This is a scaffold that we have installed periodically over the years to dovetail in with the maintenance schedule of this historic vessel.
Moored in Lower Shiplake, The Windsor Belle is steam powered boat built in 1901 and operates for private hire along the River Thames. This vessel requires regular maintenance and one aspect of this is the re-varnishing of the teak structure.
To be able to undertake the vast project of sanding down and varnishing the structure, the boat is craned out of the water and stored in a barn. Although the vessel is in the dry, the varnish needs to be applied in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment that the barn is unable to provide. Thames Valley Scaffold installed a tent like structure over the vessel so that heaters could be then installed to bring the temperature up to a working level.
Using structural transoms, we were able to provide a working lift around the water line so that all areas of the boat could be accessible without the need for ladders. Using Monarflex side sheeting we then wrapped the scaffold on all sides and the roof ensuring neat and tidy joints.
