Get the motor running

Well it seems the majority of the AC and DC electrics are installed and working, batteries charging, AC available via battery or shore power and we now have lighting throughout the boat - yipee! Focus has now switched to the engine installation, the two main areas being mechanical and electrical. Tony has already hooked up the engine start panel and installing the alternators will be next.

Various dark green painted tanks matching the engine, are looking pretty mounted on the shiny engine room bulkhead and will look better still with a few judiciously placed Lister decals. Most of the plumbing to/from them in shiny copper is completed, and its now possible to draw fuel from main to day fuel tank (top of picture) using that nice big waggle from side to side hand pump. Not sure how long the plastic sight tube will remain visible but there is a vent/overflow back to the main tank, so no harm can come from over enthusiastic pumping. The feed from this tank to the engine will be via an additional fuel filter with Lexan see-through bowl. Mounted on the side of the cupboard are the header tanks for central heating and engine below, the latter being already plumbed in. Sitting very comfortably between all these is the huge oil pressure gauge, with unions added to feed the smaller one on the roof for the benefit of the steerer.

The various connections to the main fuel tank including draw and return pipes to/from day tank, spill rail return from engine and feed to Mikuni diesel boiler which is still to be fitted. The fuel tank level sensor can also be seen. To the rear the horizontal calorifier is in place just awaiting plumbing.

On the engine panel, turning the key and pressing the big red start button produces a satisfying churning noise from below and an enthusiastic leap of that huge flywheel.

Much head scratching has been given to shoehorning the two alternators into the rapidly diminishing space in the engine room. A ladder shaped mount to sit sideways astride the flywheel, has been sturdily fabricated from 6mm steel to take the larger 140 amp one on the lower step, with the smaller immediately above. I say smaller but noted it has grown to a 90 amp unit, although not complaining. It may be pushing the envelope to expect this to be driven by a single belt, but as Steve provides positive belt adjustment, there won't be a belt tension issue.

Placement of the ladder mount firmly bolted to the engine bearers will also help protect passers by from the spinning flywheel, as well as providing easy access and simple removal of both alternators to allow work on the engine.
Most of the switch panel is now connected and installed in the upper cupboard with remote control panel for the Combi above and an immersion heater switch below. The service battery monitor is working as are both tank gauges, but still awaiting the bowthruster batteries so no indication from that monitor yet. They will be remotely and automatically isolated via a cunning relay operated motorised isolator which mimics the service battery one. In the lower cupboard keeping the AC and DC systems essentially separate, is the neatly installed small consumer unit for AC distribution and circuit protection. A multi-colour LED shore power polarity indicator has been fitted within it on the left. Galvanic isolator connections can be seen at the top.

Proving that Tony isn't just an electrics wizard, he was fitting the traditional push/pull control linkage to the hydraulic gearbox whilst I was there.

The Spinflo gas hob has been fitted and another of Steve's workforce was preparing the matching oven/grill for installation, whilst seemingly seconds later fitting the stern nav light in the continuous drizzle. Water pump with inlet filter and pressure accumulator have also been fitted, sitting immediately in front of the water tank, with easy access from behind the cabin steps.

Despite this activity there is still an awful lot of work to complete not least the sign writing. On first impression then during this visit, I was doubtful the boat would be able to move under its own steam before the end of this month. However I'm assured it will although final details like the bowthruster itself and the diesel heater installation may come later. In fairness many missing bits are already pre-fabricated and will be fitted soon with little further effort. Can't wait for next visit in about three weeks.

Electrickery

The electrical installation is now well underway. Living on a boat for twelve years has given me a clear idea of what I need in this area and what works, for me at least. Consequently this electrical fit is well above the one Steve normally provides.

Tony has been busy in the engine room. The service battery box to take five 110 amp hour batteries has been constructed and located to the rear of the engine room. To the front woodwork has been added to support the Combi charger/inverter, a second battery charger, isolators, fuses and shunts. All neatly concealed in the well vented underfloor area, although the Combi will have a remote control sited above the main switch panel.

The engine start battery will be located the other side of the engine room adjacent to the Mikuni diesel water heater. Final decisions have been made on the location of AC and DC electrical outlets, with back boxes being fitted during my latest visit. Where possible, dedicated AC outlets and TV aerial sockets have been hidden in cupboards with just general utility outlets visible using flat Vantage faceplates for sockets and light switches.





All Tony has to do now is wire according to this diagram.

Easily said I know, and this just covers the main wiring features, not the routine cable feeds. I had intended to install the electrics myself but this proved impractical. If Tony's previous work is to be judged though I won't be disappointed.

He has already made a start as this wiring mayhem shows. Hope he's not colour blind. It will all be hooked up to this panel

The control panel for the horn, tunnel and navigation lights has been neatly installed under the ticket draw. The Francis searchlight and Klaxon horn will be relay operated, taking power from the nearby bowthruster batteries. On the opposite side of the rear doors, the bowthruster control panel and marine VHF transceiver will be fitted for easy access from the steering position.







Although the covers for the well deck lockers have been added, little other work has been completed since my last visit. I'm told we are still on track to have a boat that will move under its own steam and look finished before the end of May though.

Next visit will hopefully show the engine installation well under way if not actually running. Then there is a visit to the dry dock to be scheduled for blacking plus fitment of the prop and bowthruster. The artwork, sign writing and detail paintwork will also be completed at this time.

Couldn't resist adding a couple of external photo's, one of the bow showing the sharp pinch at the water line and also the stern showing off the paintwork in the sunlight.

Steve took the arrival of several of my family in his stride, as we had arranged to meet at his yard for a nearby family commitment later that day. It did give them an opportunity for a sneak preview though.

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.

Paint it red

The boat is already in the paint shop. It seems the previous job finished earlier than expected, so no time was wasted getting Ecky Thump in. Unfortunately this limits my access to the boat I'm told. External fittings are stripped out, with flatting and initial masking nearly completed. A week of dusty work. Don't envy these guys.

Colours have been mulled over, changed, advice taken, samples provided, but we finally have something approaching the original red, green and yellow used on post 1921 Fellows, Morton and Clayton working boats. I say approaching because despite all the research no one seems to know for sure, so am taking an average of opinions commensurate with what pleases me. Having compared my choices with a multitude of restored working boat photo's, Traffic Red , Mid Brunswick Green and Golden Yellow have won the day. The green should be a good match to the Lister green in the engine room. A creamy white will be used for the traditional upper band on the stern and to outline the detail paintwork on the top bend. Paint layout for the cabin sides at least, can be seen in the blog title.

Given the boats early visit to the paint shop I may have delayed my monthly visit, but the train tickets had already been booked. Promising to be on my best behavior and tread carefully, I persuaded Steve to let me have a peek inside.

Tiling in the galley is complete bar grouting and looks great especially now the sink and mixer tap are in place. Pity this area is still in disarray, but not for much longer hopefully.

Tiling in the bathroom is also complete with vanity basin fitted, but awaiting the matt black mixer tap. This rather expensive must have is causing some minor concern as they can't get it apart to tighten connections.

This shower is going to look superb when finished.






















The scumbling in the BMC is also complete with the engine room nearly so, and presently being worked on.
Radiators have been installed in the saloon and bedroom and although difficult to see, I suspect a fair amount of plumbing has been completed. I also noted second fit wiring had been started and all light switch box's installed.

Obviously all welding needs to be completed before painting, so I was pleased to see the late addition answer pins had been provided. Also noted was the provision of exhaust flange in the engine room roof panel. 

As I had brought it with me, Steve confirmed the design and positioning of the horn bracket so welding could be completed later that day.






Also discussed was the number and type of electrical fascia's for AC outlets and light switches etc. Vantage Flatplate flush fittings will be used in brushed stainless with black inserts, so a trip to CEF is planned.

Next visit is scheduled for February 28th when it should have emerged resplendent from the paint shop - can't wait. Still a long way to go though so finish date will probably be in May now.

On the tiles

Christmas with family in Hull gave me the excuse to detour the car journey via Tamworth, dropping off the recently purchased Zanussi compact washing machine to allow timely installation. I had already been advised the varnishing was complete but was eager to see how the tiling was coming on.

Unfortunately Steve's tiler had taken extra leave shortly after starting, so had been unable to finish before Christmas. He had completed the tiling behind the saloon stove though, complete with grouting.

I suppose I was generally disappointed at the amount of work completed since my last visit a month before, but close inspection showed many small finishing touches including the trims around the edges of tiled area's. Looks like the galley tiles will be next.









The bedroom looked good with varnishing completed to a very high standard in a smooth silk finish.

A closer inspection of the dressing table extension revealed a slide out support. Not sure if I missed this last time or its recently been added.

In the engine room and BMC the undercoat in preparation for scumbling has been applied. This in turn to give an artificial wood grain effect in keeping with old working boats.

At the rear of the engine room the trim around the start of the aft swim curvature can be seen just to the right of the boxed in fuel filler pipe. Its hoped that the large oil tank required by the dry sump engine can be accommodated on supports at this level. This would leave the tank high enough for easy draining as well as allowing  removal of the floor hatch to access the diesel fired water heater below.







I also tried the fit of another recent purchase, a Samsung LED Smart TV with HD tuner. With low power consumption, very thin profile and light weight, its ideal for a compact boat installation. I enjoy my TV, so consider a 32" screen as the minimum for HD viewing. Wireless connectivity to the Internet and my laptop is an added bonus. Steve will have a pattress made to provide a vertical surface for the the mount, counteracting the tumblehome of the cabin side as well as providing a more sound base for securing. As this mount weighs almost as much as the TV, l don't think I will need to worry about security of the TV itself.

After agreeing on the paint scheme we discussed schedules for completion. It seems my boat will go into the paint shop at the end of January so a visit late next month,  just before was confirmed. Final completion date is now back to April - ho hum. Well March would probably be too cold anyway.