Brave challenger has moved

[ecsrobin]

So driving past portchester earlier today to go test drive an Abarth and as I passed the waterfront near portsolent I noticed brave challenger with a tug alongside moving into position at high tide (previously she was moored in the Itchen).

On the way home she was out the water at Drystack so I assume she's about to get a refit perhaps?

[ecsrobin]

It's moved to Burgess marine who are a refit specialist so looks very positive that it's going to happen! There's a photo on their twitter. https://mobile.twitter.com/BurgessMarine/status/77...

Is Britannia still a hull or has more work been carried out?

[ecsrobin]

Searider said:

I surveyed her in about 1999. Also out of the water at Portchester.
Unfortunately didn't get to go on a sea trial but the engineer told me 1000 gallons per hour at full chat!

So this could just be for survey purposes?

[ecsrobin]

AVV EM said:

Isn't this the yacht that houses the engines removed from the SRN4 hovercraft?
Very nice.

The owner purchased the two hovercraft as his spares package

[ecsrobin]

Huntsman said:

Huntsman said:

Was hoping you'd pop in.

Yes please, we'd love a visit.

We'd still love a visit.

She's back on her berth on the Itchen, appears little has changed.

So I'm guessing just a survey or a fix of a leak then. Such a shame.

[ecsrobin]

Chrisgr31 said:

Hang on if Pistonheads bought Brave Challenger and all the parts for her, we could then buy one of te large hovercraft that are for sale and get both working!

Wouldn't the hovercraft be included in the sale? Or has he sold them on now?

[ecsrobin]

Great news that she will be getting the care she needs.

I look forward to passing it daily at portchester that should make the commute more interesting.

And maybe next year we can see something similar to this: https://youtu.be/H_QT9ijh7j0

Edited by ecsrobin on Monday 5th June 08:55

[ecsrobin]

Currently parked up at portchester (went for a car meet and mine was considered not interesting so turned away) and I can see brave challenger out the water at Drystack (burgess marine?) wedged between a fishing boat and super yacht.

[ecsrobin]

Leo_Gramps said:

Just to confirm, Brave Challenger safely out at Burgess Marine at Portchester. Scaffold all round and shrink wrapped for next 6 months. We 've decided to do the entire exterior while we are there as they have made such a good job of tenting-in.
Ran some wet sand blast tests yesterday and today on the bottom to get back back to 1985 epoxy sheathing. Everything looks good so far, majority of the hull is sound as a pound.
Great to be started at last.
Will try and posts pics later.

Cheers,
Graham

Brilliant news.

Also what are the giant wheels/cable drums down at burgess?

Edited by ecsrobin on Tuesday 11th July 21:49

[ecsrobin]

Huntsman said:

Burgess Marine have gone bust. What does this mean for the Brave class?

Not good and a bad time of year. https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/...

They’re saying the failed to get the final payment on a recent build, the last big vessel to leave was lord sugars wasn’t it?

[ecsrobin]

So over a year has passed since the last update. Does anyone know where brave challenger is residing now?

[ecsrobin]

Great news. So this is what’s under the tarpaulin at portchester? I went past yesterday but wasn’t sure. I also saw a large sun seeker type vessel being towed in.

[ecsrobin]

Leo_Gramps said:

Just to answer a few questions:

Yes, Brave Challenger is in the big white shed at Portchester.
We have just finished Stage 1 of the refit - All outside now refurbished, painted and varnished. Underwater all done so technically could go back in the water.
However, Stage 2 about to start - Refresh interior finishes, new Furuno navigation fit (Raymarine and CRT radars going but keeping traditional Smiths engine instruments), new air con, updating systems etc etc.
Will be keeping three Proteus engines; the vee boxes and cruise diesels will be serviced.
Hopefully 60 knots again next Spring.

Huntsman - Bear with me, still trying to get some private visits, recent one was organised by Trafalgar Wharf and owner so out of my hands.

Will try to answer tech and other questions where and when I can.

Cheers,
Graham
Project Naval Architect
(have now worked with Brave Challenger on and off since 1985!!)

Graham thank you for taking the time to update us on the current situation. Great to see the time and money being put in to restore the vessel to enable high speed operations.

[ecsrobin]

andy97 said:

Is that the one where VT used to build the RN’s GRP hulled Mine Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs)?

This one on google maps (with brave challenger outside):

[ecsrobin]

adamsons said:

Hello. My father worked on the design of the brave class at Vospers. I'd very much like to lay eyes on her. Would someone be so kind as to let me know if she can be seen from a road close by, or, is she still inside?
It means a lot to see this thread.

Many thanks,
Stewart.

She’s outside but tucked away behind protective sheeting.

[ecsrobin]

Looking forward to seeing her on the water. I went past yesterday and looks to be a border force cutter and gosport ferry outside at the moment.

[ecsrobin]

Was just about to post that I’d seen it out in the wild this afternoon! Good to see some close up shots it did look gleaming in the sun.

[ecsrobin]

NickCQ said:

That's Trafalgar Wharf, right?
https://www.google.com/maps/@50.8426625,-1.1126663...

Yes.

[ecsrobin]

Not sure if posted previously but found a website registered for the vessel. Not much on there for now https://bravechallenger.co.uk/