Nov 24, 2025
At long last, Bantam IV is out on the canal again. Today we are taking her on a test run from Watford to Rickmansworth and back, so far all is going well. We should be able to plan a return to the museum soon!
seen from China
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from France
seen from Germany
seen from China
seen from United States
At long last, Bantam IV is out on the canal again. Today we are taking her on a test run from Watford to Rickmansworth and back, so far all is going well. We should be able to plan a return to the museum soon!
News about the tug Bantam IV. After a long wait for the manufacture of a new propshaft the tug was put back in the water last week. The engine is installed and electric start fitted snd working. Alas there is a water leak that is letting cooling water into the exhaust. Two possible components that might be the culprits have been sent to Braunston for pressure testing. We should know more soon.
Bantam IV has benefitted from a thorough clean of the engine compartment and this has been painted with a protective coating to minimise corrosion in the hears to come.
These images taken on 18th December show considerable progress in decreasing the engine compartment of Bantam IV. Many years of oil and dirt have had to be removed and although it is not yet quite ready for painting it is pretty close to that point after several treatments with a chemical de-greaser. This is a job that has not been done for many years and clearly a job worth doing as the interior of the engine room will be able to be painted with a preservative coating to combat corrosion.
These pictures show the engine compartment of Bantam IV without the engine. There is water in the hull, intentionally put there because it contains a de-greasing agent. The whole of this engine compartment is being cleaned and will be painted with a preservative paint. to give it the maximum protection from future corrosion. Bantam IV is currently our only floating historic boat, launched in 1950, and one of very few with the original engine. This major overhaul aims to keep it in good order for a long time to come. A working boat cannot be static, otherwise it deteriorates, and boats must either be maintained or taken out of the water and preserved as best possible on land. Bantam IV is an operational exhibit and as such we give it all the maintenance that it needs.
Meanwhile, at Watford, the tug's hull has been cleaned and blacked with a protective coating by P and S Marine. We have had the hull examined by a surveyor and in the light of his recommendations some protective work and minor welding repairs are to be carried out on the hull that will fix some pitting, cover a small dent, and provide protection with a "D Strake", a strip of steel that is welded to the hull and protects it from damage.
On board the lorry (will be strapped down) ready for a journey
Movement on a fork-lift truck in the direction of a rather large lorry