We have been recording the vessel in order and prepared a “historical record document”.
This involved photographing her inside and out, taking accurate measurements and drawing up plans. For more details on this please see the Status on Acquisition page.
We will continue this as the project develops.
We have stripped her out inside to get a true picture of her hull condition and removed the engine, concrete ballast and all internal fixtures and fittings.
We already know the Manx Beauty will need major rebuilding work. We wish to bring her back to her original look and up to MCA standards. This will involve significant work , replacement of ribs, deck beams and deck as well as some planks. Internal fit out and replica wheelhouse built. The estimated duration of the project is approximately 4 years.
Funding
Funders would not consider an application if restoration or a project had already begun.
But we are delighted as of July 2026 to be awarded £1.2m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
This page will be populated further soon, now that we know about the funding
Who will be involved?
Community organisations.
The East Neuk Men’s Shed and members of The Scottish Fisheries Museum Boats Club are already active in the project.
The Manx Beauty will be a long term significant project to get our teeth into. It will provide a focus for members that short term projects do not. This boat was built by the community, and operated by men from the community, over and above that it is vital that the community now restore it and are involved in her running. There is no doubt that the Manx Beauty holds a special place in the history of the town. The Project can help groups like ourselves have a pride in what we do. We will be able to show off our part in her restoration which will have multiple benefits for our members.
David Simpson (Chair East Neuk Mens Shed)
Schools
The boat will be sited in a temporary boatyard on the Waid Academy campus and we will deliver SQA certified courses for both school pupils and other courses for volunteers
