The Steamboating Forum

Those appear to be cable brakes, not hydraulic.

Could you try a glycerin filled gauge? How fast does the needle move?

I recently thought of a handle that could be squeezed to release, like mirroring a catch on a bar clamp, one spring holding in each direction. I'm not sure how to describe it though.

I believe cunifer is sold as nicopp on our side of the pond.

Have you considered a screw reverse lever?

There are several threads on Canal World forums, including the narrowboat in the third video.

That is a very nice boat, you sell your talents short.

Do you think Teflon rings would work on larger engines, my steam temp should be below 400 f.?

I believe you're thinking of the lifu boiler.

The porcupine boiler has large gaps at the outside of the quills, allowing the gasses to pass without transferring heat, these fill those gaps.

A centerboard sailboat should work well. I don't know how deep your water is, but boats like sharpies can be pretty shallow.