Athy Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I think you'll find that Starry's Springer used to be called Wendy May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I had a Sprnger once and had years of fun out of it. It had the peaked (pointed roof) and pointed stern but also the corners of the sides where they joined the roof were curved, something like a 4 to 6 inch radius I reckon. What age do you reckon that was? From memory, some of the very early ones (they started production in 1969) had that feature, but Springer's seemed to offer many options to their customers so perhaps that style was available over a period of several years. In one of the two parts of the Springer Story which was published in Canal Boat, there's a photo of a very early one, greenish-grey (and still moored half a mile down the river from our house) but I have not got the articles to hand and so can't check if it has the rounded eaves, if that's what they are called. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveller Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Thanks for that. Our's was originally 36ft and we had her stretched by 10ft. In her latter years she was re-plated by Bim and Bo (at Whilton) and they did a great job. We finally sold her out of Crick Marina about 8/9 years ago. Started life as Emma Jane and ended up as Horus at the time of sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starcoaster Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Interesting. Searching for that number on CanalPlan gives names of Wendy May and Whistling Gypsy, the latter with an 999 HP engine. I recently saw an application for a CRT business licence, which asked for more details than in the past and for incorrect information to be corrected. If this is being done for private boats too, then perhaps we could look forward to more accurate details and possibly more information. I have seen many boats referred to as having no draught. Yep that's mine, it was called Whistling Gypsy prior (and Just Rockin' before that!) I think the 999HP is the default CanalPlan uses if no figure is given- my engine is actually 21HP (almost enough to water ski behind, given my boat is only 30ft and light)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mango Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Yep that's mine, it was called Whistling Gypsy prior (and Just Rockin' before that!) I think the 999HP is the default CanalPlan uses if no figure is given- my engine is actually 21HP (almost enough to water ski behind, given my boat is only 30ft and light)! I used to use a friend's Springer with a 3 cylinder Mitsubishi. It romped along even at low engine speed and was great fun because there was always a mooring for a small boat and you could turn without winding holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftycarper Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I do quite fancy one myself when I,ve finished my current yoghurt pot project, I know how much it changed hands for the last three times it was sold so if I can get near that I will be actively looking for a springer to purchase, I find a strange attraction to things like them, old and quirky,looked down on by many but loved by others which is probably why I still drive a 1975 landrover it's a marmite thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I do quite fancy one myself when I,ve finished my current yoghurt pot project, I know how much it changed hands for the last three times it was sold so if I can get near that I will be actively looking for a springer to purchase, I find a strange attraction to things like them, old and quirky,looked down on by many but loved by others which is probably why I still drive a 1975 landrover it's a marmite thing I know just what you mean. Although we have a very nice Mel Davis boat with a vintage engine, I bought myself a cheap Springer to "do up" and have fun with. They are full of character, some of it good. I liken them nowadays to Morris Minors or VW Beetles on the roads - built as cheap utilitarian vehicles but now inspiring many people to lavish affection on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftycarper Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I know just what you mean. Although we have a very nice Mel Davis boat with a vintage engine, I bought myself a cheap Springer to "do up" and have fun with. They are full of character, some of it good. I liken them nowadays to Morris Minors or VW Beetles on the roads - built as cheap utilitarian vehicles but now inspiring many people to lavish affection on them.. That is exactly right and quite funny really as I was trying to talk my wife into parting with her nice modern honda car and replacing it with a Morris traveller just last week, sadly she does,nt share my passion and just tells me I have too many old bangers already were as I have a deep dislike for most things modern, I guess were all different for a reason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithstanden Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 I had a Springer double decker hotel barge, (I didn't commission it) but I bought it when it soon after it was completed in 1986. It wasn't the best built boat but after I'd made improvements it served us well for 8 years selling cruises along the upper Thames, sold in 1994, it was then I think converted into a cruising houseboat but not seen it since. Would love to know where it is, assuming it's still afloat! I understand it was the first and last double decker they ever built and of course, being a Springer it was basically a giant narrowboat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmelly Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 9 minutes ago, keithstanden said: I had a Springer double decker hotel barge, (I didn't commission it) but I bought it when it soon after it was completed in 1986. It wasn't the best built boat but after I'd made improvements it served us well for 8 years selling cruises along the upper Thames, sold in 1994, it was then I think converted into a cruising houseboat but not seen it since. Would love to know where it is, assuming it's still afloat! I understand it was the first and last double decker they ever built and of course, being a Springer it was basically a giant narrowboat. Fab Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark99 Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Just when you think you have seen it all. Strangely attractive in some angles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotEver Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starcoaster Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Flaming heck indeed, I could never have imagined that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magictime Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 Brilliant! Yes, I wonder where it is now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Brummie Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 The most used and abused boats on the cut! I was enthralled by some of the 'adaptions' made to these utilitarian craft that I started to photograph them. However, whilst on my mooring one evening I heard an interesting sound approaching, which was a 30ft Springer with the closed in front cockpit, and mounted on the foredeck was a Coventry Victor Twin, connected with hydraulic drive. Without the camera, I could not add to my collection, and without the 'Jewel in the Crown', I never had the enthusiasm to add to my album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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