Ceiling

We started putting up the ceiling yesterday. The tongue and groove has been treated with knotting solution, primed and painted in a white eggshell. Each strip is over 4 metres long and it takes 24 strips across the width of the boat.

Wiring

We have installed the 240 volt mains ring and the wiring for all of the 12 volt circuits, (lights, pumps, etc.)

We have done the lighting installation in blocks of four or six lights, some of which have double switching.

Sprayfoaming

The sprayfoaming was completed by Websters of Doncaster. We find the quickest way to trim back is with a wire cup brush on an angle grinder. This is quick but messy, (see our PPE pic above!)

Engine installation

We've used a reclaimed commercial vehicle silencer, which we've managed to fit (just) under the side deck! We had to fabricate adapters for each end to join the 1 1/2 inch regular exhaust.

The battery box with the first two batteries is in place. Note the cable tray on the left which will ensure a tidy wiring installation.

The engine is in place and has had its final alignment. It's now ready for electrics.

Sprayfoaming prep

We've taped up all of the battons to make it easier to get the sprayfoam off the wood for skinning the boat interior. The window recesses are covered with polythene to completely enclose the space, and all pipework is securely taped to prevent stray foam from getting where it shouldn't be.

Ballast

The boat has been ballasted with around 3000 bricks, laid in a double layer in the rear two thirds of the boat and single layers in the front third of the boat.

The workshop

The boat has been grit blasted and has now been moved into our workshop. We can get stuck in to working on the interior.

Engine installation

The engine fitting is established before the engine compartment is sprayed.

Battoning

The battoning has to be completed before the boat is sprayfoamed.

Steelwork

As the steelwork is nearing completion, Soar Valley Steel Boats are cutting out windows, portholes and vents.