Well tanked up

A long train journey was broken with a detour via Tamworth to view the latest build progress. The boatman's cabin had received most attention. All the furniture is built and installed with the exception of the bench seat which was being worked on. This includes the bed'ole with fold out door forming the bed base, three large cupboards above plus a wide shallow draw below.

The very robust fold down table with the crumb draw below.

By the rear doors the storage shelves and slots each side plus of course the authentic ticket draw used in the past to store documentation for loads carried. Some thought will have to go into the placement of bowthruster, tunnel lamp and horn controls in this area although the panel is already made. A compact marine VHF unit also needs to be accommodated, but that will be on the opposite side of the doors.

A little extra work had taken place in the galley. The washing machine cupboard had been fleshed out with a large solid cutlery draw above. It really needs the L shaped worksurface adding to better see the layout. We discussed and agreed the placement of the small semi-circular folding breakfast table on the opposite side of the galley. I had intended that this would line up with the galley double doors, but it seems the worksurface is a little longer than planned with a lesser radius possible on the edge. This is a knock on effect of the thickness of wood used. Its easy to think in terms of house fittings, but of course a boat requires more solid construction and Steve doesn't seem to skimp in this area. In any case an offset of five inches placed the table with space for a couple of stools and the front edge in line with the opening doors to still allow al-fresco breakfasts.

Supply and fitting of an all black Shoreline 100 litre fridge was discussed, a little larger than planned and matching the black microwave/grill I've already purchased. This in turn to match the charcoal/brushed stainless theme of the galley as a whole.

It seems all the cupboard doors have been made. I saw a stack of various shapes and sizes in the galley. The solid wood relief is mated to a thick plywood backing.

Finally the two stainless tanks have been fitted. The water tank of 128 gallons situated under the well deck was already plumbed with filler and exit with valve. A little disappointed that this fell short of the 140 gallons promised, but won't shed any tears over it. Some small amount of water plumbing has been added in the galley as well. The large poop tank was fitted in the bathroom and when boxed in will provide a step down from the engine room with a further step down to the main bathroom floor. The loo will sit conveniently on top of tank.

I think next time I visit the woodwork will look much more complete and recognisable. Dotted around the boat were the frameworks for both front saloon cupboards and the one overhead cupboard. A second overhead cupboard was spotted destined for the bathroom I believe, plus the front of the engine room cupboard, all waiting to be fitted.

Work will now continue from back to front. After completion of the boatman's cabin the engine room cupboard will be built to house electrical switchgear. The bathroom will be next with quadrant shower already on order. Completion of woodwork expected in about six weeks.

Steaming ahead

Returning from a family wedding on 2nd September, we routed via Tamworth to view the build progress. Arriving during the lunch break in a car loaded with everything including the kitchen sink, we had an excellent photo opportunity without tripping over workmen.

We had previously been told that the woodwork had started in the bedroom, but were pleased to see it almost complete including the requested slatted bed base, only requiring cupboard doors, a shelf between side cupboards and the porthole lining.

Wardrobe and dressing table with overhead cupboard which will include a downlighter. The shallow table will have a fold out section to accommodate a laptop.

Although we had recent phone discussions on the galley layout, we were again surprised to find the woodwork nearing completion. I guess I'm definitely paying Steve too promptly. The partial bulkhead from saloon can be seen in the foreground with overhead and under worksurface cupboards. To the rear is the fridge/freezer, oven and microwave stack. Still awaiting the worksurface of course. We were advised to reverse the planned orientation of the kitchen sink so the integral draining board would work given the boats slope down from bow to stern.

To the left of picture the space for a compact washing machine can be seen. It will be completely hidden behind a door, with gas hob recessed into the worksurface above. Between the two will be a cutlery draw. There is a small semi-circular fold-down breakfast table to be added on the opposite side of the galley in front of the opening doors.

Compact saloon awaiting cupboards and main fold down table. A stove will be fitted just the other side of the galley bulkhead on the right. Corner cupboards will be added each side of the front doors.

Bare boatman's cabin now with floor. Furniture is being completed and will be fitted soon. We also found the non-slip engine room flooring had been completed with large access cut-outs to the under floor equipment on both sides. Just a tall corner cupboard to be fitted there to accommodate the DC and AC electrical switchgear.

In all excellent progress considering the two week break Steve and his staff have mid summer. From now on I will be visiting regularly every three weeks or so to monitor the fit and discuss the inevitable issues that arise.