Turbinia was taken out in a gale in which she sustained a blown joint, but managed to outstrip a destroyer of Palmer's. They are also planning to ask Ewing, Professor of Engineering at Cambridge, to test Turbinia, along with Professor Weighton of Newcastle.
A calm sea with a good swell, enabled them to have a long run and measure the feed water. They achieved 25.5 knots for 30 miles. The no. 3 set of 9 screws of 18" diameter, and 24" pitch will be added the following week. Parsons reaffirms that 'smaller diameters and larger pitch ratios will give better results', and anticipates 32 knots.
He has decided to make Heaton Works a private limited company to avoid any awkwardness for the Marine Company and his executors in the event of anything happening to him. Discusses who he should have as executors for both companies.
Reports that in performance the Carmania has beaten the Caronia, giving 2 knots faster with easier firing.
Parsons has been reassured by Professor Ewing about Mr Peak, saying he thinks he is 'the sort of man I should like to have on my experimental staff'.
Regarding Larmor's election as M.P. for the University. 'It would have necessitated considerable sacrifices' on P's part to have served as M.P. so he is delighted that Larmor has taken his place.
He expects he will have to go to Guinness' brewery once it is operational, in the mean time he plans to visit Lawrence. All concerned have agreed a report of alterations to be made to the boat. In a P.S. he comments that 'the new blades appear to give a result closely approaching perfection'.
Reports that 'the boat is now almost complete and we hope to put steam on for a preliminary turn round on Monday' and that 'the new arrangement looks better than the original one with more room to get about the engine room'.
Reports on the Viper's first preliminary trial at which 32 knots were reached. Despite being a very rough day the government inspectors declared the performance as 'most satisfactory in every way'. He anticipates that the government will order more boats after some further trials.
They are busy with the production of turbines and are expecting an order of several turbines for 'Guinness' Brewery'. He aims to have current alterations complete by the directors meeting on 4 December, when they will consider foreign patents for the Turbinia. He is optimistic as to speeds attainable in the future, 'I believe priming is the only limit to the steaming powers of a water tube boiler'.