By our Roving reporter, Joanna

Joanna, our Roving Reporter

Morwen

Never judge a boat by its age, as this restoration project shows. First impressions can be deceptive, especially when it comes to classic boats. When I first admired the old-fashioned lines of this newly restored motor cruiser, I wasn’t expecting to find an immaculate motor cruiser complete with all the latest equipment.

It was with great pleasure that my husband Ian and I were invited aboard the traditionally classic wooden motor cruiser “Morwen” on C leg, last week. Terry Holt, her owner, has spent the last 18 months and approximately 1,600 hours renovating this boat back to A1 condition. Everything about “Morwen” is original and nothing has been changed.  All parts of the boat have been cleaned and painted, and even the engine has a brand new gleaming coat of paint. When asked, Terry thought the worst job had been cleaning the bilges.

Morwen

Saved from dereliction, “Morwen” (meaning White Sea in Welsh) has been transformed back into an immaculate motor cruiser with completely original fittings.

Meet Her Maker

Terry actually watched her being built in 1965 at James Crossfield Ltd, Conwy. One of the last all wooden boats designed and built at their yard, “Morwen” registered No. 308319 at Beaumaris, was described “as a sea kindly boat for cruising or fishing from a large safe, open cockpit with twin diesel engines -giving peace of mind at sea.” It was fascinating to see the original Blue Registration Book of 1965 showing her build date. For Terry, the

Terry

restoration project has been of historical value to the area as well as an all consuming hobby.  “Morwen” has spent all of her life in Conwy apart from a brief period in the Isle of Man.

Specification

The hull is a displacement hull with oak frames copper fastened. Decks are teak planked laid on marine ply with oak frames. Cabin sides and interior are three quarter inch mahogany. Portholes and forward escape hatch are brass with heavy chrome finish. The coach roof is pine planked on oak frame. The cockpit boasts all teak flooring and two folding pilot seats, fitted seating and cupboards. There is an aft cockpit with open wheelhouse, with folding saloon doors. Ian and I found “Morwen” airy and light with a spacious social area, ideal for entertaining family and friends.

Morwen's Small Ships Certificate

“Morwen” has two Perkins 4107 engines and her cruising speed is 7 knots. Terry along with family and friends, enjoys cruising locally down the Menai Straits and around Puffin.

Taking on “Morwen” needed the right kind of owner with electrical and mechanical skills, qualified to at least understand the basics.  Terry has an engineering interest and a passion for boats in general.

Obviously Terry’s pride and joy, the future looks good for “Morwen” with the restoration project completed. She is definitely in safe hands!