Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'~ Merlin
Merlin is based on the lines of the original Pilot Cutter Peggy but is 3 foot longer, giving a bigger saloon and space for a workshop.
Merlin was launched in early November and has now had the mast stepped. She will be undergoing sea trials in the near future.
Merlin’s owner will be using her for corporate and private charter, wildlife expeditions and some charitable work. They plan to be based in the UK with trips to Brittany, the Baltic and further afield for some specific expeditions.
7 stages of building a Pilot Cutter – Articles in Classic Boat
Classic Boat magazine recently commissioned our General Manager (and budding author!) Nigel Sharp to write a series of seven articles on the build of our Pilot Cutter Merlin. The first of these was out in the January 2010 edition and they will continue on a monthly basis until July. For backdated copies of the magazine visit Classic Boat ~ Back Issues or download it here as a PDF.
- Classic Boat 259 ~ Stage 1 - the client, some history and procuring the timber ~ January 2010 (1.23mb)
- Classic Boat 260 ~ Stage 2 - lofting and hull framework ~ February 2010 (0.2mb)
- Classic Boat 261 ~ Stage 3 - planking up the hull ~ March 2010 (0.2mb)
- Classic Boat 262 ~ Stage 4 - constructing the deck ~ April 2010 (0.3mb)
- Classic Boat 263 ~ Stage 5 - interior and systems ~ May 2010 (0.2mb)
- Classic Boat 264 ~ Stage 6 - launching and rigging ~ June 2010 (0.2mb)
- Classic Boat 265 ~ Stage 7 - sea trials ~ July 2010 (0.3mb)
The first 7 frames fitted to the keel
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Framing nearly completed
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Framing completed and ready for planking
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Framing completed and ready for planking
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Engine beds being fitted
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Planking underway
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Planking almost complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Planking complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Deck structure ready for plywood sub-deck
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Plywood sub-deck being fitted
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Forehatch made on the bench
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Forehatch fitted
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Cockpit coamings fitted
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Deck furniture almost complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Companionway steps and galley almost complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Navigation area almost complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
Part of the owner's cabin almost complete
Merlin ~ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 48'
 Cockwells Classic Yachts |
 Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 45' |
 Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 55' |
Click here to see some images of our 45' Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter, Polly Agatha in build.