Norman River Boat Recycling in Oxford

Norman 20 in Oxford

Our marine and boat recycling team were waste deep in the River Thames to remove an old Norman 20 boat. We had been asked by her owners to remove the boat from the mooring as she’d fallen into disrepair. Sadly the once loved boat was no longer getting any use.

The initial plan had been to turn up with our trailer and use the slipway which was on site. However during our first attempt to remove her it was clear the slipway was too narrow. So we had to go back to the drawing board. The marina she was in also didn’t have any lifting facilities that could have got the boat out of the water and onto our truck.

Boat a Non Runner

So the team devised a plan to utilise some of the land at the entrance to the yard. There was a a large turning area that went right up to the river bank. We thought that if we could get the Norman 20 alongside her we could then use the Hiab to pluck her out. The only issue was that the boat was a non runner. So we needed to bring a tow boat.

Luckily for us one of the team had recently acquired a new inflatable SIB. He regularly uses it for trips across to the Isle of Wight. So we thought it would be perfect on the calm waters of the Thames.

When we arrived on the morning of collection we set up the SIB and used the sloped banks of the river to launch her. Then with the engine running and the crew in waders we set off down the river to find the Norman 20. After unpicking her old crusty mooring lines we gently eased her out. We did worry that there wouldn’t be enough water as the river levels were extremely low.

Refreshments

With the SIB tied against the port side at the stern we quietly followed the river back to the loading point. There our third member of the team was waiting to catch the lines and secure us to the bank. Now the Norman was where we wanted her we just had to wait for the lorry to show up. Typically he was delayed so the team did what anyone would and find the nearest pub for refreshments.

After an hour or so we headed back to the boat and got back in the waders. The Hiab arrived and quickly set out the crane arm with the strops ready to sling the boat. With a member of the team waste deep in the river it was easy to get the slings under the hull.

Then she was carefully lifted out of the river and up onto the back of the truck. Before being strapped down and secured ready for transport to the boat scrapyard. Our whole process was carefully watched by a heard of local cows and horses. Whilst enjoying a dip in the river they seemed intrigued by what was going on.

If you have an old boat sat on a mooring costing you money then get in contact and arrange for us to remove it. Just fill in the Scrap calculator and we will do the rest.