Screw it

This is half of the driving mechanism of the St Ives Lifeboat, or in marine speak, the port Screw. The mechanic asked me to wait a day or 2 to do this shot as the boat has been in the water for a few hours dealing with a catamaran that ran aground and the normal shiny brass is a bit dull today but I've been so busy I have no better pics. I will go back in a few days and blip how much better he has made it though :)

I've had this idea in mind for a bit as this is a picture that will soon disappear into history. In 2014 we get a replacement lifeboat called the Shannon Class and it will be driven by impellers so the big brass screw is becoming an antique. I'm all for progress but there is a few hundred years history in the big propeller so I also have a hint of sadness at its passing.