A little frosty this visit.
There was snow last night and the ground was still icy but what we saw in the boat shed today warmed us up. It’s all coming together really fast and looks great, we can already see ourselves living in our new boat. You can see from these pictures that the waiting was all worthwhile, the quality is absolutely amazing.

Saloon, looking aft. The fire in place, complete with chimney, looking across at the shelf for the TV shelf and electronics cupboard below with glass cabinet above. Down-lighters fitted and switched on give that homely feel.

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Saloon, looking towards the dinette and galley. An unobstructed view over the top of the dinette right down to the bathroom door gives a sense of space and makes for a “light and airy” feel in this, the social end of the boat. Swivel down-lighters provide the only light in this picture and helps bring out the creamy brown shades of the wall panels. The final stages will see T&G flooring which promises to complete the experience. We thought previous boats had just what we wanted but this one has gone further and has everything we could ask for.

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The galley is almost there, with fitted worktops, cupboards and drawers, sink bowl, drainer and taps. A couple of wall panels to go up and a row of tiles will finish it. You’ll have to wait to see the worktop finish, better than we could have imagined, and under wraps while the work around it progresses. This has impressed us right from the start, everything has been covered to preserve an immaculate scratch free finish, nothing seems too much trouble when it comes to care of the boat, both inside and out.

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The bathroom has changed considerably since we last saw it, Tiles look brilliant, taps and shower head are just what we wanted and the sense of space grows with the brightness of the tiles, the light ash woodwork and the airiness that you get from a walk-through bathroom.

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We have to admit the bedroom panelling is stunning. The workmanship can be seen here with the complexity of cabinet work in the cupboard units, wall panels and the tongued and grooved ceiling.
Something we hadn’t appreciated until today was just how much time was spent on each wall panel before it is fitted. In fact every decorated hardwood panel, whether drawer front, cupboard door or wall section spends hours on the bench, individually crafted from ash pieces the size of giant floor joists, being jointed, bevelled and chased to take decorative hardwood inlay.
It’s going to be a delight waking up in the mornings, studying the wood grains, hardwood frames and marquetry. Not a gap or a scratch to be seen. I just hope we can keep it perfect.

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Finally, couldn’t resist this close up of the bows while the cratch frame was removed, with shining brass light and horn set against deep green and gold paintwork.

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This boat might be our home but it has already taken on its own identity as a quality work amongst narrowboats destined for the canals of England. We were very pleased with the foundation work over the previous months but now we are stunned by the craftsmanship and the perfection in the detail.
Respect due.

Its almost official – we’re just two weeks away from launch

So what’s changed in the last 3 weeks?

Just as we predicted there are now roof vents, ceiling lights, wall panels and cupboards everywhere.

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Something extra for the back doors – little portholes – so I can look out on cold rainy days and make sure the steerer hasn’t fallen overboard.

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There’s a fire. Where? Only kidding. Had to fake the picture because the fire hasn’t been fitted yet. But you can’t tell can you?

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Wasn’t sure about the high level cupboards at the planning stage but they’re just the ticket. Underneath lighting, behind the pelmet will be a single soft white LED bar. So economical there’s no need to switch it off.

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Corner bath plumbed in and awaiting taps, shower connection and side panel. Look, there’s a little place to sit down in the corner. Useful if you get dizzy when showering on the move.

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So they think we’ll hit the water in December, what’s the weather going to do? Frost, snow, canal turned to ice? After all, this is the Midlands we’re talking about and they predict the coldest winter in 900 years. Here’s hoping diesel central heating and a wood burning stove will do the job.
Anyone selling a cheap chainsaw?