Bristol ferryboat returns to the harbour after a major overhaul

One of the oldest and most charming boats in Bristol’s harbour has returned to the water after a major revamp.

Ferryboat Emily, of the iconic yellow and blue Bristol Ferry Boats, has been out of action for almost three years, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Now nearing her 100^th birthday, it was time for Emily to undergo a refurbishment - as is done with all boats in the fleet, every year. This helps keep the boats looking their best and ensures they are in top condition for carrying passengers.

Carrie Browne, Operations Manager said “It’s been fantastic to give a new lease of life to one of our oldest and most popular boats. We have replaced her engine, given her a fresh coat of paint, replaced areas of wood and fitted new glass into her windows. We’ve also installed a new, more efficient propellor and given her a full deep clean ready for the new season.

“Perhaps the most significant change has been to lower the floor and remove some of the roof to increase headroom, which has given her the slight appearance of a beautiful Venice water taxi. She is now in tip top condition and ready for passengers wanting to enjoy the sights of the Bristol Harbour for the next 100 years!”

Originally built in Bideford, in 1927, and known as Heather Spray, was acquired by Bristol Ferry in 1992 as their first enclosed vessel, and renamed Emily.

The annual maintenance of boats; and use of historic boat-building knowledge for wooden vessels is a timely and costly process, which usually takes place at The Underfall Yard in Hotwells. Emily’s overhaul took 10 months and was a labour of love by specialist boat-builder and maintenance manager John Raymond-Barker.

“Emily has to be the prettiest boat in our fleet, to see her now as a semi open boat really suits her proportions and makes her a fantastic boat for parties and day trips.  To see her out on the water again makes me incredibly proud of the achievement and I’m looking forward to seeing her bring pleasure to passengers for many more years to come.”

Once the boats are examined, repaired, repainted and then audited by the Maritime Coastguard Agency, the boats are given the green light for launch and use by the public.

Emily is now ready for new season daily waterbus service, which re-opens on April 1, and for trips to Beeses Riverside Bar in Brislington for their re-opening celebrations that same weekend.

Bristol Ferry Boats is Ltd is a non-for-profit community-owned business which has been serving Bristol’s waterways since 1977. It runs a daily ferry service across the Bristol harbour, as well as trips and events, private hire boat party parties, tours for schools, corporate occasions, celebrations and more.

The maintenance and auditing of the fleet of 5 ferry boats can be very expensive – all profits earned by Bristol Ferry Boat Company through the peak summer months are reinvested into the essential upkeep of the fleet and the ongoing training of its crew.

To find out more, or to book online, visit www.bristolferry.com  or phone 0117 927 3416.