December 2005 update

More progress! The subject of tables has caused a lot of thatch scratching by Ian (McD). We had originally thought of 6 small tables, attached to the sides, with two people  sitting at each. When Ian did a scale drawing of the internal fittings it showed that this arrangement wouldn't work as there would not be enough space between the tables for chairs! While Ian was trying different possibilities I went to Ikea where I found that they do a very nice (and inexpensive) table which can be attached to the wall and drops down when not in use. Ideal, we thought. These tables are bigger than we had planned so perhaps we could just have 4 with three people sitting at each? No, this would not leave a clear passage up the boat and this we reckon is essential for safety reasons. Ok what about three or two tables? Still tricky. The current thinking is that we don't have tables but just a long narrow shelf running up each side and people can sit along side it or  facing it as they wish. The jury is still out on this one. I sought advice from the knowledgeable folk on the canals list on the internet and they gave me some excellent advice on how to construct tables. The best advice was "go to Ikea". However, the table discussion brought to light another problem. To fix the tables or shelves to the side of the boat we would need to put battens behind the ply which had been put up (and stained) months ago. While we would know where the battens were when they were put in place if we wanted to attach anything to the sides in the future, we would need to take the side panels off to find out where the battens are. We had used ply originally as we didn't have much money but now that we were slightly better off we decided that we would do the sides in 18mm marine ply. The ply which was there will not be wasted as it will be used to line our hut at Bells Mill Wharf. Andy, with his contacts, came up trumps again and we got 6 sheets of marine ply at a good price and one side has been fully fitted, complete with foot prints as the boards were "pushed" into position. Hopefully the boards are up to stay as holes have been made for waste pipes, cables etc as they were being put up.  The holes have been drilled in the boat sides for the waste water from the galley and loo sinks and a double 230v socket has also been wired in, with cables being led through for the water pump and heater. The off cuts from the marine ply would be about the right size for shelves so it looks like we might have shelves!

The windows have all had side linings put up and these have had a few coats of Danish oil.

The inverter  has been wired in and fitted into the electrics control cabinet and you can see photos of this below. Still work to be done, though.

We have had a tarpaulin over the front deck for a few weeks and this has made a huge difference to the water gathering in the cabin bilges. In fact, they have been dry.

On the last work day of the year (no one wants to work on the 24th or 31st for some reason), we took Santa along to Broxburn on Roseann and when we became back we removed her canopy and put her winter tarpaulin on. While we were warming ourselves with a coffee on Bluebell, Iain started her engine - the exhaust has now been fitted - and this was a wonderful way to end the year. I suggested that we should go for a little trip on Bluebell but I was dissuaded as Iain didn't know how much diesel we had in her tank and no one really felt like bow hauling her back to her mooring.

Here area few photos taken this month.