The Matthew hauled out on the Heave-Up Slip #8

Another in my series of the One Street challenge instigated by Kendal. The Underfall Yard has a patent slipway where vessels up to 32m (105 ft) long and 8m (25ft) wide, and up to 180 tonnes dead weight can be lifted out on a sledge-like cradle. Boats can be taken out for a quick inspection or anti-fouling or for longer periods for major repair or alteration. Multihulls can be lifted out fully rigged. Narrow Boats can be accommodated either singly or in pairs.
Alongside the slipway, the workshops of the Underfall Yard house experienced shipwrights, riggers, blacksmith and welders, fibre composite specialists and carpenters.

The Patent Slipway was restored by the Underfall Trust in 1998-9. The restoration was based on the slipway built under the direction of John Ward Girdlestone in 1890. This slipway had replaced a predecessor built in the 1850's by boatbuilders Ross & Sage.

The Patent Slipway or 'Heave-up Slip' was patented in 1819 by shipbuilder Thomas Morton of Leith in Scotland. Morton invented the notion of constructing a fixed runway into the water with a timber cradle on it. The ship is floated onto the cradle and secured. The cradle is then drawn out of the water. The device was a low cost alternative to dry docks for maintenance and repair work.

The Ross & Sage slipway appears to have been powered by a hand capstan, which was later replaced by a steam engine. The 1890 replacement was originally driven by an hydraulic engine powered by the dock's system. In 1924, an electric motor was installed which still operates today. The winding gear and motor are housed in the shed at the top of the slipway.

The Matthew is a replica of the vessel used by John Cabot in his exploration of North America - it is said he discovered Newfoundland but the Vikings certainly got there before either Columbus or him. She will be out on the slipway until 12th of January having repairs to her hull. More information can be found on the Matthew here. From the New Year the Matthew will have a new captain - the Redoubtable Captain Rick Wakeham - and her website for 2013 will be the thing to watch

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