Fiddle at their leisure. Consequently, they are seeking to find sympathetic new owners who will appreciate this beautiful, historically important, yet unassuming vessel. Fiddle will only be sold to the “right” purchaser.

Specifications

Accommodation

Midships companionway to saloon/gally with single bunk/bench seat. Additional short bench seat. Sink and 2 burner spirit stove.
Double bunk in fo’csle with storage shelves and hatch to foredeck. Chain locker in bow.
Chart table and electrics midships.
Double bunk, storage lockers and engine box in aft cabin. Glazed lantern above

Construction

Clinker built, predominantly oak boarded with some original elm below the waterline and some later larch in the bows

Equipment

Electrics: 12volt. 50AH starter battery and 110AH gel leisure battery 2019
50 Amp alternator with split charge
20 Amp 240V mains split charger
LED cabin and nav lights
2 x 110GPH bilge pumps with oil filter on discharge
2 x battery monitor
6 gang switch panel + bilge pump switches
Standard Horizon GX1700E fixed VHF (located in cockpit)
Garmin Echomap PLUS 95sv Combi chart plotter/sounder + UK charts (located in cockpit)
Garmin combi transducer and log
Garmin AIS 300 AIS Receiver
Standard Horizon HX 300E Handheld VHF
Other Equipment:
Main anchor - 15KG Rocna with Mantus swivel and 50m, 8mm DIN766 AQUA7 Grade 70, Calibrated Anchor Chain
Kedge anchor - Fishermans anchor 70m, 16mm anchorplait white nylon
SL hand windlass
Hand operated bilge pump in cockpit
Plastic water tank beneath aft quarter deck
Plastic diesel tank beneath aft quarter deck
2 x auto life jackets
2 x safety harness and clip on safety lines
“Faversham” multi fuel stove in Saloon with s/s flue and removable extension

Navigation Equipment

See EQUIPMENT above

Engine(s)

1974 Twin cylinder Sabb 2HG. This may be an old engine but is simple and extremely reliable.

Sails & Spars

Mast: Solid Douglas Fir replaced 2016. Removed, overhauled and re-varnished 2023.
Topmast: Douglas Fir replaced approx. 2010. Removed, overhauled and re-varnished 2023.
Bowsprit: Solid, laminated Douglas Fir replaced 2016. Removed, overhauled and re-varnished 2023.
Gaff: Douglas Fir, open jaws with rocker replaced approx. 2010. Removed, overhauled and re-varnished 2023. Steel wire spans.
Standing Rigging: Steel wire shrouds, forestay, topmast shrouds, forestay and backstays renewed by Traditional Rigging (Bristol) 2016.
Sails: Mainsail - Tan. Good condition with new mast hoops
Staysail - Tan. Good condition with brass hanks to forestay
Jib - White. Good condition with optional Wyckam Martin furler
Storm jib - White. Good condition (repaired)
Topsail - White. Good condition
Jib topsail - White. Good condition
Rigging: 3 strand white polyester with traditional wooden blocks