What? No engine!

Well, time has past and it's been 10 days since my last contact with Victory Narrowboats. I sent an email requesting an update and Howard, co-owner rang me back. The engine that they had ordered nearly 2 weeks ago is nowhere to be seen?! I have asked for a 45hp Barras Shire. Not the poor Shanks but the Yanmar based Shire.

We will have to wait until next week for an update on this situation. So near yet so far away!

Windows cut and primed

The windows have been cut in the cabin sides. This was decided by us. The final positions depended on two things. Where they were needed in conjunction with our internal layout plans. Secondly, they had to look right and evenly spaced.

We had 4 x gold hopper windows, 1 x massive 18 inch porthole for the toilet/shower. On the opposite side to the one porthole we went for the luxury of a side opening hatch. A good place to feed the swans and mallards!

You can see the size of the cabin in this above shot:-

Coming along a treat

Well, the boat is really taking shape. We recently visited the boat builder and the progress is amazing.

Here we can see down the length of the cabin. Each cabin side is made from 1 long length of steel. No seams and no welds. Just a nice smooth surface.

We have decided on location of the gold windows and the large 18" port hole is great.

Shell almost finished apart from side hatch and bow doors and other finer points. Can't wait for spring!