Bluebell
March 2005 update
We had a break from Bluebell over Christmas and New Year apart form repeatedly renewing the duck tape holding the temporary windows in place. They have held up well but I don't think Duck tape was meant to withstand gale force winds.
When we reconvened in mid January, we turned our attention to the fitting out and after much research, we ordered the insulation from Thermafleece and Advanced Acoustics. The Thermafleece is made from sheep's wool and comes in various sizes and depths and by careful planning, we were able to order sizes which needed the minimum of cutting. Next came the wood and we had decided to line her in WPB which we would stain. Dave had had a big operation at New Year and while he was off work recuperating, he found it therapeutic to work on Bluebell. While we would rather that Dave hadn't had to have the operation, this was excellent as it meant that a lot of progress has already been made on the insulation and lining. One side has just had the first coat of stain and it is all beginning to look good. The boat is much warmer and drier now.
The source of water gathering in the cabin bilges was traced to the drainage from the front well deck and the application of some concrete has hopefully diverted the water toward the pipe which will let it drain into the engine bilges.
A lot of thought and discussion has gone into the electrics and how the cable runs will be done to enable us to comply with the BSS. It was a bit disconcerting when we read the BSS chapter on electrics to find that we should also refer to the BMEA code of practice and when we contacted the BMEA we were told that the code cost about £70!! Our local library borrowed a copy for us at no charge. We have also been making sure we will comply with the MCA code for small passenger boats as although the code is advisory at the moment it might become compulsory and now is the time to prepare. An inverter has been purchased as have various engine bits - an air filter from Ebay, for example.
The water tank, which was lying in the boat when we got her, was in good condition and it has been removed to John's workshop for a new part to be made. Meanwhile the battery box is being made in Iain's workshop and the roof panels are being varnished in Ian (MacPhail)'s garage. A real team effort. Several attempts have been made to remove the holey exhaust but is has so far remained firmly in place. I can see it being cut off shortly!
Thought has also been given to the front doors - it is a wide access and we think that we will have four one foot wide doors which fold back on them selves. The deck boards on the rear deck are badly in need of replacing before someone falls through them but first we need to get new bits welded for them to sit on. The weather the last few weeks has not been conducive to working on the rear deck but spring is just around the corner, they tell me.
Again there has been a tremendous amount of work done by a few members and we have had support from Second Nature UK (Thermafleece) and Advanced Acoustics who gave us a discount and from Tafelberg Marine Services Ltd. who donated all the internal lights to us. We are very grateful to everyone who supports us in this way.
We were given a big boost when we heard that our application to the Waterways Trust for a grant had been successful. This gives us a breathing space and enables us to carry on with the restoration.
We are still hopeful that we will be running trips in Bluebell this year.
Here are a few photos
Dave
easing the insulation into the gap between windows.
The
inside after one coat of stain. Yes, we know the windows are still not in but we
are waiting for better weather!
What
Thermafleece looks like