Restoring “River Gypsy”

Eight years ago, my wife, who doesn’t like “tippy” sailing boats, bought a 1952 25’ timber cruiser. It needed a lot of tender loving care. We established that it was built by A.G. Williams at Drummoyne in Sydney Harbour and was worth restoring. I didn’t realise how much work would be required!

Many things needed to be restored in order to stay true to the original design, such as the hull, the decks and the roof, however other things needed either replacing or redesigning in order to function more effiiciently.

Replacing the 1974 80hp Perkins Diesel with a new 75hp Yanmar diesel allowed a total redesign of the engine compartment and the saloon/galley/helm above that space. The most significant impact of this was to get the engine below the floor and to lower much of the floor to give clear headroom for taller people (me). The galley has now been totally redesigned with a new wooden workbench, new drawers, fridge and sink. The saloon also is redesigned with new windows, blinds, seating and provision for a removable table.

The engine compartment is now fully insulated and has a new wet exhaust system and a new dorade box air intake system, missing from the original design. The engine compartment was also redesigned and is now significantly more accessible than before.

Apart from replacing the engine, it was found the existing propeller was the wrong pitch and a new propeller specifically matched to the engine and gearing was installed along with a new jack shaft and bearings.

In addition the unsightly canvas covers in the cockpit have been replaced with clears and a smart roll down awning to the aft.

River Gypsy is now a sturdy, reliable and thoroughly enjoyable cruiser.