Fourth Viewing

She is definitely looking a bit more like a boat with a proper 'pointy' end this week - albeit not a water tight bow - yet.  As planned we took two of the grandchildren and our daughter.  They all enjoyed the experience.  We have pretty much made the decisions on the external colour scheme (navy with jade coachlines and a cream roof).  The work surface was picked last week along with the kitchen cabinets (cream) and Bob is going to get examples of both for us to see in the flesh.  The ceiling is going to be the same cream as the roof and we came home with a book of samples for the dinette today.

The 'pointy' end

Still a bit leaky

The Stern

Where the weed hatch will be

The welding has been done

Waiting to go on the stern

Third Viewing

Back again to see the progress.  She does not look very different, but a lot has been done.  Bob went into all sorts of details about keel cooling tanks that are in the stern that we cannot see.  Most of the work at present is welding.  Most of the rubbing strakes are tack welded on with the full weld being done a bit at a time so that the metal does not get too hot and buckle.  

Whilst we were there two men came along with a very long tape measure to check the length.  The verdict -  '79 foot'!  A bit of a shock as we have ordered a 59' boat!  Just a bit of fun - it was confirmed that she is exactly 59 foot long! 

When we arrived the bow Stem was hanging on a large chain, but by the time we had finished looking at the stern the Stem had been attached!  Things seem to be going well and apparently she should look more like a boat by next week when we are taking two of the grandchildren to see her.

Not a lot of change

The stem waiting.....

The stern is attached

Inside the stern - the keel cooling tanks are in there somewhere

One of the few loose rubbing strakes

How long is this boat?

59 foot

Hard at work

Yet more work

Welding waiting to be done

The stem has been attached

That was fun

We went for a walk along the Tardebigge locks today from Upper Gambolds Lane to Tardebigge Top Lock - one we do regularly with young Monty (9.5 months old) and we met a coal boat going up, so we decided to help them on their way.  Monty is very wary of locks and any surface he does not consider terra firma, so actually helping work the locks (only about 10 of them, but every little helps I hope) in a minor capacity was very useful training for him.  I am glad to say he acquitted himself very well and was very patient as well as inquisitive.  The biggest plus was that he did not jump up at the man from the boat who was working the locks .  It is months since we have done any locking and we both really enjoyed it and cannot wait for nb Tentatrice to be ready to go.

What is that?

I am really not sure

Boat details

Farewell

Second Viewing

She is beginning to look a bit more like a boat, albeit a draughty one!

In her shed

Along the inside from the bow to the stern

Starboard side

The Stern

From the stern - looks like an operating theatre?

Along the port side

 After our visit to the boatyard we went to Droitwich Spa Marina and booked our mooring to start in May 2013.  Dates to be confirmed nearer the time.  No recent pictures of the marina as it was cold and raining today.  These were taken last April (it only opened in March).  There are a lot more boats there now and the toilet, shower and laundry block has been built.