Large Swedish Sailing Boat, Gaff- Rigged Ketch, Houseboat, Bristol

Please be aware Svanskar is a serious restoration project and will take either lots or money or lots of hours and skills. Videos available at https://www.youtube.com/playlist? List=PLnCcVR06ypeUTGRfgrG3R2TdyiXmZzd7e Svanskar is a 58' gaff rigged ketch. She was built in 1938 and she has a rich and colourful history. She began life fishing for herring off Greenland and in 1969 was brought over to England by a Swedish family in Fleetwood to be used as a fishing trawler.In the 70s she became the home of the Gloucester Harbour Master, starring in a BBC news programme.In the late 80s she was converted to the gaff rigged ketch that she is now and in 2002 moved to Bristol.In Bristol she featured in the TV programme Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues and was used by a charity to teach volunteers how to look after a wooden ship and take children on adventure trips.I bought her in 2018 and started work on restoring her.

I have achieved a lot in the short time I have had her but sadly other priorities have taken over. Svanskar needs lots of attention and will give you years of fun! She has a mighty Gardner 5L3 15 litre engine that starts on the button every time. Engine controls and steering all work from either steering positions, she is fully able to power herself.She has a full suite of sails available that have been kept dry stored and only sailed three times.As can be seen from the photos, the main mast has been stepped. It had rot at the top.

It has been professionally repaired and is ready to be refitted. The top mast which sits above the main should be replaced. Rigging steel work appears in good condition but ideally needs re-serving.Mizzen and main gaffs and booms are in good condition.Below decks, Svanskar is like a barn, largely stripped back for maintenance and is a versatile, large area for a living space.The large wheelhouse is dry and provides a basic living space.Svanskar was heavily built in oak, doubled up 7" frames, 2" hull planks and 2" sealing planks.Some of these have been replaced and more will need to be replaced. Her deck is iroko hardwood planks, largely sound but like all old wooden decks has some leaking issues.Covering boards (oak) have had recent work which is ongoing. Beam 19' draught 9' **Added information.

She is absolutely self powered, the guy who last skippered her at sea tells me she motors well. I have moved her around the harbour with no problems. I had her out last year pressure washed and painted her. I fixed a bit of rot on waterline and did some seams and local shipwrights gave a thumbs up but it wasn't a survey. My plan currently is to take her out again in the spring.

There are six planks higher up on hull that can be fixed on the water that need attention. There is one plank well above waterline I am currently in process of replacing. I am still fully engaged with repairs and maintenance of Svanskar and will only pass her on if I think it is her best interest. Svanskar is moored in Bristol floating harbour on Pooles Wharf on a non-residential (or leisure) mooring. Any continuation will be with agreement of the harbour master.Viewings will be limited to those who are seriously interested, I do not have time to waste on grocklers and fantasists as I am continuing my efforts to save Svanskar with limited resources.

Please submit your plan to save this lovely old ship. Here is my rubbish website with link to blog with lots of photos svanskar.org.uk Thanks for looking.