Week Sixteen

Start of one of the Castles in the Boatmans Cabin, a pencil sketch.

Tina started painting the Castles in the Boatmans Cabin. She did 3 to begin with, the one on the table and the 2 on the cupboard doors over the bed'ole. I was very priviledged to be allowed to sit in at each stage to take photographs, always trying to make sure I did not get in Tina's way.

Sky and water is added first.

Once the basic castle and surrounding area is sketched out with a pencil, Tina then began adding the paint. The sky was the first to go on, blending blue and white . Tina then added the water. I found it fascinating to watch how the picture is built up.

Grass and Mountains added.

Once the water and sky were dry, it was then time to add in the mountains and grass, again blending in different colours.

Castles.

At each stage the paint is allowed to dry before heading to the next stage. Once the grass was dry, Tina then began adding the paint for the castles. It is a real skill to paint free hand like this and very impressive to watch. What I find amazing is that each castle and picture although similar is not identical and that is what makes each picture unique to each boat painter.

Fine details being painted in; grass, plants and swans.

I dare say a lot of people look at the castles on boats but never really appreciate how much work goes into it and the finer details. The work to build up the trees, bushes and flowers is wonderful and it does look very real, whether you are looking at them from near or afar.

Finer details added.

Both the swans were added along with the reed beds and boats in the background. The castles had roofs added to their turrets, and flag poles.

Bed 'Ole Castle painting all done.

Final details added are flags on flag poles, sails on the boats, brick work added to the castle walls, and tiles on the roofs. You can sit and pick out all the other things added and look in wonderment at how wonderful it looks. Both Keith and I absolutely love the work Tina has done so far. She will be doing some of the roses next so keep watching the diary for those pictures.
Roger in the meantime has also been very busy with the rest of Hadar's fit out. He made and fitted the door panels for the doors into the hold. He has also been adding the edging strips around the timber work.

Doors into the hold.

Our stove plinth was tiled with quarry tiles from the yard, they looked nice and aged. The wall tiles have a picture of Coniston hand painted on them, and although they were quite expensive at £8 each hand painted tile, they look fabulous and our only major extravagance. Once the stove is fitted into place it will look amazing.

Tiled Stove Plinth.

Roger then set about varnishing all the woodwork in the saloon and making the stable doors which are going between the engine room and galley. We chose stable doors so that we can have the bottom doors closed to keep Paddy (collie) shut in, but have the top doors open for ventilation when on the move. This past week has been wonderful and very interesting especially for me as I was given the opportunity to sit in and watch Tina paint. I did make sure I thanked her for allowing me this priviledge because I am well aware that not all boat painters would do this. So please always ask first.
Once all the paintwork is complete in the boatmans cabin I will make up an album of each stage, so you can sit and browse at your leisure LOL. So another week of excitement has drawn to a close ready for another to begin, and you can follow each step with us by coming back again next week to see the next installment.

Week Fifteen

Final Two Cupboards in the Saloon.

The last 2 cupboards have now been fitted in the saloon. This now completes all the major carpentry.

Tina has nearly completed the graining of the scumbling in the boatman's cabin. Once all the graining has been completed it will all need a couple of coats of varnish.

Keith has been resting as he put his back out on Tuesday, Ouch!! Still it is getting better.

Cupboard Table Grained and Knotted.

On Tuesday Roger and I took a trip to Nettlebank Granite People, in Stoke-on-Trent to select the granite for our worktops in the galley. Keith and I had already decided on the Emerald Pearl Granite, and thankfully Nettlebank did have some in stock, so now we wait for it to be cut and polished to fit our galley.

Emerald Pearl Granite

Week Fourteen

Display Cabinet

The display cabinet, which is next to the TV/computer cabinet, has now been installed. The glass panels for the front have yet to be ordered.

Work then commenced on the bookcase which goes opposite the display cabinet on the portside. It has been built and has been varnished before fitting inside the boat.

Work also commenced on the final bulkhead between the coal stove and the last galley base cupboard.

Stove Plinth and Bookcase

The stove plinth, bookcase and the final bulkhead have now been installed.

Final Overhead Cupboard.

The final overhead cupboard has now been fitted in the galley, and soon all the cupboards will have doors.

Tina has been progressing with the painting in the boatmans cabin having done the primer and yellow undercoat, she started on the scumbling. I was even given the chance to have a go. So when your looking at the scumbling I dare you to spot the piece that I did LOL. I am amazed how Tina does the scumbling and how she copes in such a confined space with the paint fumes. It is very exciting to be able to watch an artist at work.

Tina Scumbling.

We now have to decide what granite we want for the galley work tops, such decisions and so much to choose from. Watch this space to see what we decided on.

Weeks Twelve and Thirteen

Fridge-freezer Installed.

Week Twelve started well, with the fridge-freezer being installed and the start of the cupboard above it.

The major news is the start of the painting. At the end of last week, Tina started filling the woodwork in the boatmans cabin ready for painting, which she started yesterday with the primer coat. The cabin doors have been done with aluminium primer, as will all external woodwork which will be exposed to the elements. The mast, stand and top-planks were similarly primed, as was the slide hatch.

Start of Painting in the Boatmans cabin.

Week Thirteen and the whole fit out is moving on at a huge rate.

TV/Computer Cabinet and Overhead Cupboards.

Things have moved on rapidly in week thirteen. The TV/computer cabinet has been built. The TV sits on top of the unit, the printer/scanner/coppier sits in the base of the unit. The 2 lower slots are for the 2 laptops and the upper is for the freeview box and the 2 external hardrives. The smaller slot on the gangway side near to the cooker is for the cd player/radio.

The overhead cupboards will give us extra storage space for the galley and for all the computer bits & pieces. We have chosen to have overhead cupboards to increase our storage space to the maximum to conpensate for the compactness of the living area. Many people would find this too claustrapophobic but I think it helps that both Keith and I are not tall! But from Keith's experience of having lived for 6 months in the boatmans cabin on Pisces he got used to it and we have tried to carry through the same efficient use of every little space for storage in the boatmans cabin into the living area.

Roger is now tackling the display cabinet to go next the TV/computer cabinet which will house Keith's model trains from his Exhibition Layout Holmehurst.

Tina has been busy painting in the boatmans cabin with the undercoat having gone on and the start of the scumble base yellow. Scumble for those who do not know is a painting process used in narrowboats which, by painting, simulates grained wood. The base coat is a very bright yellow, followed by the scumble, a brown colour, which is applied using a scumble comb, which gives the effect of wood grain, then the whole lot is varnished to protect it. The effect it quite good in appearance but gives a very much stronger, colourful surface.

Start of the Scumble Base Coat of very Bright Yellow.

Week Eleven.

Work recommenced on Hadar this week after the Christmas and New Year break.

We hope you had a wonderful time and enjoy reading Hadar's progress to completion during the beginning of 2007.

The installation of the automatic bilge pump under the forecabin floor.

Bilge Pump In Place

With many water appliances installed in a boat these days a bilge pump is a neccessity should any of them fail and discharge water into the bilges in the galley/shower/laundry area. Also the main water pump and the shower tray pumpout pump were installed along with all the associated pipework for supply of hot and cold water and disposal of waste water.

All the plumbing for the Galley and Bathroom

The stove for the saloon arrived and it is lovely.

Aarrow Acorn Multi Fuel Stove

The pipework was completed and the platform for the toilet to stand on was built. Roger then worked on the remaining wall and the door into the shower/toilet area.

Shower and Toilet Area

We have had a very good week, and things have moved on apace. Roger has been extremely busy on our boat this week. The shower/toilet cubicle is now completed, awaiting tiling and the sink to be fitted.

The washing machine and tumble drier have now been installed on the opposite side to the shower/toilet. The fridge-freezer was installed in its final position, next to the washing machine and drier. The cupboard above the drier is completed apart from the doors.
The Inverter/charger has arrived along with the generator. This now completes all of the large purchases apart from the stove for the boatmans cabin.

Utility Area

Tina Paramore the boat painter also began the paint work in the boatman cabin. Her first job was to paint knotting compound on all the knots, she then filled over where all the screw heads were showing. Her final job for this week was to sand it all down ready for priming. Having spoken to Tina I am amazed how much work and paint has to go on before we get to the Roses and Castles. You can follow the progress here in Hadar's Dairy.

Week Ten

The upper walls of the saloon and the first part of the galley have now been fitted. It is taking shape rather nicely. Despite the sloping roof of the 8 ft saloon there is plenty of headroom. Well there is for Keith and I as we are both short!
The wood panels are ash, with cherry bordering. We have seen the effect on a previous boat Roger built whilst we were moored here, and we rather liked it. The ash will be painted with a thin layer of ivory coloured paint and the grain shows through which we liked.

With the wall lining being completed, work started on the shower/toilet cubicle, and the laundry area. The walls in the shower/toilet cubical are thicker (18mm ply) as these walls will be tiled and need a firm base to be attached to. All the various water pipes needed to be installed as things proceed. With the temporary installing of the major appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge-freezer) to calculate the bulkhead positions, Keith's calculations were spot on

everything fitted, he had been worried that they would be wrong but these fears were soon dismissed, Pheww!!
Mind you there isn't a lot of room to spare, they all just fit in with millimeters to spare. It is all going to be very snug. We are both so excited it is all our Christmases coming at once.

Over the next week things should really change. So please pop back in to have a look.

Week Nine

What a fantastic week we have just had with the fitout of Hadar. Having chatted to Roger and worked out where we wanted the wiring to go, he set about lining out the main cabin, where the bathroom, utility room, galley and saloon will be. All of it is being fitted into an 18 foot space, so it will be very cosy. Like the boatsmans cabin and engine room the ceiling is tongue and groove timber through out.
It was only whilst seeing the wiring being fitted that you can appreciate how much there is behind those walls! Things are really moving along at a pace. We have gone for down lighters throughout, with switches for pairs of lights, so we do not have to have all the lights on at once. in the galley and saloon, thus giving us the chance to have some mood lighting if we wish.

With all the wiring done. Flooring down and ceiling timber up Roger will be starting to fit the upper walls. By the time I post the next round of photographs you will really see a difference. Keith and I have already sat down and worked out what fixture and fittings we want for the bathroom, galley and saloon. We already have our washing machine, tumble drier, fridge freezer, and cooker. We cannot wait to see them in place, it is very exciting.

Weeks Seven and Eight of Hadar's Fit Out.

Hadars fit out is progressing at a great rate now and the boatsmans cabin is almost finished. Roger made the double doors into the engine room.


The four drawers which go underneath the bed cupboard and seating were made up ready for fitting.

Roger then went onto make the wooden hatch slide, which was then covered in aluminium, and an aluminium strip screwed around the edge.

The final thing to be done was the lining and detail to the back doors of the cabin. We are so pleased with all the work done on the boatsmans cabin, it is just the way we imagined it would be.

So with the boatsmans cabin fit out completed, it was time to start on the engine room. With the doors in place it was now time to line the engine room out.

Firstly the ceiling was lined out with tongue and groove timber, holes were cut for the pigeon box, lighting and exhaust.Then the walls were lined out with plywood and edging strips for that final detail. The whole thing looks fabulous.

With the engine room almost complete, we will be sitting down next week, to discuss the fitout of the front cabin. This will involve putting in the shower/toilet/laundry area, galley and saloon. We are keeping it all very simple and tasteful, so keep popping in to see the changes happen. And no the cover over the engine is not my new curtain material LOL.

Weeks Five and Six

I must apologise to all who have been waiting for the latest pictures of Hadar's fit out. Life at the boatyard has been pretty hectic this past few weeks, with other work being done at the yard.
Hadar's fit out is coming along really well, and we are so pleased with the way her boatmans cabin is looking now.


There are doors with hinges on all the cupboards . I just love the tongue and groove panelling on the cupboards.


The table-cupboard door hinges down, and there is a handle on the crumb/cutlery drawer. The bed cupboard is now complete, and awaiting it's mattress. It is all very exciting. I know how daft we are, lol, getting excited about a bed cupboard, but it will be where we will sleep for the rest of our days, so bear with me if I get over excited at something so silly.



Roger has been working really hard on the cabin. As you can see there are now shelves on both sides of the rear door, and he has also put in the partition between the bed area and living area. With a fake beam across the ceiling.

We have a coal box, which sits under the top step and doubles up as a second step. We will be able to get loads of coal in that box.


Under the shelves is the radio box, where boat people used to store their radio. I dare say we will find a good use for it.

So as you can see it is all going incredibly well, the next stage is making and fitting the drawers under the bed.

Weeks Three and Four of Hadar's Fit Out

Weeks Three and Four have been another exciting time in the fit out of Hadar. Her boatmans cabin is really coming together now as you will see from the photographs. It is so nice to see how the cabin goes together, it is just like putting a jigsaw together when you sit and watch Roger do the woodwork. It is a real work of art when done properly. Keith and I both find it fascinating to watch just how much work goes into fitting out a boat, and it is certainly something we would never have done ourselves.
The beginings of the ticket draw have begun with the frame work.
The platform for the stove is in place and so are the shelves beside the stove. We have yet to buy the stove but we know the one we want.
The cupboard carcass with shelving is now in place, ready for the draw and table top come door to be made and fitted.
Seating and draw space has gone in on the right, and the hide away bed is now going in. We have gone for a four foot wide bed, rather than the 3 foot bed which they had in the original boats, after all we do not want to be cramped.
Roger has begun the doors for the cupboard over the bed which has a shelf running through the middle. Below the bed there will be two draws, so plenty of room for clothing etc.
It is wonderful to have the opportunity to see how our fit out comes together, the benefit is that we will know where every wire, screw and piece of pipe is fitted.

Week Two Of the Fit Out

I thought as a few things had been happening with Hadar's fit out this week I would give you another update. The boatmans cabin is coming along a treat.

Having done the floor and part way up the gunwales, Tongue and Groove was then fitted to the wall of the cabin, and a hole for the port hole was cut out.Then the lining out of the other wall began with hardboard, to this the bed and cupboard will be fitted, and there are of course wires dangling ready for connecting up when the time comes.It has actually got exciting seeing her boatmans cabin begin to come to life.The Hardwood Step went in and it really is a solid piece of wood. I have no idea what sort of hardwood it is, but it looks the part anyway and will definately see alot of footprints on it over the years to come.See what I mean, it is a substantial piece of wood.

The ceiling has been panelled out with tongue and grove timber. The bulls eye and mushroom vent holes have been cut out and holes for the lighting wires have also be cut out ready to take the lighting wen the time comes.The beginings of the boatmans cabin cupboard shell have gone in. So a very busy week with the fit out. Both Keith and I really enjoy taking in all that is going on, we will definately know where every wire and screw is by the end of this journey.

First Week Of the fit out.

We have been told by others with boats that when having a boat built, the fit out always seems to be the slowest part of the whole build. Well we will let you know if we agree now that the fit out has begun LOL.
For us the process of the fit out began this week, after discussions with Roger our builder about where the electrics were going, he began with the electrical wiring in the boatmans cabin, the pipework went onto the cooling tanks, and the timber work began in the boatmans cabin with the flooring and walls.
It is important at this point in the fit out to make sure all the wiring is in the right place, because once the walls and bulkheads go up it is difficult to change the wiring without taking it all down again, so along with Roger we are making sure everything is right from the start. Thats where being near the boat yard is a real help because we are on hand if Roger needs to know anything.Whilst we were out on Friday the flooring went down in the galley, bathroom and utility area. It is really quite exciting seeing her come together already. I hope that you enjoy following the fit out with us and for those looking in who are thinking of having a boat built, it gives you an idea as to what goes on and what you can possibly expect.

Hadar's Fit Out

Hiya welcome back, there have been a few weeks of nothing happening on Hadar. Keith and I took off to go cruising our way up onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, we then paid a visit to the Shackerstone Festival Weekend after a couple of days back in Stone. You can read about our exploits on Life Afloat. We are now back at our mooring in Stone and Hadar's fit out has begun, so remember to keep our blog diary on your desk top to keep up to date with a blow by blow account of things as they happen. Because fit outs can be slow I will do an update probably every couple of weeks depending on whats happening, so don't get disheartened if nothing appears, it just means nothings happening right now LOL.
At the moment Roger is working on the wiring and putting the floor in the boatmans cabin, we will take photos, so you can see her in her naked state so to speak.
Keep you posted, Happy Cruising.