April 27, 2009. Wiggonholt - along with the workboat, John Smallpeice and Zacharia Keppel in water at the Onlow Arms. Wiggonholt then underwent the MCA heeling/stability test, which involved volunteers loading 220 25kg bags of cement onboard (total of 5.5 tonnes). After the test, the volunteers of course had to unload the bags. Wiggonholt then went on a short test run to Brewhurst Bridge and back.
(Photo: Tim Jolly)

April 27, 2009. Wiggonholt lowered into the water.
(Photo: Phil Broadley)

April 27, 2009. Wiggonholt being lifted by crane from the transporter ready to be lowered into the Onslow pound.
(Photo: Tim Jolly)

The new workboat - probably to be renamed "Hornet" being lowered into the Onslow pound on April 27, 2009. This ex-British Waterways dredger brought to the W&A Canal from Newhaven Harbour. It had been bought from BW for a particular job below one of the bridges in the harbour and was surplus to requirements. Everything is hydraulically operated: propulsion, steering, jacks and JCB digger. Specifications: 14m long, 2m beam, 0.450m draft, 4 hydraulic stabiliser jacks, engine 2-cylinder Lister diesel, new starter motor and alternator, automatic bilge pumps in each hull compartment, machine operating cabin, day cabin and engine compartment, weight 18 tonnes. Digger arm goes to 4m below deck level. The Trust has bought "Hornet" using proceeds from the 2008 Poddle (the advertised objective was to raise money for a workboat).
(Photo: Tim Jolly)

Wiggonholt - the bows - painted almost ready to go!.
(Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)

Wiggonholt - the interior view looking forward.
(Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)

General workshop view. Wiggonholt is the boat in the centre.
(Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)

General view of starboard bow showing length, windows and one of the entry hatches towards the stern.
(Photo: Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)

Stern - showing helmsman's position and engine room
(Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)

Interior - looking towards bows
(Photo: Pat & Kevin Crawley)