1930 Fishing boat restored

Posted on April 10^th 2008

The ‘Lydia Eca’, the last ever steam drifter in the world, has moved a step closed to the completion of its restoration, for its re-launch in Lowestoft.

The 98ft fishing boat, which was built in 1930 and decommissioned in 1968, for the past year has been out on a 750 ton slipway to undergo extensive renewal of metal works, this has included 60 of the hull’s metal plates.

One the metal work has been completed the remaining work will take place at the nearby International Boat Training college. This will include the laying of new wooden decks; overhaul of the engine; fitting out of the onboard museum; reconstruction of the wheelhouse and testing and commissioning the boiler.

£839,000 of the Heritage Lottery fund was awarded to The Lydia Eva and Mincarlo Trust last year for the work to be carried out. They are hoping for the work to be completed in time for her to set sail in August from Great Yarmouth. This will be in time to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Great Yarmouth’s civic charter.

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