Quote Originally Posted by Surpmil View Post
Then "mothball" the bloody thing! Park up in the frozen north somewhere where it won't rust away and forget about it until it's needed.

Sadly, that couldnt happen! If the ship were put into preservation (Mothballed) it would STILL cost a fortune with it's upkeep. A vessel of this size would have to have a fultime crew doing absolutely nothing but routine maintainance. Things rust/corrode/seize up with lack of use! As the vessel would be floating, hull observation & maintainance/rust removal would be an ongoing thing also. It's different with small arms as Peter & myself can attest! Grease 'em up & pack 'em in wood crates! Even then, they are taken out on a ratio of approx 10 percent on a yearly basis & inspected to ensure no deterioration!