The Slipway: A historic way to bring your boat to land for repairs

The patent slipway can lift out vessels up to 32m (105 ft) long and 8m (25ft) wide, and up to 180 tonnes dead weight.

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.

Water, single and 3 phase electricity, power washers and other facilities are available.

Bookings can be discussed and arranged with Underfall Yard Trust by phoning 07866 105181 or emailing win@underfallyard.co.uk.

Please read the Underfall Yard Terms of Business (PDF) before making an enquiry.

Boats on the Slip

A quick insight into what is currently on the Patent Slipway.

The Fairy Rae

Built as a cargo vessel by Dutch firm Zealander in 1931, the Fairy Rae was originally just a cobalt steel hull and wheel house used for transporting concrete during the 30’s and the second world war.

She had a series of owners, one of whom reportedly won her in card game, before being brought to the UK in 2010 and converted to the current design.

The current owners, Flo & Joshua Camacho-Clowes turned her into a houseboat/home for themselves and their 3 Golden Retrievers with accommodation comprising one bedroom, bathroom with shower, living space with woodburner and kitchen with full appliances and modern features. The wheel house acts a lounge area and dining area in the warmer months. She’s spent the last 2 two winters in Bristol’s floating harbour and the summers exploring the Kennet & Avon.

While on the slipway the owners will be applying fresh coat of bitumen to the hull then back on the water with her new name “Bon Barge” which acknowledges Flo & Josh’s fashion brand “Bon Clothing” which can be found in Bristol’s St Nicks market.

Boat Facts

Length 47ft

Air draft: 8ft

Water draft: 2ft 8ins

Beam: 7ft 3 ins

Wheel steering (pulley system)

Engine : Ebro old tractor engine !

Registration: Canal and River Craft ( CRT) Licence 592222 which will change to take account of the new name

Written by one of our volunteers, Dave Duggan