Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Boatbuilding

Colin Brookes mSNAME amRINA

and

Hartley & Brookes Boat Designs Ltd

Boat designer and builder. Began designing and building boats in New Zealand in the early 60's, from canoes to ocean sailing cruisers, and racing hydroplanes to deepsea working craft. Operated from premises in Heybridge Basin and Ulting from the late 1970's until the late 1990's. In later years designed and built many ferro-cement boats and  was listed with several govt's, assn's and insurance institutions as an advisor on the marine applications of ferro-cement. Also a writer and producer of books on boatbuilding. Formed the company 'Hartley & Brookes Boat Designs Ltd to also market the plans and books for both his and Hartley boat designs.

01 (above) the Heybridge Basin office by the bottom yard on Lock Hill.

02 (above) a fishing boat and a 45ft sailing cruiser under construction in the bottom yard.

03 (above) a 45ft sailing cruiser under construction.

04 (above) a 38ft H&B sailing cruiser ready to be lifted out in to the top yard for final fitting out.

05 (above) Colin Brookes's restored crane being used to lift an engine in a boat in the Canal Basin opposite the top yard.

06 (above) The crane being used to load a small boat on to a trailer in the 'Daisy Meadow' carpark. Terry Swann standing far left, Colin operating the crane.

07 ( above ) an H&B fishing trawler about to be lifted out of the bottom yard.

08 (above) a 52ft H&B sailing cruiser being lifted out of the yard.

09 (above) a 32ft H&B sailboat built for Peter Doubtfire of 'Blackwater Printing', being lifted out of the yard.

10 (above) a bare 35ft hull built for a customer ready to be transported out of the village.

11 (above) One of H&B employees (Mark Plummer) having a break on the deck of a newly launched H&B hull from the top yard into the Basin.

12 (above) Christine Brookes also taking a break on the deck of a 52ft H&B sailing cruiser awaiting to be rigged.