tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51126000370671955132024-03-12T17:47:51.943-07:00There's Something About Mary....... Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112600037067195513.post-24875641794714491232017-03-10T07:25:00.002-08:002017-03-15T11:46:25.722-07:00Mary's Spring Refit <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omkKIIR_JSgbdAIwxrJkwG0KlxX-4xBRA-wsZfCYNucijeQxr1haTVCD84P3cdj6AH338Kt71dW1H3iAeaq7W_9azOhy759K2bHobV_2nYRLqdSz5o8ghxWvvrcbvydf9Y4KTmG-ra0/s1600/IMG_20170221_101303_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omkKIIR_JSgbdAIwxrJkwG0KlxX-4xBRA-wsZfCYNucijeQxr1haTVCD84P3cdj6AH338Kt71dW1H3iAeaq7W_9azOhy759K2bHobV_2nYRLqdSz5o8ghxWvvrcbvydf9Y4KTmG-ra0/s400/IMG_20170221_101303_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mary gets a Spring Refit - but could also do with a wash and brushup!</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Mary has been undergoing a major refit in order to improve accommodation, comfort and accessibility. All together I hope that this refit will transform Mary into a far more user friendly live work space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was joined by my friend Dan Bates, a skilled carpenter, who had experience of custom carpentry for small spaces - having recently built a pentagonal wooden cabin in North Wales.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dan came out to Hebden Bridge for eight days and we so w</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">e took advantage of the early March sunshine and got as much done as possible whilst the </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">weather was fine.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful Cherry Blossom on a fine Spring morning.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chopping deck bearers in the fine spring sunshine.</b></td></tr>
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<b>The Galley Kitchen Refit</b><br />
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In early March, Dan and I spent 8 intensive days on board refitting some of the fixtures to improve the whole boat practicality. A major part of this was to update the galley with a row of modern kitchen units and a sensible sized stainless steel sink.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHjjn9c2LqLecBZL2LjSqDCA0mhM3gvGhAOe3rNBSmRJIjfx3hOY_rPutKq89spIo3y5H1UUvpSL51YXHELBIb7dWh1hLWIUgMu57bbpfir0pWX_xrw9pnbilK2UmoTqC-ytTwFiGLiQ/s1600/IMG_20170303_131654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHjjn9c2LqLecBZL2LjSqDCA0mhM3gvGhAOe3rNBSmRJIjfx3hOY_rPutKq89spIo3y5H1UUvpSL51YXHELBIb7dWh1hLWIUgMu57bbpfir0pWX_xrw9pnbilK2UmoTqC-ytTwFiGLiQ/s320/IMG_20170303_131654.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The left side of the galley was just all junk and had to go!</b></td></tr>
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First we had to remove all the old junk, including a tiny Belfast sink set into a home modified cabinet and an Electrolux caravan fridge of dubious usefulness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZToOtvDG68kpSVfxTMEvJOoYXK7JiG_3weKAvT1pBQ8yLiTOU6wvIcJHjew6NtEBJkDh5vKXJIExloieS5N1H3JAMWp71ECxn3_i_rQ_Zd7xVztwP9Kqnd9dnYScSX6T0XNkJMtZt5c/s1600/IMG_20170303_134513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZToOtvDG68kpSVfxTMEvJOoYXK7JiG_3weKAvT1pBQ8yLiTOU6wvIcJHjew6NtEBJkDh5vKXJIExloieS5N1H3JAMWp71ECxn3_i_rQ_Zd7xVztwP9Kqnd9dnYScSX6T0XNkJMtZt5c/s320/IMG_20170303_134513.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Belfast sink was so small it was really only good for rinsing mugs.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>So we started to clear the port side of it's mix of old junk</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBoV9ZEm0-38NxlrCa-hKXcZB1wibdU31MoY7aYyCHnhIXxAMWnkBaPs471TQuhMl3rNb3vq_a0R8dw6f35WB3Q-QDA14jnK-_ml4IhTtpKBQ1oiIc51i5wv1S1dDSE7x-dCyXkw490M/s1600/port_cleared_wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBoV9ZEm0-38NxlrCa-hKXcZB1wibdU31MoY7aYyCHnhIXxAMWnkBaPs471TQuhMl3rNb3vq_a0R8dw6f35WB3Q-QDA14jnK-_ml4IhTtpKBQ1oiIc51i5wv1S1dDSE7x-dCyXkw490M/s320/port_cleared_wide.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>To give us a blank canvas for installing standard kitchen units</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6YcqQhqPIPHMKJc4gW2P-ELgOw2P-mR3m9gjX_YloRONfx3LjHDIfeYi3esdN8zxlCf5K3uj7YpOhLFBqWxkXq7iKZJ9992hVPjCGPpPh-VAzsIfafkzPVZYZ3fjiVSWhhu3CRjbW7g/s1600/port_cleared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6YcqQhqPIPHMKJc4gW2P-ELgOw2P-mR3m9gjX_YloRONfx3LjHDIfeYi3esdN8zxlCf5K3uj7YpOhLFBqWxkXq7iKZJ9992hVPjCGPpPh-VAzsIfafkzPVZYZ3fjiVSWhhu3CRjbW7g/s320/port_cleared.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Keeping the plumbing and water pump in place</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOqj7X479cvM5C3T5iAVeyPhZB34-zRNM8oMsFUABBwNbP5pHPrD_77e5tDS3GEoQz8K7VN-Kx7-lfEHYDQjPfJYLqJNfuPEktIqQHuC32q4ctEepjkQhao8NUW5_wBSIjC5fy6orl1M/s1600/worktops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOqj7X479cvM5C3T5iAVeyPhZB34-zRNM8oMsFUABBwNbP5pHPrD_77e5tDS3GEoQz8K7VN-Kx7-lfEHYDQjPfJYLqJNfuPEktIqQHuC32q4ctEepjkQhao8NUW5_wBSIjC5fy6orl1M/s320/worktops.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Some hours later the four kitchen units were all in place</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YQl_E4xhEH98l0LFsMxVibqzgmY7IXyXaRAJ3gkbuvRDiWOoBV2YyK5-0OBzR20ixrDMpil_vyj4xTEcEhOVklSlWu191ra0e3jMDh266v1N4JFxWhZxK9UjMZMzAkQGN1WBe07xuiQ/s1600/work_in_progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YQl_E4xhEH98l0LFsMxVibqzgmY7IXyXaRAJ3gkbuvRDiWOoBV2YyK5-0OBzR20ixrDMpil_vyj4xTEcEhOVklSlWu191ra0e3jMDh266v1N4JFxWhZxK9UjMZMzAkQGN1WBe07xuiQ/s320/work_in_progress.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>So we paused for some refreshment</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaZnGS4QuaJy1o5oKhtclaw2H72GIRLOiOyuSCvrVvD6DLebGwMZiF3c5VXM2xaTXGGXcFzAYw3kb48qoM-ma78etmQH8-1UyCb5-u2NsH15mxt09zjJTZVDk0F7k8gthlLVg4nU07TM/s1600/worktop_placed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaZnGS4QuaJy1o5oKhtclaw2H72GIRLOiOyuSCvrVvD6DLebGwMZiF3c5VXM2xaTXGGXcFzAYw3kb48qoM-ma78etmQH8-1UyCb5-u2NsH15mxt09zjJTZVDk0F7k8gthlLVg4nU07TM/s320/worktop_placed.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Next morning we placed the long solid wood worktop</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5suJK_C7d_kkjbFeq9HI1o-vO_gVYaqZHHMDT74qJYKiAfAp49GRnD2CGDZ5w8a4tL63pAU2zPkV7nuuiqr8_l8npFleRGaDHiMXHszgPM-BpArqgPUiilPFfJjfYgAct8BrIL3ONOSc/s1600/sink_in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5suJK_C7d_kkjbFeq9HI1o-vO_gVYaqZHHMDT74qJYKiAfAp49GRnD2CGDZ5w8a4tL63pAU2zPkV7nuuiqr8_l8npFleRGaDHiMXHszgPM-BpArqgPUiilPFfJjfYgAct8BrIL3ONOSc/s320/sink_in.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And made the cut-out for the stainless sink</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn5-g9zLYDRpN_ZG6sWCMVEVwdfOznMcYRt2xlsy45oWu81pfrCSYCNm5EGVHZwvyzNqhq6bMshKzqRb73-rKivzcOibh5DJ51NkxaZcNa4q1qZxs9T_ygIn41slww73nO3MKHIaTdt8/s1600/workshop_run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn5-g9zLYDRpN_ZG6sWCMVEVwdfOznMcYRt2xlsy45oWu81pfrCSYCNm5EGVHZwvyzNqhq6bMshKzqRb73-rKivzcOibh5DJ51NkxaZcNa4q1qZxs9T_ygIn41slww73nO3MKHIaTdt8/s320/workshop_run.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>A useful sized chopping board made from the offcut</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R5JyqaY6xhGRAB6veaoGDOeGUG2EtmBn02-54OphCA2DIOeKXHhW3-GFdrsQNxpwcZ14SAMsMMN_E7I79QS5f9UwKVXbz1RpFj6l4CCMFTZXKRIhqVjBCpdJoV7jiS5CDB_mZj0bHlU/s1600/worktop_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R5JyqaY6xhGRAB6veaoGDOeGUG2EtmBn02-54OphCA2DIOeKXHhW3-GFdrsQNxpwcZ14SAMsMMN_E7I79QS5f9UwKVXbz1RpFj6l4CCMFTZXKRIhqVjBCpdJoV7jiS5CDB_mZj0bHlU/s320/worktop_finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>What a difference a Dan makes!</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Additional 13A sockets were added to the other side of the galley - so that every working surface had mains power.</b></span></td></tr>
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The sink was plumbed in and the splashback re-tiled with some mosaic tiles to cover some of the areas where original tiles had been lost.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan made a shelf from the sink cut-out to set the microwave at eye level</b></td></tr>
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As this end of the worktop will be used for the kettle and tea and coffee making, Dan added a second lower shelf for coffee, teabags and sugar. Modern sockets with USB charging points were wired in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The table was extended with a 300mm fold down flap, at a comfortable height for working</b></td></tr>
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<b> Building the Rear Steps.</b><br />
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The back of the boat was a real bodge. A previous owner had a steel channel welded right across the centre of the split door frame, and the original set factory fabricated of steel steps cut out.<br />
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This made sensible access through the stern door virtually impossible, and involved ungainly bottom shuffling across the stern deck and dangerously swinging through the upper half of the door. It was further complicated because the bed of the rear cabin was across the width of the boat, and was directly in the way of the rear door. It all had to be fixed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2huccKbBWt42YqJZrYwMAQox0iT5OAqUIZ5rJQvPxzM4rHT0VK88CZb1t1xSadAAbfqXjN-tUaX2bG2aEfLxBToScogCFB3fLJxJ3HMjtRSPF4WF36KgXdgSivLyVjJWOYSecvREo_gQ/s1600/steps_stringers_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2huccKbBWt42YqJZrYwMAQox0iT5OAqUIZ5rJQvPxzM4rHT0VK88CZb1t1xSadAAbfqXjN-tUaX2bG2aEfLxBToScogCFB3fLJxJ3HMjtRSPF4WF36KgXdgSivLyVjJWOYSecvREo_gQ/s320/steps_stringers_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New side panels and stringers made from marine ply.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyRnxr-iaxU6FErL_mKZpSXsmOEQkkjlbuf3ur_GSgq3kru-MJsQvWs9rQwsLXSFldk6WbpvqdTLyEmq1avPwbuM0Kj5E9z9c8tHwXToBRXGcWRgl4yQKDmHc-gP9OYI_J-NHsEBhXVc/s1600/steps_stringers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyRnxr-iaxU6FErL_mKZpSXsmOEQkkjlbuf3ur_GSgq3kru-MJsQvWs9rQwsLXSFldk6WbpvqdTLyEmq1avPwbuM0Kj5E9z9c8tHwXToBRXGcWRgl4yQKDmHc-gP9OYI_J-NHsEBhXVc/s320/steps_stringers.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan measures up for the treads and risers</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw_y3S4vkz46BUsgROSnTB0noQa2hewgouZQGt0bxQhiF6vcTkleN9SPSb_ef_uCwNjNOzwmD1eyTB1eJ9pF9ek7g_F_MOpnehhccPV0Nyv4W8GCOL2TDwprrDJl0jsISTjs3JWVD0Xs/s1600/steps_risers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw_y3S4vkz46BUsgROSnTB0noQa2hewgouZQGt0bxQhiF6vcTkleN9SPSb_ef_uCwNjNOzwmD1eyTB1eJ9pF9ek7g_F_MOpnehhccPV0Nyv4W8GCOL2TDwprrDJl0jsISTjs3JWVD0Xs/s400/steps_risers.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Risers fitted in place</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYkuJYFGe_qnsJkPRwvN7GqqJYRfKnqX5mQM4j9aa61pgNwsM7ImL7orcL0F0Ovm-aHbcz9i3DixajWw-evgJLcrAUn1RmQGstsImhLRRGuYzL2EHaUesKM4n0KDAnBSGl9k5lFzniH0/s1600/steps_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYkuJYFGe_qnsJkPRwvN7GqqJYRfKnqX5mQM4j9aa61pgNwsM7ImL7orcL0F0Ovm-aHbcz9i3DixajWw-evgJLcrAUn1RmQGstsImhLRRGuYzL2EHaUesKM4n0KDAnBSGl9k5lFzniH0/s320/steps_finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New set of steps, treads placed - virtually complete.</b></td></tr>
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<b>New deck boards for the rear deck.</b><br />
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In addition to the steps, we needed to replace the boards that covered the engine compartment because they had rotted away. We used 25mm marine ply, a very durable material, made with waterproof glue. Provided it is sealed well with yacht varnish, it will last for years.<br />
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On top of the engine compartment steel frame, Dan laid a wooden framework of 75mm x 50mm exterior studding timber. This allowed greater flexibility for when it came to making access hatches for the engine and the battery compartment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm-3BK9N41SegRfM4yRwhcuFiC8Sz6gNLzduezYHGfHwK5jEpsdcy74ClWGf-M6iT27Y3uEk47p1t6tFysns5N9PF5H45HWrlKQwHffWG_DAB0-gYmIo8eO42xk_JkSachfbf80d4zKc/s1600/IMG_20170308_161006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm-3BK9N41SegRfM4yRwhcuFiC8Sz6gNLzduezYHGfHwK5jEpsdcy74ClWGf-M6iT27Y3uEk47p1t6tFysns5N9PF5H45HWrlKQwHffWG_DAB0-gYmIo8eO42xk_JkSachfbf80d4zKc/s320/IMG_20170308_161006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan checks the degree off square - whilst measuring up for the new deck boards</b>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And makes a few minor adjustments to the supporting metalwork with his battery angle grinder</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Temporary deck boards were placed to stop us falling into the engine compartment and breaking a leg.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The steel locker box was well out of square - making cutting new boards to fit a bit awkward</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3S9zoiDpFsXu-LvkIZ8A4taxdlZw8iq0vaX72xF8I3ovs9kG-0LxVZ5RYZmhTur5iw1RQEHO6UjRYXOje2hxCmsI1P-cl2liH4A32Qc8S_Jtk-zVp7Oe7WnRcNrSeyt8F2j8KlCE0I2M/s1600/IMG_20170308_173934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3S9zoiDpFsXu-LvkIZ8A4taxdlZw8iq0vaX72xF8I3ovs9kG-0LxVZ5RYZmhTur5iw1RQEHO6UjRYXOje2hxCmsI1P-cl2liH4A32Qc8S_Jtk-zVp7Oe7WnRcNrSeyt8F2j8KlCE0I2M/s320/IMG_20170308_173934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Battery Skill saw makes the job of adjusting the fitting of boards much easier</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKooJCkpX_HC1cob6z0kIJudAdywvyi5mai8cxnp791o17t44jjpczyA_x_Lva4Qq0pbGtloNzVepSotNTKBdoWkxvvxRUEhI8eLUA69KxhLARpW7v5DTxC3NaorrESJUzIIjv8YARO9k/s1600/IMG_20170309_123038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKooJCkpX_HC1cob6z0kIJudAdywvyi5mai8cxnp791o17t44jjpczyA_x_Lva4Qq0pbGtloNzVepSotNTKBdoWkxvvxRUEhI8eLUA69KxhLARpW7v5DTxC3NaorrESJUzIIjv8YARO9k/s320/IMG_20170309_123038.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It was my job to varnish the deck boards and steps and dry them in the sun.</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7NEw8NOLGl0URQRArIdEBylrvxUifgNuwYl5Ac_eDZHIoKcqV4GtjZaZY3kM5hgsYRjposO1m0aL6fcbTEpnavHeQNToF41b03uBws904g02RzlqiBxAQkdOP5jUs01G7Uf7kBsM25U/s1600/IMG_20170309_123046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7NEw8NOLGl0URQRArIdEBylrvxUifgNuwYl5Ac_eDZHIoKcqV4GtjZaZY3kM5hgsYRjposO1m0aL6fcbTEpnavHeQNToF41b03uBws904g02RzlqiBxAQkdOP5jUs01G7Uf7kBsM25U/s320/IMG_20170309_123046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Taking advantage of beautiful sunshine all day on Thursday 9th March</b></td></tr>
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The deck boards were replaced and another hinge table made from offcuts of marine plywood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEWmHRGixdDMa8Zu5IcJXMkjOTSk7Tgo2-EVm47tUB4ACkl2IwsSj1HIKMx1SnVzUG9ozCtLVmMfdSjXeoAIb7YlK8NpyS7G1Au-EVbRfldfrW5KIgDv0lNlTQNfEXIR8xlV0bmSlXiU/s1600/IMG_20170315_175848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEWmHRGixdDMa8Zu5IcJXMkjOTSk7Tgo2-EVm47tUB4ACkl2IwsSj1HIKMx1SnVzUG9ozCtLVmMfdSjXeoAIb7YlK8NpyS7G1Au-EVbRfldfrW5KIgDv0lNlTQNfEXIR8xlV0bmSlXiU/s640/IMG_20170315_175848.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Improving the Rear Cabin</b><br />
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With the new steps in place, and much improved and safer access to the cabin from the rear deck, it was time to tackle the omnishambles of the rear cabin. Previous owners had built the bed across the boat effectively making it very difficult to get to the rear door - a safety issue.<br />
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Working with Dan, and a bit of creative lateral thinking, we realised that we could turn the bed length ways and make use of the space underneath the adjacent bathroom sink-top counter. This allowed a 6'2" long bed to be fitted into a cabin space that was really only 5' long!<br />
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We also took the opportunity to raise the bedframes by 100mm, so that when used as a bench sofa, it gave a much better seating height. The other advantage of this is that large, plastic storage containers could now be fitted under the bed in the raised locker space.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94c-LxUDAK3ln72ekkn7kTz5SB4NR611Am94lES1hdQawOlKWso6flnbdNi_Y22kvSn-ptJ91I8JIdHQ7mW6Ph_Knln8KVbqAWSmdKSZxy8Ipzw2kmWxRed-hg4lre_2MxwyDYq_R2Y/s1600/rear_cabin_start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94c-LxUDAK3ln72ekkn7kTz5SB4NR611Am94lES1hdQawOlKWso6flnbdNi_Y22kvSn-ptJ91I8JIdHQ7mW6Ph_Knln8KVbqAWSmdKSZxy8Ipzw2kmWxRed-hg4lre_2MxwyDYq_R2Y/s320/rear_cabin_start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>On lifting the bed boards we found a real mess - Clusterfuck Cabin!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesv06j82AMS1nk44NT4Pvh1WNADhehLgv_fq4QeBWi_ju8i5bjxvRIDcNwvA70_XFPLkGL1aEzGbrhXuBsk0xdjcwxY1wdjpxvwrRMmafAHf_4wFjo2PON2ktSmPkrNn3AaO6U_Pdpc4/s1600/rear_cabin_progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesv06j82AMS1nk44NT4Pvh1WNADhehLgv_fq4QeBWi_ju8i5bjxvRIDcNwvA70_XFPLkGL1aEzGbrhXuBsk0xdjcwxY1wdjpxvwrRMmafAHf_4wFjo2PON2ktSmPkrNn3AaO6U_Pdpc4/s320/rear_cabin_progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Dan removes a shelf to make more legroom - effectively under the bathroom sink!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r3mXuBzfrcQ-u92CVQOvNk32w2K_Tz6MLHDeYFDt3ov-iPpW-a227_8BS2IyMX1h8HfSmfhXs2ZFirrlOKByty66OyjDDUIhbz2xvJiR8MId8p0WiHKRHyGRd4XqnmTAW3NXOPLF9Tg/s1600/rear_cabin_storage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r3mXuBzfrcQ-u92CVQOvNk32w2K_Tz6MLHDeYFDt3ov-iPpW-a227_8BS2IyMX1h8HfSmfhXs2ZFirrlOKByty66OyjDDUIhbz2xvJiR8MId8p0WiHKRHyGRd4XqnmTAW3NXOPLF9Tg/s320/rear_cabin_storage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>A removable wooden bar supports the bed, or can be removed when used as a sofa. Deep storage underneath</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91yc7GeBL2X2hnqG1AHDTwBlfYaC2aAcmQCxunFYXcRJRTt7kF4eE1HR-F_m4XFH0vcyTlAukA64C6Ne7wc-gwLm-V3zRriq6XU4hIrGmYVLbnzRhk80GMrLXk4fQcjoxBNHbGUz5Xb4/s1600/rear_cabin_storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91yc7GeBL2X2hnqG1AHDTwBlfYaC2aAcmQCxunFYXcRJRTt7kF4eE1HR-F_m4XFH0vcyTlAukA64C6Ne7wc-gwLm-V3zRriq6XU4hIrGmYVLbnzRhk80GMrLXk4fQcjoxBNHbGUz5Xb4/s320/rear_cabin_storage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">And raises the bed frame by 100mm - improving the seating height and making deeper under bed storage lockers </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVayR3qEXaonQ5SI5bvD-14Nsonwk1LIofbnh06huERpQXX1p2Bjo4wivaRG2BL66bKXyNASeLwJAhpzLhLra9zkhenqa2JyuDvg2YLCUwaqIR8b4T9uQ9Xa9nO0XfPhfAHleuUNwZfa4/s1600/rear_cabin_mattress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVayR3qEXaonQ5SI5bvD-14Nsonwk1LIofbnh06huERpQXX1p2Bjo4wivaRG2BL66bKXyNASeLwJAhpzLhLra9zkhenqa2JyuDvg2YLCUwaqIR8b4T9uQ9Xa9nO0XfPhfAHleuUNwZfa4/s320/rear_cabin_mattress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>The foam mattress cushions were covered with a fleecy throw</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76gP32wTBfn87HbzPi4F7QDTDi8n7KzW2FgZPknj6YIG2pGRAuH0nNEgG_DtMNYNYIP3g5xmoFu4pqsIJBah3E8o6rSpllTHz7H_r_QJD5_EmFIWv94DzS1iY2r_NKQRxYhhMTJIgxYc/s1600/rear_cabin_foot_test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76gP32wTBfn87HbzPi4F7QDTDi8n7KzW2FgZPknj6YIG2pGRAuH0nNEgG_DtMNYNYIP3g5xmoFu4pqsIJBah3E8o6rSpllTHz7H_r_QJD5_EmFIWv94DzS1iY2r_NKQRxYhhMTJIgxYc/s320/rear_cabin_foot_test.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>And the improved legroom checked for size.</b></td></tr>
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<b>Living Area Refit</b><br />
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With the rear cabin much improved, we did a similar refit to the sofa-bed unit in the living area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4DUe6x3GHXAwnvLrw3WmNeUwDCIQMcct2q0W1ubZz1Vc2hRFu0vXtZNOsLjd26naUV0AAIKv0dh0HmQ8rH-xsemRN7DbGHxuVRQc9UTXYMLlskcuk7iigcGFH7U1XbBCBOFYM8p6Q94/s1600/IMG_20170304_115958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4DUe6x3GHXAwnvLrw3WmNeUwDCIQMcct2q0W1ubZz1Vc2hRFu0vXtZNOsLjd26naUV0AAIKv0dh0HmQ8rH-xsemRN7DbGHxuVRQc9UTXYMLlskcuk7iigcGFH7U1XbBCBOFYM8p6Q94/s320/IMG_20170304_115958.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The original bedframe was too low for comfortable use as a sofa.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDUSCB0A98bxSqYVZUGKtOCsRgTfSDAyGTDqWrMnPhUbOR2P8uv3_3v3VXCAXb4go2Ggin8oAMvrAhSlNEJFQ9TVtV2YskofKYak4VMk6FHuZLp31bh_vMpN9tsly1petuHwe_vNrvyY/s1600/IMG_20170304_134837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDUSCB0A98bxSqYVZUGKtOCsRgTfSDAyGTDqWrMnPhUbOR2P8uv3_3v3VXCAXb4go2Ggin8oAMvrAhSlNEJFQ9TVtV2YskofKYak4VMk6FHuZLp31bh_vMpN9tsly1petuHwe_vNrvyY/s320/IMG_20170304_134837.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>So Dan added some 100mm timbers on top of the old frame</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqweAvbNWpGwx1x3_nAri2GfsUzerPxIQh10a1GMAXWkdj4HUfStN_HDeH1OKNClYxz2jVrCsRgrgSwYBDOI_VE-Uzlsh3Ed6GXIQYAvsJpks__QmwvhiZ1jG3Ik_0wlzAdHCu_z5EMI/s1600/IMG_20170304_135002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqweAvbNWpGwx1x3_nAri2GfsUzerPxIQh10a1GMAXWkdj4HUfStN_HDeH1OKNClYxz2jVrCsRgrgSwYBDOI_VE-Uzlsh3Ed6GXIQYAvsJpks__QmwvhiZ1jG3Ik_0wlzAdHCu_z5EMI/s320/IMG_20170304_135002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Then we cut out the old front - to make a hinged easy access panel for suitcase storage etc.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The bed folds out and rests on a specially constructed hinged leg</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And at the end of the 2 weeks - all we had left were a few small pieces of wood that were chopped for firewood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a list of the basic improvements - most of which we were able to get done in the Spring Refit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Carpentry</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>Replacement of rear engine cover boards with marine ply<br />Set of removable steps for rear access<br />Frames to secure batteries<br />Raising front seating to make room underneath for gas locker and storage for plastic storage bins<br />Fitting of kitchen units and sink<br />Shelf or locker for microwave oven<br />Cut down wine rack cupboard and make it wall mounting<br />Raising the height of sofa bed for better sitting height - and to make suitcase sized pull out "drawers" underneath<br />Convert table to folding operation<br /><br /><br /><b>Gas, Heating & Plumbing</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>Fix the bath drain pump - Whale Gulper 220 <br />Fabricate new gas bottle locker to latest safety specs<br />Refill the main water tank<br />Replace gas bottle if necessary<br />Test the water heater<br />Hot air circulation pipes to rear of boat and ceiling to floor circulation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><b>Electrical</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>More 13A double switched sockets in the galley area<br />Better LED lighting - Neopixel strips<br />Electrical wiring into conduit<br />DC fuseboard<br />Replacement starter solenoid.<br />More accessible battery isolator switches - for starter and 12V dc<br />Tidy up and secure battery wiring with cable ties.<br />Battery hold-down frames and ratchet straps<br />Better access to fuel isolator stop cock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><b>General Improvements</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>Pram cover for stern - about £1700 from The Cover Co.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Looking Forwards - Phase 2</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hot water storage with solar thermal and engine heat recovery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2kW pv array </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Power shower and improved water flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">New starboard galley units to match port side</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">New dining table in solid beech</span></div>
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Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112600037067195513.post-34832589011563309642017-03-10T04:44:00.002-08:002017-03-10T07:38:51.741-08:00Mary - An Introduction to Life Onboard<div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a guide to my canal boat Mary, should you wish to book a stay on board. This blog post describes what to expect, and with a few photos will become a virtual tour of the </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">vessel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">It's a work in progress, as time and photos permit - so please check again later for updates, and details on how to contact me and book a stay onboard.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Something About Mary.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary is a 40 foot, steel fabricated "stern cruiser" narrow boat built in approximately 1980.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">She is powered by a BMC 1500cc diesel engine mounted in a separate engine compartment in the stern, accessed through removable panels in the rear decking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Internally, Mary is partitioned into 3 separate "rooms", accessed through the main galley area. In addition there is a covered seating area at the bow, and a covered area at the stern.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Combined kitchen galley and living room/diner which converts to a double bunk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Small bathroom with sink, shower and portable camping style toilet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rear cabin with seating area which also converts into a double bunk.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In at the Sharp End</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary has doors at both the bow and the stern, so climbing on board can be done at whichever end is most convenient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The seating area at the bow is covered with a tonneau cover with zip up side flaps, and roll up windows. This provides weather protection in all but the worst of weather, and should be kept zipped if there is a chance of rain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This bow makes a useful alfresco dining area in warm weather, and is bright, warm and spacious, with the tonneau cover "windows" rolled up. Even in early March, the dark tonneau cover provides a warm sheltered area - and on sunny days, food should not be stored here - as it will quickly go off in the heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of the seating areas have deep locker space underneath, for storage of infrequently used items. The Calor gas bottle is located in a locker in the bow area.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Galley Kitchen and Living Area</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The galley kitchen area has recently been renovated using standard kitchen units on the port side and a single stainless steel sink set into solid beech hardwood worktop. It is naturally well lit from 2 windows on each side, and provides ample room for food preparation and storage, worktop appliances and washing up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the starboard side there is a compact wooden dresser unit, with three storage cupboards and three drawers. The water heater which runs on LPG is located above this dresser on the front bulkhead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When moored at Mayroyd, Mary is connected to a conventional 230V ac mains electricity supply. This allows convenient use of standard domestic appliances via standard 3 pin sockets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is also a 12V battery power supply for the fridge, the cold water pump, the automatic bilge pump, the bath pump-out and some 12V dc lights. The batteries are charged automatically whenever Mary is hooked up to "shore power". On the rear wall of the back bedroom is the 12V switch panel which controls these 12V devices. It is essential that the automatic bilge pump is kept on permanently, and for this reason the switch has been taped over with red tape!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The WoodStove - Mary's Warm Heart</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the centre of the galley area is a French style multifuel stove that provides all the warmth at the heat of the narrowboat. Burning either coal, wood or modern sawdust briquette fuels, it provides either a rapid warm up on wood, or a slow release of warmth by loading up with "ecocoal" and turning the air inlet down low.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The black fluepipe of the stove gets extremely hot at times, so do not place clothes closer that 12" away - or they will scorch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Suitable fuels can be bought locally at the Co-op, other supermarkets, most garage forecourts or from Bronte Boats in the canal marina area.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Live-Work-Sleep Area</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beyond the stove is the galley seating area with a good sized sofa bed and a table for dining or working from. This area is also well lit, but cozy and ideal for catching up with emails or other work tasks. There is good 4G signal at the moorings, so keeping up with the rest of the world is perfectly possible if you care to set up a mobile hotspot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above the worktable is a wall mounted cabinet featuring a wine rack, a drawer and a couple of cupboards for storage of crockery and other everyday items. All crocks, glasses and cuttlery were bought at Tesco, so if you damage any item, please replace with similar - or at least send me a text to let me know that a replacement is needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This cabinet also houses a small and dated music system with radio, CD and tape deck. A "tape adaptor" with a 3.5mm jack plug allows you to plug into a Smartphone or MP3 player and play your music out through the amp and speakers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The galley seating area folds out into a double bed approximately 6'2" x 4'. As mentioned earlier it has storage lockers underneath, and room for two suitcases or similar that can be conveniently accessed from a hinged front panel, without having to lift up the sofa cushions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above the headboard end of the bunk, there is a wall mounted cupboard that contains wine glasses, mugs and tumblers, plus a collection of paperback books for your literary entertainment.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Smallest Room on the boat...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Following through from the galley living area is a compact bathroom with a cute and equally compact bath with shower attachment. To empty the bath you go to the switch panel at the rear of the boat and press the switch marked "Shower Pump". This will start the drainage pump - but please remember to turn it off once the bath is empty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a small basin and a counter top for stowing essential items, with a large mirror above. There is also a small vanity cupboard above the loo. The loo, and how to deal with it will be covered in a later section........</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Stern Cabin</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving past the bathroom towards the stern of the boat is the rear cabin. This has recently been renovated to provide a far more conveniet sofa bed arrangement, and the option of an additional working table, which folds out from the wall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This cabin area is also well lit and spacious, and provides a little privacy from the main galley living area. The compact double (4' wide) bed runs length-ways along the boat, with your feet under a storage shelf, which in turn is below the bathroom counter-top. Sounds a complicated space stealing arrangement - but it allows people up to 6'2" to sleep comfortably in what is a cabin only 5' long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As usual, underneath the sofa bed are deep storage lockers. Here you will find extra bedding, duvets and blankets in plastic storage containers. Please return these items to the storage container at the end of your stay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above the headboard end of the bed is a small pine cabinet containing the 230V consumer unit and breakers and the permanently on 12V automatic battery charger which keeps the batteries fully charged when connected to shore power. For normal operation all three mains breakers should be in the up position. Next to the electrics cupboard is the 12V dc switch panel - more details in a later section.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the other wall of the rear cabin is a wide 2 door cupboard, for storage of smaller items, books and so forth. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Back door and Deck Access Steps</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rear door to the outside stern deck leads on from the rear cabin. It is a split "stable" door arrangement - which allows it to be left upper half open for added through ventilation in summer. A short flight of 4 steps takes you up onto the rear deck above the engine compartment.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Party Deck</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living in a narrow boat leads you to innovative uses of all available space, and Mary has recently been renovated to improve the internal layout and user friendliness. Frequently areas are multi-purpose, and every nook and cranny is creatively used for stowage of life possessions. The rear deck and roof area are no exceptions and can be used for relaxing or lounging - bearing in mind that you are very close to the canal so take care when moving around outside - as surfaces my be wet or covered in dew - and be slippy - , and nobody wants an impromptu swim..... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The stern deck is covered with a weatherproof "Pramhood" style cover, which provides protection from showers, but also provides a convenient undercover storage area for walking boots, muddy wellies or mountain bikes - things that you might need access to but not necessarily indoors. The pramhood also has side flaps and windows that may be rolled up in fine weather. In addition to shower protection the pram hood provides shade when cruising in sunny weather or a place to sit out, dine or party on hot summer nights.....</span></div>
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Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112600037067195513.post-35462391826863740662016-09-26T16:10:00.000-07:002017-03-11T02:36:29.379-08:00All Aboard! - More PIctures of Mary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjAelamXqBXENGFaaAlnjJJzlXmhS1JAVCxvU6zRNIGN8v66tzTWaFJahN4q2YTS3Xpm0NN9sfQMAqzIF2FSXY4NlmmiQPmbHXyUosLKIstD0rlB06RaViU0p9ZjRUUrhHjBCtjlaZpk/s1600/big_neighbourhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjAelamXqBXENGFaaAlnjJJzlXmhS1JAVCxvU6zRNIGN8v66tzTWaFJahN4q2YTS3Xpm0NN9sfQMAqzIF2FSXY4NlmmiQPmbHXyUosLKIstD0rlB06RaViU0p9ZjRUUrhHjBCtjlaZpk/s400/big_neighbourhood.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary is in a sunny mooring near to Hebden Bridge Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbJgxOTaJvnOVRcQg3naWv4vTGmI7zk2uXeMhx1sbHlMjyax66p6GyzZJkvQO0mvkQdLjs8uv64uTzvR5obSBCjWA27kZ50S9iPv62y8WBKg0TJlG9SMYj-_yGLSChFVfuksglfn4CR8/s1600/mooring_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbJgxOTaJvnOVRcQg3naWv4vTGmI7zk2uXeMhx1sbHlMjyax66p6GyzZJkvQO0mvkQdLjs8uv64uTzvR5obSBCjWA27kZ50S9iPv62y8WBKg0TJlG9SMYj-_yGLSChFVfuksglfn4CR8/s400/mooring_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The permanent mooring with a little bit of a patio to relax on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT00elLjDhBAZ5MA1SLh-w812J9j10-1oIUpx-naJBD9RiL-Me1i4CpgRPtQHU0zcEdTENLeK2asNtLbxSwCHvbfRfIoy95Zd8e9MWJ3ZjyyOY9QZmsobXnbQqbXF_FU90vCCHusKxhV4/s1600/rear_deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT00elLjDhBAZ5MA1SLh-w812J9j10-1oIUpx-naJBD9RiL-Me1i4CpgRPtQHU0zcEdTENLeK2asNtLbxSwCHvbfRfIoy95Zd8e9MWJ3ZjyyOY9QZmsobXnbQqbXF_FU90vCCHusKxhV4/s400/rear_deck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spacious rear deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsGaCYfEhNrxF_CR6WPZwaLHG90wUdEpe-2cF2ZMevx8GGpfWZf_cmhQESI5IVMw9lrKkloRKK6sNVnYXIsB1_UB8a761usQv30WuiXLibZChzKipKJdB2uUnWeVC7JiBR2r1eICuAB4/s1600/stern_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsGaCYfEhNrxF_CR6WPZwaLHG90wUdEpe-2cF2ZMevx8GGpfWZf_cmhQESI5IVMw9lrKkloRKK6sNVnYXIsB1_UB8a761usQv30WuiXLibZChzKipKJdB2uUnWeVC7JiBR2r1eICuAB4/s400/stern_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary is moored in a sunny section of the canal close to Hebden Bridge station</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starboard flank</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning sunshine over lock number 8</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small galley with fridge, microwave/grill, kettle and sandwich toaster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFRK-NzCk07yFqkc9bNOMr4srHv2-sTMrzsCFXS-vYqbW0eFxIcrw3gt2NgaP-fKQJWhyphenhyphenezPukEOLKNAf2QbXr2FM8feEdohouiYxDFeTqnDpjpaysSqdFvpDE4YpGO0oADOlzoE_cis/s1600/galley_main_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFRK-NzCk07yFqkc9bNOMr4srHv2-sTMrzsCFXS-vYqbW0eFxIcrw3gt2NgaP-fKQJWhyphenhyphenezPukEOLKNAf2QbXr2FM8feEdohouiYxDFeTqnDpjpaysSqdFvpDE4YpGO0oADOlzoE_cis/s400/galley_main_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking my worldly goods</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The built in sideboard with gas water heater</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyC1KkOXkWaIUfoXaxMiVZGUZ5Cw28ObRM3O_he-Xz2anKRTsXEeGRDp87mn-OdLpLbJCquRokBa0G4KX9K6lZo5m70LkX8vLt3fjKbYe8YJKMHoTQcc1jpcGJYccdJuQ5g1tSgo-qxc/s1600/rear_deck_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyC1KkOXkWaIUfoXaxMiVZGUZ5Cw28ObRM3O_he-Xz2anKRTsXEeGRDp87mn-OdLpLbJCquRokBa0G4KX9K6lZo5m70LkX8vLt3fjKbYe8YJKMHoTQcc1jpcGJYccdJuQ5g1tSgo-qxc/s400/rear_deck_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the stern in the late afternoon sunshine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFKzPcbjHc8coaD68Iws09EGU9USMJcoHVC63TwzQM19t61ihfxlpT23iW1UBztlvuoao5ALNh_nl3TZEHgs2MIbRgoglUTkTmIgpHp3KuLrdNnJ90XZZ_LpfaH_Qg_cdmjUCT440-Ow/s1600/bow%252Bspace_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFKzPcbjHc8coaD68Iws09EGU9USMJcoHVC63TwzQM19t61ihfxlpT23iW1UBztlvuoao5ALNh_nl3TZEHgs2MIbRgoglUTkTmIgpHp3KuLrdNnJ90XZZ_LpfaH_Qg_cdmjUCT440-Ow/s400/bow%252Bspace_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out the front salon diagonally for size!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMptbHP-g8h4memjvZ4vQBkZKH0Qrz-ADbIkK3rsi_LB4j7jFZnB3RHN73RneLz5V-mGTO7OqB7l81tSWak_lfutGuFOXNEETg7EGQ6CBJaBOywJJ9o4JaMPjrbOzUu19HGWuL5BKojE/s1600/doubleBerth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMptbHP-g8h4memjvZ4vQBkZKH0Qrz-ADbIkK3rsi_LB4j7jFZnB3RHN73RneLz5V-mGTO7OqB7l81tSWak_lfutGuFOXNEETg7EGQ6CBJaBOywJJ9o4JaMPjrbOzUu19HGWuL5BKojE/s400/doubleBerth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sofa folds out into a spacious double berth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoRI3XRaKuAx98mgV3knjaC_ML8XTpi3NLLDNGvAirYimnrNZOcdNenyd0eph1Wm0p1DrRB1k4muQ3CXxhxb5WwImZjdEua8tBwyjMhkiBYcSV6qwCm3jR8-2AsqjZ6Kb1_e15VThQ08/s1600/geese1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoRI3XRaKuAx98mgV3knjaC_ML8XTpi3NLLDNGvAirYimnrNZOcdNenyd0eph1Wm0p1DrRB1k4muQ3CXxhxb5WwImZjdEua8tBwyjMhkiBYcSV6qwCm3jR8-2AsqjZ6Kb1_e15VThQ08/s400/geese1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get those geese out of here!</td></tr>
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<br />Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112600037067195513.post-9149304531054878942016-09-26T12:30:00.001-07:002016-09-26T15:35:22.199-07:00Mauve at First Sight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored behind the cinema in Hebden Bridge</td></tr>
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I officially took possession of "Mary" on the morning of Saturday 17th September, having viewed her once and once only the previous Saturday.<br />
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<img height="457" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14495369_10153804730592019_2021856317398637716_n.jpg?oh=14dee50fe0d90f1e45a711bba1c91f9c&oe=587EC9BC" width="640" /><br />
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From hearing about a boat in the pub on the Friday night to owning the boat took barely 7 days.<br />
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Mary's previous owner was waiting to emigrate to Portugal, and needed to liberate some funds quickly. Although Mary had been advertised on Apollo Duck - the website for many online boat sales, there had been time-wasters, delays and frustration. So I trucked up, first thing on the Saturday morning, offered the asking price, put down a £5K deposit and the boat was taken off the market.<br />
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<b>A Little History</b><br />
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Mary was built in the early 1980's by the Northamptonshire boatbuilders Hancock and Lane. The 70's were the heyday for building narrowboats, coming to an end in the early 1980's - as this testimony from an old H&L employee suggests.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>I worked for Hancock and Lane in the 70's the began about 1970 and produced a large number of boats and commercial craft they are best known for the Norseman style boat. They also built a smaller boat with a raised front deck called Marlin these were mostly 30 feet in length.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I worked for them from 1972 through to the end which I believe to be 1984 I was made redundant twice. At the finish there were only four of us left and at one time they had at least 8 teams of 3 men building boats and employed 60 men many other companies have been borne out of this skilled labour force.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> It is true that the boats were a little dumpy however many of these craft are still in use on the canals giving testimony to there build quality they were in there time considered by many to be at the forefront of the industry.</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I would regularly work 70 hrs a week to keep up with demand, starting at 6 am and finishing at 6 pm, 5 days a week and then doing a Saturday morning for good measure. The early starters were summoned at 8am for a trip to Willerby to the cafe for cooked breakfast on the firm. </span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I am still boatbuilding I was only 19 when I started work That's enough from an old boatbuilder. </span></i><br />
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<b>Getting the Old Girl Going Again!</b><br />
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The first thing to do was to get the batteries charged, fuel in the tank and the engine running. The old batteries were in poor condition - so I bought a new starter battery from Halfords in Stockport, some tools and some jump-leads and some other essentials.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/8598_10153804717642019_8310735829732639458_n.jpg?oh=9e4d67cf0401c78d35114fc39a4e6926&oe=5880B3DA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabi studies from her course notes as we prepare the boat for departure</td></tr>
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The first weekend was not terribly productive, but I did manage to get the new 70A high-output alternator fitted that I bought from Ebay for £65.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7TJYT1Kx2IjyA5nhHbhjXyrqYJ8b4PQhpSHpRmgezLSqKvwDZ6FRCtd4dIS0QM4qpGh8t9vpYUo2LSBmP_TEzfrGv0qdk6Q4jMBu464q7GAS6HP163KXgFmdiutf9abLPFCt-zQFZOY/s1600/BMC1500_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7TJYT1Kx2IjyA5nhHbhjXyrqYJ8b4PQhpSHpRmgezLSqKvwDZ6FRCtd4dIS0QM4qpGh8t9vpYUo2LSBmP_TEzfrGv0qdk6Q4jMBu464q7GAS6HP163KXgFmdiutf9abLPFCt-zQFZOY/s640/BMC1500_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engine bay and a top view of the BMC1500 with the shiny new alternator top left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS90YZfqy8dUleinMIBdDZ7VYAkex_BT-kcAmhXCOfHjG90mihDeadP5ScmFNVgA60OSVmbRo-noFjStPL3o3f_1LPfog28-vVOSDp-mSu8BDLt9A9q3WCfSG9zuq-u7opOq520pcrl64/s1600/engine_bay_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS90YZfqy8dUleinMIBdDZ7VYAkex_BT-kcAmhXCOfHjG90mihDeadP5ScmFNVgA60OSVmbRo-noFjStPL3o3f_1LPfog28-vVOSDp-mSu8BDLt9A9q3WCfSG9zuq-u7opOq520pcrl64/s640/engine_bay_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An extra spar across the rear door replaces where the fabricated steps used to be fitted. Less than convenient access</td></tr>
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The initial bleeding through of the diesel to the injector pump took a lot longer that I anticipated, as I failed to spot the secret fuel cut-off stop cock underneath the rear deck board. It was dusk on Sunday before I discovered it and it was getting time to commence the long drive back to Surrey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14502933_10153804721682019_3285864387445171289_n.jpg?oh=fe2049de665beec0cc9842fa79a3926c&oe=587C4AAF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabi and Adam enjoying the Sunday afternoon sunshine</td></tr>
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I returned the following Friday with my nephew Adam and his girlfriend Fabi. Adam and I soon made light work of bleeding the air out of the injector pump - and we soon had the engine running. Diesels are fairly bomb-proof and reliable - provided that you have a good starter battery, and the injector pump is working. The BMC1500 was a popular workhorse for this size of boat, and remains so, being reliable, cheap spares and easy to fix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14495392_10153804709992019_8551291604937779351_n.jpg?oh=5064828beeab457fb9f20fa6e25cfc57&oe=587CA57D" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising slowly west out of our mooring.</td></tr>
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So with the engine running, and without further delay, we cast off and headed west into the centre of Hebden Bridge, aiming for a pub lunch at Stubbings Wharf.<br />
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<b>On the To Do List.....</b><br />
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Mary has been modified over the years, as many vessels are updated with each new refit. The original steps down into the stern cabin have been removed, and reinstating them will be one of my first jobs of the winter.</div>
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Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112600037067195513.post-83499775026557770522016-09-15T15:28:00.003-07:002016-09-27T04:17:56.489-07:00There's Something About Mary.......<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__NUv4DM4P2AeVooe9AhxuaaVSSX1R8qBlOqP7JY1jPem9doenyS65jc3-O9zGIn73WolFPsVpBTTwtibVai2rMSzBRUU0KXu3kpf_ijEKK-fkDdbJnsP1TYyOxrfruD7QVH672b2b3A/s1600/mary_port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__NUv4DM4P2AeVooe9AhxuaaVSSX1R8qBlOqP7JY1jPem9doenyS65jc3-O9zGIn73WolFPsVpBTTwtibVai2rMSzBRUU0KXu3kpf_ijEKK-fkDdbJnsP1TYyOxrfruD7QVH672b2b3A/s400/mary_port.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Mary" is a 1982 purpose built 40 foot canal boat</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">There is a tide in the affairs of men</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">Which taken at the flood, leads on to for</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">tune. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">Omitted, all the voyage of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">their</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;"> life is bound in shallows and in miseries. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">On such a full sea are we now afloat. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">The storm had been brewing for a number of years. When it finally erupted in August 2016 it was immensely destructive and cost me more than I bargained for.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">Disillusioned with the state of my work-life balance, I threw caution to the wind and embarked on a voyage of discovery and adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">Having spent a number of weeks in Hebden Bridge at the start of September, over the last few years, I fell for the charm of the town and especially the canal-side community.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">Following a chance meeting</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">with some boat owners </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">in a pub one Friday night, I heard of a local canal boat for sale, complete with a permanent mooring - and so the first step of the journey was to buy a canal boat: "Mary".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19.2px;">Within 12 hours I had paid a deposit and Mary was mine.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">Mary is a work in progress - to convert a not very efficient diesel powered narrowboat to a solar electric propelled smart-boat. A biomass fuelled combined heat and power system and woodstove provide all the energy for living and working when the sun is low in winter. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">Over the next few posts, I will explain how I have planned my exit from the rat-race - and found calm and solace amongst the canals and mills of </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">West</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"> Yorkshire, living and working on a floating laboratory for appropriate technology and renewable engineering.</span></div>
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<br />Ken Boakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01168707285621954181noreply@blogger.com3