Waverley Enters Dry Dock

Supporting the preservation and operation of paddle steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle

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Waverley Enters Dry Dock

After being berthed in Greenock’s James Watt Dock since 16th February Waverley was moved the short distance to Garvel Dry Dock on Friday 20th March.

Waverley awaits the two tugs arriving to move her “dead ship” to the Garvel Dry Dock.
CMS Wrestler as viewed from Waverley.
Waverley is eased astern towards the entrance of the James Watt Dock.
Waverley is eased astern towards the entrance of the James Watt Dock.

Clyde Marine Services tugs CMS Wrestler and CMS Boxer were used to gently ease Waverley out through the entrance of the James Watt Dock and then move her across to the entrance to the dry dock. The full manoeuvrer took just over 30 minutes. Waverley then used her steam windlass to pull herself up the dock to get in position over the blocks which were laid out to take her hull. CalMac’s vessel Lochinvar then entered the dry dock to berth astern of Waverley in a double docking.

CMS Wrestler pulls Waverley astern while CMS Boxer guides her bow.
Once clear of the entrance to the James Watt Dock Waverley was moved in a northerly direction towards the entrance of the Garvel Dry Dock.
Waverley lining up for the Garvel Dry Dock.
A fantastic view of Waverley and the two tugs prior to entering dry dock.
Waverley used her windlass to pull herself into the dry dock while the tugs assisted at the stern.
This view shows the length of the dry dock which Waverley must move up to get in position over the blocks which had been set out for her hull shape.
As viewed from the far end of the dock as she pulls herself up the dock.
Once Waverley was in position it was Lochinvar’s turn to enter Garvel Dry Dock.

By mid-afternoon sufficient water had been pumped out the dock that Waverley lay on the blocks with her underwater hull exposed. In the coming days scaffolding will be erected around her paddle wheels and in particular around the port spring beam which will be replaced as part of the works to be undertaken when in dry dock. The other major task this dry docking is cutting open the ship’s hull on the aft lower port side to allow access for removing the equipment associated with the old sprinkler system.

Waverley’s hull starts to show as the water level in the dock decreases.
Looking to the stern the rudder is now visible as the water drops.
As the water drops the blocks appear, note Waverley’s anchor has been lowered into the dock.
The water is almost emptied from the dock in this view which shows Waverley’s full hull.

Once the old sprinkler system equipment is removed the new water mist system tanks will be installed before the hull can be reinstated. The ship’s hull will be inspected, cleaned and given a fresh coat of paint. Thirteen of the Dining Saloon windows have already been replaced and a further two new window frames will be installed in dry dock. The new masts are expected to arrive in Greenock within the next week and then they will be installed giving Waverley her distinctive profile back. Back in Glasgow the volunteers have made fantastic progress on sanding and varnishing more benches as well as several doors such as those on the entrances to the deck shelters.

One of the store doors from the deck shelter which has been revarnished.
A newly varnished bench.
Two of the deck shelter entrance doors after revarnishing.

Given the scale of work underway to install the new water mist fire suppression system Waverley will return to the James Watt Dock after dry dock before she is finally ready to depart the Dales Marine Greenock facility.

Sincere thanks to Gary Stevenson, Andy Gillon, David Edwards and Stephen Lipton for supplying the images used in the post.

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Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

The Society is a company limited by guarantee (having no share capital), registered in England and Wales No. 2167853, and a charity registered in England and Wales (298328) and in Scotland (SC037603). Registered Office Mayfield, Hoe Lane, Abinger Hammer, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6RS. The Society is governed by its Articles of Association which set out its objects which may be summarised as to preserve in operation paddle steamers, to educate the public in their historical significance and to preserve relics and other materials associated with paddle steamers.

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