Robin & Julia's new 57' semi-trad narrowboat
This page is slowly building into a complete pictorial history of the boat construction. The shell is by Pro-Build, with fit-out by Kingsground Narrowboats.
Our first visit to to Pro-Build to see the early stages of shell construction. Only 2 days after the base plate was laid and it's already recognisable. The hull sides are almost complete up to gunwale level. The next visit is due in the first week of January 2004, when hopefully we'll see the completed shell being transported to Kingsground.
An impromptu visit to Pro-Build (just to keep the pressure on them). No cabin yet, but much of the bow and stern work has been finished. Completion is due on 8/9 Jan 2004.
Out of bed at 5:30am on a wet and windy Monday morning for our final visit to Pro-Build to see the completed shell transported to Kingsground at Upper Heyford.
30 January, and 16/27 February 2004
First 3 visits to Kingsground to check on progress and discuss various details. Wiring and lining-out are complete. We were impressed with the size of the holding tank - big enough for anything the FNC can chuck at it! The carpet is down, but covered with polythene sheet for protection. The dinky little stove (Aarrow Acorn) has arrived. Things will change rapidly over the next few weeks as the bulkheads go in and work starts on the bathroom.
Another 2 visits to Kingsground. The interior is shaping up nicely thanks to more excellent work by Richard & Ben. The bathroom is well underway, as is the dinette, and work has started on the cross-bed. Ceiling lights have been fitted, and the calorifier and heated towel rail have been plumbed in. The next couple of weeks should see the engine installed and the bedroom start to take shape.
The engine has now been installed and more work has been done on the bedroom and bathroom. Externally, the paintwork is progressing well.
Much has happened in the past week. Bathroom tiling is complete (apart from grouting), radiators are all in, the galley has been marked out ready for construction and work has started on the saloon cupboards/shelving.
Construction of the galley is now underway. Tiling and grouting of the bathroom and hearth are complete. Externally, paintwork on the cabin sides is complete and ready for signwriting next week.
Signwriting is complete, galley construction is nearly complete and the shower has been fitted. Only 2 weeks to go before she hits the water!
Dressing table in the bedroom is shaping up, galley construction and tiling are complete, and bookshelves have been fitted in the saloon.
Launch day!!! Still a couple of days work to do finishing things off, but we're nearly there.
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This is the pointy end. |
It didn't look this long on the plan. |
This is the blunt end. |
 Interior looking towards the stern. |
 Interior showing ribs at 2' centres. |
 Another view of the interior. |
 Close-up of the swim. |
 Come on Julia, stop distracting the workforce! |
 Birds-eye view. |
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The bow, with a nice upsweep. Looks like we get a free stool, too! |
The stern is also looking more complete, with bonus 4th rubbing strake. |
Stern tube, engine bearers and skin tank are all in place. |
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Another bow pic, showing curved line to the gas locker opening. |
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The completed shell emerges into the murky morning light. |
Leaving the ground on her maiden flight. |
Getting the pointy end in the right direction ready for transportation. |
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Onto the lorry, courtesy of the ubiquitous A.B. Tuckey. |
Arriving safely at Upper Heyford. |
The lorry has to squeeze between the trees. |
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Those trees do get in the way. |
One in, one out. We're replacing the completed boat in the background. |
Lined up nicely for entry! |
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Steady as she goes... |
We're in! |
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Kingsground, 30 Jan, and 16/27 Feb 2004
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Roof and floor panels in. |
Where's the engine gone? |
Wiring and lining-out progressing. Note FNC-size holding tank against engine bulkhead. |
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One of the captain... |
...and the crew! |
The stove has now arrived and the beginnings of a corner cupboard are visible. |
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She just can't resist a photo-opportunity. |
The folding seat in the semi-trad stern is taking shape. |
Not much difference externally, but the boat next door is just about done. |
Kingsground, 4 Mar and 19 Mar 2004
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The start of the dinette, with complimentary waitress. |
The beginnings of a bathroom - shower pump & filter. |
Semi-trad stern with deck-boards. |
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Rear of bedroom - the inverter & electrical gubbins will be installed here. |
The calorifier is plumbed in - there will be an airing cupboard above. |
Things are really starting to happen in the bathroom! |
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Yes, we definitely want one of these.. |
Looking aft towards what will be the galley. |
Looking aft from the saloon towards the dinette/galley. |
Kingsground, 19 Mar and 16 Apr 2004
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The crossbed is substantially complete. |
Another shot of the bed, looking forward. |
Washbasin, vanity unit and that 'other thing'. |
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Bedside cabinet is taking shape, with airing cupboard & wet locker behind. |
The Beta 1903 engine lump. |
Tiling has started in the shower. |
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External painting is well underway. |
Stern paintwork, showing extra rubbing strake. |
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Wet locker & airing cupboard. |
Looking aft towards bedroom. |
Completed shower tiling. |
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And the rest of the bathroom. |
Looking forward into the saloon. |
Hifi/drinks cupboard, complete with tambours door. |
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Partially complete diamonds on the roof. |
Completed shower. |
And washbasin with tiled surround. |
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Hearth tiling is complete. |
Belfast sink in position. |
Looking aft towards galley. |
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Another view of the galley. |
Cabin sides complete except for signwriting. |
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She's as pleased as Punch! |
Richard the headless chippy admires his handiwork. |
Overhead cupboards in galley nearly complete. |
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The shower is finally installed. |
Diamonds on the roof are complete. |
And she's got a name!!! |
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The beginnings of a dressing table in the bedroom. |
Port side of the galley. |
Starboard side of galley. |
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Bookshelves in the saloon. |
Partners in crime, chippy Richard (left) and engineer Ben. |
Bow paintwork nearly complete. |
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Celebration cake wot Julia had made as a surprise! |
Locksley emerges into the daylight. |
And ve...ry carefully onto the lorry. |
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Ready for transportation. |
Safely arrived at the canalside by the Rock of Gibraltar pub (it wasn't open). |
Getting ready to lift. |
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Up she goes and over the fence. |
And down she goes into the canal. |
Now on the offside by the pub (start as you mean to go on). |
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Oooh, it's got a fridge as well! |
I name this narrowboat Locksley... |
At Enslow Wharf for final preparations. |
