Home stretch

Finally get the chance to see the new paintwork in daylight. Windows and portholes are back in, hatches replaced plus a few extra bits of brassware. The painted pigeon boxes were also spied in one of Steve's storage containers awaiting fitment.

Work can now start in earnest adding fittings such as the diesel water heater, calorifier, stoves, loo and kitchen appliances as the home stretch approaches. Then there are the boat electrics to be hooked up. Five service batteries plus a starter one in the engine room and a further two in the starboard well deck locker for the bow thruster. The DC switch panels have already been built and will include a visible engine start panel and a helm panel by the rear doors as well as the main control panel which will be hidden behind decorated doors in the tall engine room cupboard.

There will also be considerable work hooking up the engine life support systems as well as two alternators. Four tanks need to be accommodated in the engine room. Central heating and engine cooling header tanks, engine oil tank and the gravity feed fuel tank filled by hand pump from the integral main one below. I understand most of this work will be completed last though.


Although I was expecting to discuss the electrical installation at a later date, Martin, Steve's second in command seemed keen to get it sorted now. To this end Tony the electrician had been busy retrieving all the electrical goodies I had dropped off over previous months and laying them out all over the boat. Over two hours were spent with the two of them identifying the components, discussing their layout and how they related to my AC and DC wiring diagrams. Although a few we don't normally do it that way comments were made, it was generally agreed that the electrical installation could be completed to my requirements.


Pleased to see the tile grouting has now been completed, with the mosaics in the bathroom particularly eye catching against the bumpy white tiles.













Glossy BMC and rear of engine room as paintwork preparation continues.

Neat plumbing below galley sink.

Technicolour tease

Still not quite out of the paint shop and consequently no further work on the interior. Seems the cold snap created staff sickness despite burning huge quantities of propane keeping the place warm, and adding to the delay. Should be out in a day or so though and worth the wait as these pictures attest, although the colours may be a little different in daylight.

Hatch covers awaiting re-fitting. The one in the foreground is the sliding hatch for the rear cabin.

Trade mark Hudson casting for the rudder stock boss. Rear plate is to mount the stern nav light.













Whilst I was taking photo's the brass pole racks were added and mushroom vents replaced. The paint on the BMC, engine room roof and gunwales is a silk finish to emulate the traditional red oxide. A non-slip surface is added on the gunwales and the green forward part of the roof.

Whilst I was yet again disappointed at the slow progress made, I do have a firm completion date now of the 25th May. Not at liberty to explain any more at this stage, but consoling myself with the fact that I will have the use of the boat during the warmest part of this year.

As I had some time to kill before my train journey, Steve kindly offered me his personal 37 foot tug for a chug up the cut. A brave man I think as this was my first solo trip on a canal, and a narrow one at that. An enjoyable experience but after being spoilt by the wheel steering on my yacht, will need to build up the arm muscles.








Will be visiting more regularly now as I expect the pace of work to creep up again, with discussions needed for the the final fittings particularly the electrics. Hopefully better pictures next time to include the interior nearing completion.