AN ABERDARON man has designed, developed and manufactured a craft that will benefit Bardsey Island.

Colin Evans, who lives in Uwchmynydd, has crafted the boat in his workshop.

Two years of planning and another two years of hard work have gone into the project.

The boat will be used as part of the Bardsey Island Ferry boat service, once it is ready for service.

Colin has had lots of support, as he explained: “I could not have done it without the support of my family and friends, and a generous bequest from a lady who loved Bardsey Island and wanted to help it thrive. This prototype will be named for that lady and put into service on the Bardsey Island run to thoroughly test the design.”

Roy Milnes, a friend of Colin’s, added: “Colin has extraordinary skills not only to design the craft but he has all the necessary practical constructional skills and resources e.g. laying up glass-fibre, welding steel, stainless steel and aluminium plus installing complex electrical and electronic systems all from his Uwchmynydd workshop.

“His first craft, the Maria Stella launched on 5 July 2006. This was equally innovative, capable of carrying tractors and livestock up to eight tonnes payload. The Maria Stella has proven a lifeline for the survival of farming on Ynys Enlli.

“Colin’s achievements are a real boost for the local Llyn economy and in particular the success of Ynys Enlli.

“He is an inspiration to all who meet him.”

Before production commenced, the design and calculations had to be approved by an independently qualified naval architect to ensure compliance with MGN280 – Codes of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels.

It is a multi-purpose vessel designed and built to a high standard based upon Colin’s engineering and practical expertise.

This expertise and experience come from Colin being a graduate of Aberystwyth University.

With 20 years real world operational knowledge as skipper of the Bardsey Island Ferry Service, Colin knows exactly what an owner requires from a medium sized workboat.

In addition to being an island ferry, it can be used as a high-speed inshore fishing boat or platform service vessel. There is a high demand for this class of craft and the moulds now permit easy re-production.

A flying bridge provides a second control and command position facilitating manoeuvrability when docking.

Details such as central locking of wheelhouse doors, lockers and fuel compartments simplify the skipper’s task load at the beginning and end of the day.

The boat has just been rolled out of the production shed, where final fitting out is taking place.

Colin plans to launch the boat for sea trials to attain Maritime and Coastguard Agency certification early this summer.