Dry Dock Movements
Pictures by John Crae
Waverley's first sailings of 2008 took her as usual to Scotland's Western Isles for a weekend of trips based at Oban. On her return to the River Clyde, she entered, as planned, the Garvel dry dock at Greenock on 7 May. As she was manoeuvred into the dock it was noted that the port paddle wheel was loose on its shaft. The paddle wheel and shaft were subsequently removed and after the remaining hull work had been completed, the Waverley was moved out of dry dock on 16 May 2008 to be laid up in the James Watt Dock, Greenock. This was done to allow other ships to take up their slots. The shaft has been sent away to be machined and when it is returned, the steamer will need to re-enter dry dock to have it and the wheel refitted.
7 May 2008
Heading up river from Custom House Quay where there was a visiting fair
PS WAVERLEY approaching Garvel drydock for her 2008 survey etc. Clyde Marine's tug BITER in attendance to provide assistance if needed. The tug wasn't needed I believe, WAVERLEY's approach and entry into the drydock was an impressive display of ship handling. (John Crae caption)
16 May 2008
Under tow to the James Watt Dock
Wheel-less paddle box
The concrete blocks replace the weight of the wheel to maintain the paddler's stability
John has many more pictures on his own web site http://jcrae.smugmug.com/