A new 84 bhp Mermaid diesel engine with PRM gearbox was commissioned and delivered in January 2008 and the old engine removed.

The new engine, gearbox and prop were being installed during during the pre-sailing season 2008.

It is proposed that a Darglow feathering prop should be installed in the very near future.

To sumarise a brief history of the engines:- engine which has been removed was installed in  May to June 1972 by the previous owner Peter Barrett of                                  North Cheam, Surrey (later of Swanage). This was a Parsons "Barracuda" Mk11 105 hp marine diesel engine based on a Ford "Sabre" 2704E with                                    Borg Warner reverse gear  and had new electrics, controls, propeller shaft and 27" propeller by Reeves marine Services, Poole, Dorset. In 1988 this engine was overhauled by James & Harmer and in 1997 James & Harmer worked on the engine & took the cylinder head off.

The engine prior to that was fitted in 1963 by William Gale of Folkestone who had just become the new owner. He did an extensive refit and 46 hp Ailsa Craig 4                cylinder diesel was fitted with the prop shaft through the deadwood.

As far as our records show the first engine to be installed was by the then owner John Saunders of the Fishmarket, Folkestone on February 18th 1916. This                    was a Kelvin 8 hp auxiliary engine.

Here are few shots of the old Ford being removed and the Mermaid being lowered in.