MGB 60

A second World War gunboat regrettably destroyed by an arsonist who set fire to our premises

MGB60 in the water

A second World War gunboat, used as a houseboat for the past 40 years in Woodbridge is currently being restored by Newsons Traditional Boat Builders, in Lowestoft.The vessel was towed from Woodbridge on Tuesday 15th June down the Deben to a mooring just below Walderingfield. The following day at 1pm, MGB60 was towed stern first out past Felixstowe and North to Lowestoft, arriving at 6pm.Local TV covered the tow and along with photographs taken on the journey, it is our intention to have a full pictorial record of work carried out throughout the restoration.

Aft deck

Stripping back the aft deck to the supporting beams, the large open space is where the original engine hatch was. For some reason this had been made larger by extending it aft by about 2ft.

Aft deck

another view this time showing the aft engine room bulkhead in the background

Aft deck

This shot shows the bulkhead between the fuel tank space and the engine room, note the holes in the deck pads for the engine room vents and the smaller holes for fuel tank vents.

General layout

There are many photos of MGB's during the war. Here we have a shot of MGB 61 showing the general layout of the deck. Combining this with the drawings that we have now makes sense the location of bolt holes in the deck, ie depth charge brackets and the toe rail visible in the photo.

Engine Hatch

New coamings and deck support beams fitted returning this section of the deck back to its original configuration

Removal of old deck

Removing the old deck covering which consisted of roofing felt and half inch ply covering the original double diagonal decking

Fore deck

With all the additional decking removed the original deck and deck light locations are visible.

More deck structures

This is the hatch directly over the galley, the condition of the deck can clearly be seen.

Fore deck

Old deck covering now totally removed, and area where large skylight was located now filled in to original specifications.

Deck Structures

The original wheelhouse front has been removed so as to allow the coamings to be replaced. position of the forward guns can be identified by the pads in the deck port and starboard at front of wheelhouse.

New Coamings

Starboard side coamings for the wheel house are now replaced. The detatchable 3 part wheel house structure is fastened to this for ease of access to fuel tanks and engine space.

Very Early Photo

This is a Photgraph of MGB 60 before her guns were moved forward to the front of the wheelhouse. On the port side can be seen the upturned dingy along with what appears to be an inflatable dingy on the fordeck.

Deck protection

Now the deck has been completely covered in epoxy resin to protect the ply and deck edges.

Completed deck

Another view of the completed deck.

Aft deck engine hatchway

In this picture we see the original engine hatch which has had deck beams inserted. These will be removed so the hatch can be replaced back to its original size and specification.

Aft deck

more of the aft deck revealed showing the emergancy tiller location just forward of the transom

Outside the workshop

MGB60 having just been slipped and washed off. For scale, the post in the foreground is aprox. 12ft high.

Inside the workshop

MGB60 now inside the workshop where the damaged double diagonal planking is being removed. The cause of the damage was probably due to ice cutting into the timber. Note the condition of the light but very strong inner framing.

Wheelhouse

The wheelhouse structure which was added at a latter date, has been slowly removed to reveal the original structure (see next).

Wheelhouse section

The forward facing section of the wheelhouse was original, confirmed by photographs of when in service.

Modern additions

This area was all added at a latter date and has been removed.Having now removed most of the modern additions which were added when converted to live on, we have found that most of the original fittings/bulkheads bunks etc. were only covered up and that the vessel is basically in it's original condition. The original paint-work still exists throughout the boat.

Port planking replaced

New planking on the port side nearing completion.

Starboard planking replaced

Starboard side new planking.

Transom repairs

Repairs to the transom of MGB 60 again most of the damage caused by ice on the water line.

Transom repairs

another view of the transom, exhaust outlets will be kept and new fittings aquired

Portside aft

Hull planking portside now being removed where damaged ready to be replaced

Deck repairs

The starboard side deck beam revealed showing rot in the beam

Beam Shelf

The new beam shelf now fitted and ready to take the hull and deck planking

Port side hull planking

With the outer diagonals now replaced the hull is now taking shape

Aft deck

Removal of aft deck revealing original structure and through deck fittings

Sad loss

Unfortunately this is all that remains of MGB 60 after a devastating fire hit our yard last year. Our main shed along with MGB 60, our engineering workshop and mill area have been totally lost. Other boats on the yard were saved and are now safe. MGB 60 was about to have a visit from lottery funding personnel with a view to funding the remainder of the work. With only the transom surviving with a small section of the keel it will not be possible to save her. The fire service did manage to save MTB 102 from the fire and she was launched on Tuesday morning. With her bow 6ft from the main shed door she did not suffer any damage whatsoever. We are at present making the yard safe and will be rebuilding as soon as possible so watch this space. Keith Wood, owner.