ST437 is undoubtedly a beautiful vessel with truly classic lines. The Mk1 Seaplane Tender is a development of the original 200 series designed by Aircraftsman Shaw - aka Lawrence of Arabia - and Hubert Scott-Paine, the owner of the British Power Boat Company and designer of numerous record-breaking boats and aeroplanes.

In this picture, much of what you can see is not original: the bridge (front cabin) has been largely re-built, removing the hatches on either side - a characteristic feature of this class of boat. A previous owner, when ST437 was known as 'Akabama', made significant alterations to the saloon roof and companionway, some of which have been removed. The deck has also been replaced at some point, seemingly some time ago, with plywood. This now has a number of large holes where it has rotted and will need to be replaced. There are one or two photographs of this class of ST being fitted with a teak deck and we will be replacing the existing decking with teak planking.

A significant challenge will be the side and hull planking. These craft were built with an estimated 40,000 manganese bronze screws. After 75 years in the water, most of these will need to be replaced, as will a number of the mahogany side and bottom planks.

Internally, she has been completely gutted. We will be replacing the bench seating and stretcher racks in the main cabin and, whilst we have much of the bridge gear, most is not in the 'right' place. One major concessions we will be making is to install modern navigation and communication equipment.