BUILD UPDATE

Today Sue and I paid a visit to view our baby taking shape. On a very cold december morning we travelled to Berkhamptead via the Hemel trading estate, site of the recent oil depot fire. This route was taken owing to jct 8 being closed on the M1. The extent of the blast was very much evident even on the outside edge of the estate that traffic was restricted to.
Well as you can see in the pics we now have kitchen worktops with hole cut for sink and doors on units and drawers fitted. The bathroom is tiled, sink and vac flush loo installed. The small bath also acts as shower tray. In the sleeping area at the stern we have w`robe door fitted and drawers fitted. Just a door to be fitted on the storage unit between the bed & w`robe. The 3kw sterling inverter lives behind the rear steps and is working fine. When we arrived Phil our builder was in the process of installing the Mikuni diesel boiler for the central heating.
At the bow end the corner unit and bookshelves are in and on the starboard side the plinth for the s/fuel stove is fitted and the tiles chosen by us are ready to fix. The plinth below stove has been made big enough to allow a slim door that will give access to storage for coal. Saves going out in cold to often. Pinched this idea from someones build site so full credit to whoever you are.Will post pics as soon as the stove is installed.

UPDATE

Well, as promised, an update on how we have suddenly got a boat under construction, but first I have completed the sale of my house and am no longer a home owner - HOORAY!!!!!!
As in previous blogs you will have read about boat show visits and my thoughts on part-fitted boats. Around mid-September Sue and I decided to view a fully fitted Anderton boat at Iver, which turned out to be a great disappointment in quality of fit-out.We had also arranged to view a 58' semi-trad that we'd seen advertised in a boat mag lying at Berkhamstead on the same day. The difference in quality struck us immediately on entering the boat. The builder is a young man who builds 3-4 boats per year and the one we viewed was recently completed and he was just starting to fit out the next shell to a different spec. At this time we were not in a position to leave a deposit or make any firm commitment to purchase as the house sale was not close enough to completion to risk the outlay. However, we knew that this was the builder and quality we were looking for - just loved the boat. We decided not to blog as we didn't want to give away too much info that may have attracted other buyers! After about 5 weeks had passed curiosity got the better of us and phoned to discover the finished boat had been sold and someone had also expressed interest in the current build. 2 days later we spent 4 hours of discussion with the builder on site, paid a holding deposit and decided on some mods to suit us which he was happy to accomodate. We have now paid the 10% deposit and will settle the balance on hand over in late January. So after all the head scratching regarding part-fit, 2nd hand etc we are now having a boat built to our spec and are so delighted with this choice. We will update with photos of stage progress as Les still works in London and passes close by the yard on his way home.
Sue gets the 1st viewer of the bungalow tomorrow, so that part of the scheme starts to take shape, and there is further interest being shown by other potential viewers.

WOW!!!!

The pictures show the galley beginning to take shape and the micro-wave housing and also the bed base with 3 under bed compartments the nearest housing the waste tank for the vacu- flush loo and the other 2 will be sliding drawers on runners. Also can be seen shelving and wardrobe in bedroom. Doors will be added later.
A full story of how things have developed to this stage will be blogged in the next few days, as i am sure some people following the blog might be confused.

SHELVING & WARDROBE IN BEDROOM

THE GALLEY TAKES SHAPE

A NARROWBOAT IS BORN

OUR 58` SEMI-TRAD IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. MORE DETAILS AND PHOTO`S TO FOLLOW SOON.

SUE

Since early on this year i have been lucky to have

had a wonderful freindship with a lady named sue

(NO VIC NOT YOUR SUE) and whilst combing

boatyards, visiting shows and just generally

enjoying the canal scene we have become very

close. So much so that Sue has put her bungalow

on the market and we are going to live afloat

together and enjoy life as a couple. I am without

doubt happier than i have been for many years.


Anyway while out and about we came across a chap who fits out 3 boats per year and had just finished one(pic on right) He has just started a new boat with a slightly different layout. The boats are Semi-Trad 58` s/steel tank, w/machine, microwave 712ah domestic battery bank oak floor throughout in fact just what we both are looking for. Will reveal more on next blog and as my solicitors are just about to exchange contracts on the houes everything is looking great.

PRESTON BROOK-WHAT TO BUY

Have just re-turned from a visit to Preston Brook show and am now in an even more confused state of mind. I went for the purpose of viewing the part fitted Liverpool Boats. This has the kitchen & bathroom fitted and working and with extras fitted ie diesel c/heating and an inverter works out about 42k. This would leave me to fit bed box, wardrobe, tv unit in saloon, box in caloriefer, light fittings (wiring tails in place), horn, h`light and flooring throughout plus any other bits i have missed. Now the price of fully fitted on this boat inc my extras comes to about 51k. A difference of 10k. I have no doubt i can fit from the part fit supplied for less than 10k, so am now thinking this over. But at the show i came across Calder Valley dragonfly and was quoted about 52/53k for my spec ie same as L`pool boat fully fitted. The thing is the Calder boat was in my opinion far better quality fit out than the L`pool boat. So now do i go l`pool and save some cash or calder and not worry about fitting out. Or keep looking for a decent used boat although what i have seen so far for 40-45k are not very good considering the difference in price compared to new, also bearing in mind with new i would not have the worry of something going wrong soon after purchase as i would s/hand. Oh well just have to chat some of you boaters on my towpath visits and get some views.

USED---NEW---or PART-FIT

While waiting for the legal people to dot the i`s and cross the t`s to complete my house sale(only 3 in the chain) i paid a w`end visit to Whilton Marina in Northants. As i went fom jetty to jetty, boat to boat not enjoying the experience as nothing took my fancy a sailaway caught my eye. This was lined with c/heating,wiring and plumbing fitted and painted. This set me thinking would this be the way to go as i am not at all worried about fitting out my-self. Anyway further web searching brought up Liverpool Boats are producing a part fitted narrowboat wich has the kitchen and bathroom ready to use. So now i am doing my homework re pricing up all sorts of things to see if this could be an option for me. First figures--early days yet-- show i could start life on the water with a brand new boat at a far reduced price in fact the same price as the used boats i viewed at Whilton. I will report my final figures soon.

Bedford NO PROBLEM

Recently met up with Sue & Vic on N.B. NO PROBLEM at Bedford(link to blog on left) Had a very nice chat for an hour or so, although it only seemed like 5mins as they were such good company. Many thanks to you both And to lucy for allowing me to board.
Have ordered all available first mate guides sue. The guides can be found at WWW.CANALMATE.CO.UK for anyone like myself ignorant of the mountains of information out there.
The house saga drags on. I am the top of the chain and am sorted, but the bottom end is dragging it`s feet so patience is the name of the game.
Anyone who has not read the NO PROBLEM blog please use the link you won`t regret it. It gave me the inspiration to start my blog.

HOUSE SOLD

After 3 months on the market have had an offer VERY close to asking price and have accepted.
Also have arranged to look at a boat at LEE NARROWBOATS that is arriving from Morroco next month. Have not decided on a builder yet but thought it might be interesting to see this boat if only to see what is available in all price ranges. Have also been looking at 2yr old boats so i am not sure what way to go at the moment but i suppose you must taste all the sweets before you decide your favourite. Anyway i feel like i am cruising through Blisworth tunnel and the light at the end is getting brighter.
I hope all boaters reading my blog are safe and well see you all soon.

READY TO BOARD G`DAD 

ASSEMBLING THE CREW

I am proud to announce the arrival of a potential crew member. Needs to grow fast so he can operate locks etc. Weighed in at 8Ib 8oz

NO COAL NEEDED FOR THIS ONE 

GOOD OLD STEAM POWER 

FUNKY PEOPLE ALSO WASH UP 

STILL FUNKY---SEE THE WINEGLASSES! 

FUNKY FISH BY BIG FISH Co 

THIS WAS ART DECCO ALL THROUGH THE BOAT 

MAYOR KEN WOULD EARN A FEW BOB IF THE ZONE STRETCHED THIS FAR OUT OF LONDON 

CRICK SHOW

Spent 2 days at crick and i might just have missed a few stands, certainly saw all the boats on show. It truly was a well organised show, plenty of parking, room to walk site to site, the most luxurious mobile toilets i have ever seen and when the show closed music in the marque till late.
A good aerobatic display each day by the wing walkers was a good excuse to plonk down on the grass and relax.
Have made a note of 3 builders that willbe my first ports of call for a quote when the house is sold, and do you know each one had views about the type of loo! Funny at home you don`t give it a second thought, do it and flush it, and don`t give it a second thought.
Stainless steele water tank is a must, don`t fancy treating the inside of integral one sounds a pain. So many things have come to light by just walking through the boats standing in the kitchen, sorry galley, and checking out the bathroom for elbow room, must have looked a sight standing by the wash basin pretending to wash, hope not to many people saw me.
Anyway it was well worth the trip much was learnt and some wonderful conversation was enjoyed with people i had not met before.
Will post a few pics, enjoy.

ONE WEEK TO GO

Sorry i am un-able to post more on my blog but sadly untill the house is sold and i can move onto the canals there is sadly little i can tell you. But i must say i am looking forward to the Crick Show next week. This show i am sure will give me much needed information and the chance to talk to some interesting people. Hope to post some pictures of crick in the near future.
I have deleted many of the comments from terry but have left his apology on there.

END OF NAVIGATION ON WENDOVER ARM 

A DAY AT MARSWORTH 

DAY AT MARSWORTH

Had a very pleasant day with my friend SUE today. We started at marsworth watching a dozen or so carp feeding on the surface outside the White Lion at bridge 132. We then walked along the towpath to bridge 133 and had lunch in the Grand Junction Arms. We then decided to walk along the Wendover Arm. A lot of restoration work has been achieved by the Wendover Arm Trust and hopefully they will go on to restore navigation to wendover.

LOCKING?

Seem to have got on the wrong side of the cut with TERRY (ref. comments on last blog-politics).Terry says in his 17yrs on canals he has never heard the term "locking" i had at the time and being new to canals no reason to doubt him. Untill by chance looking at website WWW.RONAROSA.CO.UK click on 2004 pictures 5th line down 3rd thumbnail the caption reads "locking through". Has anyone else heard of "locking".
Also thanks go to KIMBERLEY for her comments on my last blog. I welcome ALL comments good or bad. Yes Kimberley, who wants to think about politics on the cut. This is one of a few reasons i want to change my way of life.

The house market seems to be slow at the moment so i am having to accept that it may be sometime before i move on to my new life, but i will get there and look forward to meeting you all including Terry, the pint offer still stands. Walking by canals Terry is my way of relaxing after a hard weeks work, so don`t knock someones way of life because it is not your way. Live and let live.

POLITICS - NOT IN MY NEW WORLD

Comments on my last blog have stirred me to air my feelings on politics. I am sorry if anyone is upset or concerned with my views but they are mine and we must all respect each others right to see life in our own way, so here goes. I gave up voting some 7 years ago. My view is that which party is in still gives us all no choice of what happens in this country. Take i.d. cards why can`t they introduce them, why talk about it do it. Immigration, why do we allow people to enter the country illegally via lorry and train. You try going to USA same way, straight back on next plane no paperwork for entry, no messing , no entry.Crime goes up because no detterent.I don`t have to quote cases you all read of stupid sentences and see fly on wall tv cops chase around catching villans only to see them get off or light sentence, feel sorry for them.(police)
Anyway i intend to leave all this , well most of it, behind when i step aboard my new world. My biggest worry will be where shall i go now and where is the next pumpout. If my local council want to spend £500.000 yes 500K of ratepayers money for a towncentre bus type shelter with soft padding for the drunks to use only to find it un-used after a few months then in future it won`t be my money. I will invest my money and it will be my decision to spend it as and when I decide. Yes i do realise there are bandits on parts of the cut, but in the world i live in now that`s nothing to what goes on day after day all round me.
The cut is a new world. Walked round to the shops recently nothing happened. Walked around marsworth on Grand Union along towpath and within 20 steps people were saying good morning, just sat on a lock resting and chap on boat struck up a conversation first, good morning was followed by am i walking or locking for a boat. Why is it so different.
Anyway i am not going to worry why it`s different i want to join the club.
House sale up-date is no sale yet.
Well must go now have to decide where to walk on sunday. Thinking of going to Soulbry 3 locks on the G.U.

THE LONG WAIT

Well it`s been 3 weeks and 5 days since the house went on the market. So far had 2 viewings but no offers so its carry on as usual being part of the rat race. Somehow it seems to be easier, but this is only because i can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that i will be in the not to distant future be out there among you boaters, so for now i will just keep my head down and read boaters blogs and take in as much info as i can via the many web sites. Also the crick show is fast approaching. Will need 2 days there so i can see all boats etc.

DOWN AT THE LOCKS

Just can`t keep away from the cut, think it`s starting to flow in my veins. Easter saturday spent a day out and about. First went up to stowe marine at wheedon had a chat but i feel they are a little expensive. Next called in at Blisworth and had a nice walk along the towpath and sat watching my dreams float by.....soon....won`t be long. Finished up at Stoke Breune and spent a happy hour talking to crews on at least 6 boats, what a freindly bunch you boaters are.
Many thanks to those of you who have posted comments but hey have you a blog site i would love to look you up.
Had my first house viewing tuesday, hope this might mean i am getting nearer to the cut.

THE WHEELS ARE TURNING

Well today i have put the house on the market. All being well i will be in a good position to do a deal at the crick boatshow. The idea is to sell the house and get a boat design that i can put to a couple of boat builders for a quote. The most difficult decision will be what to install by way of inverter battery pack in fact at the moment electrics are my biggest headache. I have to bear in mind that although i will be on a permanent cruise for 9/10 months of the year there will be times i will moor for perhaps 3 days or a week. Lots to think about.

Me sitting by my pond 

THE PLAN

Have decided a change of lifestyle is neede if only to save my sanity. As i am now on my own after losing my wife to cancer i found that the thought of spending the rest of my working life as the last 20yrs rushing a-b very depressing. How i chose narrowboat life i can`t exactly remember. Anyway have spent hours surfing the web getting as much info as possible. Lots of un-answered questions but will i am sure find some of them at CRICK SHOW end of may.
What i intend to do on my blog is create a diary of events leading upto the launch of the narrowboat "VALERIE". I will include details of selling the house ordering the boat etc. After i begin my adventure i will update on a daily basis as i cruise.