A Welcome Visitor.

We had a very welcome visitor yesterday. Yes you will recognise him if you read his blog Granny Buttons. Andrew Denny stopped off in Stone and was moored just up the canal from our boat. Having walked past his boat with Paddy early in the morning, I went back to and see him on Granny Buttons, Andrew then came to the boatyard armed with his camera, to come and have a look at Hadar. It was wonderful to finally shake the hand of Andrew and put a face to the wonderful blog diary he writes. Andrew was very taken with Paddy as was Paddy with him. Keith and I had a lovely time chatting to Andrew. If you see Granny Buttons and Andrew whilst out and about say hello to him, he is a lovely guy. We look forward to catching up with him again when we are on the move.

Today we got the opportunity to take some photographs of Hadar.

Viewed from the Basin.

Today Keith took advantage whilst we had to move Hadar out of the basin, so that a boat could be craned back into the water, to take some photos of Hadar moored on the towpath.

Bow View.

As you can guess we are very proud of her. Trust Paddy to get in on the act. He loves to lay on the counter.

Stern View.

Loading 5 Tons of Coal by Hand

The 1st Bag.

Yesterday saw the arrival of our 1st consignment of coal. It arrived by lorry early in the morning. The plan was to unload it from the lorry into wagons on Roger's narrow-gauge railway. We had previously the day before sorted out 3 wagons, 2 of which could carry 1ton each and the 3rd would hold ½ton. Thus with 2 train loads we could move the full 5tons. The delivery man handed us down the bags and Keith and I stacked them in the wagons. I had the honour of taking the 1st bag, seeing as the business is in my name.

2½tons Loaded and Traveling by Train to the Wharf.

With all 3 wagons filled, the 1st 2½tons was then transported by the train around to the wharf. We then had to unload the wagons at the wharf so that the train could return to the car park for the final load. The whole lot was unloaded and paid for within 45 minutes!

Already to be Loaded into the Hold.

Keith and I then had the task of loading it all into Hadar's hold. Piled up high it looked a daunting task, but we set about it a ton at a time with a drinks break in between to keep our fluid levels up, especially as the sun had come out.

The 1st Sack Goes In.

We used a slide to assist getting the sacks in for the lower layers, until they were high enough to be able to lift the higher ones in directly onto the lower ones. As each ton went in we also checked the level of the boat. The bow was coming done and the stern was staying the same, which was great news. With the final sack in place the sheeting was refitted, Job Done! and amazingly in one day, we had expected to take the weekend to get it loaded in. We went out for a meal to celebrate. Rather surprisingly this morning we both woke up expecting to ache all over, but we didn't!

Filling Up Nicely.

Many thanks to Tina and Roger for taking the photographs for us, so that we could put them in to the diary. Another dream come true for Keith, to see his working boat carrying cargo.

All 5 tons Onboard.

Sheet Stencilling

Working Out the Stencil Postions.

This past week saw the stencilling of the sheeting. First of all the stencil was offered up to the sheets whilst still fitted to the boat to mark the locations on each sheet. This would ensure that the final stencils would be straight, centred and the same on both sides of the boat.

Stencilling the 1st Half of 1st Sheet.

Then the 1st sheet was removed and taken into the unit. Here it was laid out on the floor and the stencil attached in the correct location. Then the stencil was rollered by Tina with Roger hold everything in place. Great care had to be taken as the paint used is specially designed to actually melt into the plastic sheeting. It has a tendancy to go stringy, especially if there is any wind or breeze, so all doors had to be kept shut. It also is very unforgiving if accidentally applied to the wrong place, it won't come off!

The Completed Stencilling of the 1st Half of 1st Sheet.

It dries very quickly.

Stencilling the 2nd Half of 1st Sheet.

The stencil is then moved to the other half of the sheet and the process is repeated.

The Completed Stencilling of 1st Sheet.

The final result is amazing. Tina did a fantastic job. The stencil joints on the O and D have to brush painted over, unlike a lot of sheet stencilling, the GUCCCo filled in the lettering. Once the sheet had fully dried it was refitted and the same process was repeated for the 2nd and 3rd sheets. The 2nd sheet was refitted but the 3rd was left in the unit as it was too dark to fit it safely. It was fitted the following morning. Fortunately it wasn't supposed to rain overnight!

Refitting the 1st Sheet.

The Completed Sheet Stencilling.

Friday morning the final completed sheet was refitted. This now completes the outside work on Hadar, and very smart she looks too, thanks to Tina who has worked her magic. Roger has progressed well with the work inside and has whittled our "To Do" list down to the last 2 items. 2 of the major jobs done were the fitting of the floor in the hold and fitting the thermostat in the generator cooling circuit to allow the calorifier to heat up 1st before going to the skin tank. Keith managed on Thursday to cure the problem with the washing machine not working with the generator. He checked the frequency of the generator output and it was set to 60Hz, the American frequency, ooops! Keith readjusted the speed of the generator and set it to give 50Hz. I ran the washing machine and success, it worked properly. So another week over and we are getting ever closer to setting off.

Good News and Bad News.

Yesterday we had a visit from the engineer to sort out our engine. We had discovered when we went to fill up with diesel that the water pump was leaking. We had been waiting for the engineer to come and fix this, but Monday Keith took the pump off and Roger stripped it down to discover a worn nylon seal. Roger turned 2 new ones out of PTFE so that we have a spare. Keith and Roger refitted the pump and tried running the engine to test it to then find that the governor was jammed solid, hence the visit from Paul Redshaw yesterday.

Upon opening up the engine casing we soon discovered a further problem, emulsified oil. Then having taken the governor casing off and stripped it down it would seem that water had got to the spindle and jammed it. The route cause of this, a suspected head gasket leak, which would also tie into the water and oil we had noticed bubbling from around the head when we went for diesel. The spindle was cleaned up and refitted, moving quite freely now, and the governor assembly was refitted to the engine. Then we had to drain all the oil out and fill it up with new, before running the engine again. No leaks from the water pump and the governor was once again working properly.
The bad news is that we have to have a new head gasket made, they are not available off the shelf, and it will take 4-6 weeks to get one made. So we will be spending a few more weeks here in Stone. Keith has asked for 2 gaskets to be made so that we have a spare for the future.

Tina has been busy working out the lettering for our sheeting, have drawn it all out a couple of times and put it onto sheets of grease proof paper, she then laid it out on the sheeting to make sure it was the correct size lettering and the curve on the letting was correct. Having got an agreement from us and Roger that it looks right, she can now make cardboard templates ready for a good day to do the lettering, we need a dry calm day for this job.
The timber has arrived for the flooring in the hold, so that is a job Roger will be getting on with, as well as finishing off the final touches to the boat, which we wrote down for him. The funny thing has been that no sooner he has crossed a couple of things off the to do list we add a couple more things. Still the list is now down to 4 things and then that is that she is done yayyyyyyyyy.
We now look forward to a lovely Bank Holiday weekend, so no matter where you are, or what you are doing have a lovely time.

New friends and wonderful comments

This is just a quick message to say hello and wish you a wonderful weekend.
Roger is now back from his holiday on his boat's Azalea and butty Ilford, you may have spotted them if you were on the Llangollen. They were spotted by Sarah on NB Arcadia, who is hoping to be in Stone in the next week or two, and we are looking forward to saying hello to a fellow blogger.
Hadar has been receiving some wonderful comments whilst she has been out on the towpath. With people stopping to ask about her and her engine. I would like to to say "Hello" to those on NB Hannah, who came past us and said they had been following "Hadar" on this diary. Maybe next time we will get to have a proper natter.
Hello to the folks from working boat Denebola, which is also a Grand Union boat. They were walking along the towpath and had a nice chat with Keith.
We have been asked if "Hadar" is an original working boat been done up, and as you all know she is brand new, but in a way she is an original. She is a Roger Fuller original, and there will never be another one like her, even if Roger does build another Small Northwich for another customer. Because all of Rogers boats are Bespoke you will never ever see two the same.
Well it is the weekend and we hope that where ever you are, you are having a wonderful time. Hopefully next week things will progress on "Hadar" and I can add some photos to let you see the work being carried out. Take care and stay safe.

A peaceful weekend and a busy week

Heading into the weekend and who should we see coming towards the basin above Lime Kiln Lock, but Andy and his dog Simba on Khayamanzi. He was a welcome sight as we had not seen him for almost a year, whilst on our travels. Andy was well and heading for the Anderton lift and the river Weaver. So after a quick natter with him on the move we said our goodbyes and hoped to see him again soon. Andy had a wonderful floral display on his roof top, an absolute credit to him.

With the weekend uopn us we took "Hadar" out of the basin and onto out boat painters mooring whilst they took their boat out for the weekend, it gave us the opportunity to clear out the hold of all the stored goodies we had in their. We had decided if there was no room for it in a cupboard, draw or under the floor, then it was going either in the skip or in the boat sale boxes. It was actually amazing because we managed to store a lot of the stuff on the boat. Although I did fill two boxes with things to sell.

Roger is on holiday with his family so there was no problems with us getting things sorted out on the boat, it was a wonderful chance to get ourselves organised, if you ever really do that LOL.

Paddy has well and truly made himself at home on the boat, and likes to curl up by the saloon stive with his head on the harth. Whilst taking this photograph Paddy was having doggy dreams, his paws were twitching and he was making gruff noises, he looks so sweet and peaceful.

The weekend over, we moved onto the towpath mooring and moored up infront of us was a boat named Beau, it's owner was a lovely gentleman called Trevor. (Hi Trevor if your looking in). Trevor took a real liking to Paddy and jokingly asked if he could have him, to with my reply was "No" LOL. Anyway after chatting about life, boat, life and more boating, he has asked for the Border Collie Trusts phone number, which I got for him, so he can find himself a suitable dog for the boat. I really hope he finds a lovely collie and that we get to see him again soon.

Today (Wednesday) and we had a lovely visit from some blogging friends on their narrowboat Balmaha. Their blog is well worth a read, it can be very entertaining. Mo and Vanessa came to see "Hadar", and of course us lol, it was actually wonderful to put names to faces, and you know I felt like I had known them for many years, and yet today was the first time we had met in person. They spent must have been a good 3 hours with us, how the time flew as we nattered about all things boaty. It was wonderful to finally meet them and to find out how things were for them on the cut.

Keith and I then walked on round to Mo and Vanessa's boat, and a beautiful boat it is too. The photographs do not do their boat justice. It is a credit to them and the builder who built for them. They are now on their way, and will be making their way possibly onto the Caldon so if you see them give them a cheerie wave and say hello. Mo and Vanessa we hope to see you on the return trip... So as you can see although nothing much is happening on "Hadar" we have been kept busy.

First Trip.

Awaiting the 800litres of Diesel.

Yesterday following the fitting of the fenders we took Hadar down to Stone Boat Building to fill up with diesel. This was her 2nd trip out, but the 1st doesn't count as we only winded her so we could fit the stern fenders. It takes quite a while to load in 800litres of diesel, and a lot of money!

The Builder Tries Her Out.

Whilst we were filling her up with fuel Roger appeared and we invited him to have a play with her.

The Return Trip.

Having winded her I took over the controls and brought her back.

She Moves Beautifully.

As can be seen from these photos she moves gracefully through the water, hardly creating a ripple.

Approaching Lime Kiln Lock.

Still in one piece and not sunk.

Coming Up through Lime Kiln Lock.

Fender Fitting

Fitting the 1st Tipcat.

Today saw the fitting of the rear fenders. The 1st tipcat had to be hammered into shape with a sledge hammer, and readjusted each time until it fitted the shape of the boat.

Fitting the 2nd Tipcat.

The 2nd tipcat was similarly hammered into shape around the 1st one.

Readjusting before More Hammering.

After each hammering the chains were readjusted to take up the slack before hammering again. This was repeated until the final shape was achieved.

Fitting the button.

When the 2 tipcats were fitted the button was added behind them.

Fitting Completed.

Decorateded Boatmans Cabin.

Decorated Boatman's Cabin.

With completion getting ever nearer Keith spent the weekend fitting the last few handles to the galley window doors and the necessary warning labels to meet the safety certificate requirements. I fitted the curtains I made, in the boatman's cabin, and then Keith fitted the numerous lace and ribbon plates he has collected over the years, ready for this very day.
Today Roger is making the removable perspex windows to fit in the galley doors.
The photos below are just more views of the decorated boatman's cabin.

The Stove Area.

I reckon over the coming years there will be many a good casserole cooked in the stove, and curry standing on the top, so if you are cruising past and a waft of curry hits your senses, it is probably coming from our boat LOL.

Stove and Table as Seen from Counter.

My Curtains.

The finished cabin we think looks wonderful and very homely, it is our touch of paradise. I made the curtains from a large piece of material bought from a charity shop for just £1.49, it was an absolute bargin and looks fantastic with the lace. The overall finish is made even better with the roses and castles that Tina painted, everytime I look at those pictures I see something different. Tina has done a wonderful job with the back cabin, so a huge thank you to her for all her hard work.

We Have Moved Onboard

Apologies for the lack of entries lately, things have been a little hectic here. We moved onboard Hadar Thursday last week, and Misty Lady went to her new owner this Tuesday. Despite Hadar being not quite finished we have settled in quite nicely, even Paddy thinks it is great, he has more doors to look out of. Everything works, electrics, hot & cold running water, gas, washing machine and the shower we both christened and it was fabulous compared to the one on Misty Lady, no bathside to have to step up over. Only thing we haven't tested yet is the generator, but we need to take the boat to Stone Boat Builders to fill her up with diesel to be able to do that. When I say fill her up, she takes 150 gallons, 862litres, I hope they have enough for us!!!

Polishing & Stringing

Dressed from the Bow.

As many of you must be aware the weather has not been great, but when the weather held out for long enough I polished all the brass, then helped me Keith fit all the new white strings to the sheeting. Tina was able to touchup some of the paintwork, and gave the boatman's cabin it's final coat of varnish. True to form of late the heavens opened, so rain stopped play.

Dressed from the Stern.

Hadar's Relaunch

Wednesday was quite a day for Keith and I because it was Relaunch day for Hadar. She was getting to see the daylight in her new colours for the first time. The weather was not the best, but it was as good as we were going to get, sunshine and heavy showers were forecast, and that was what we got.

Tina the boat painter had done an amazing job on Hadar's paintwork, and now everyone can see it in its full glory. So a huge thank you to Tina for doing such a wonderful job.

Hadar Ready to Come Out.

Despite the weather yesterday, Roger decided to go ahead with relaunching Hadar. The first stage of her journey begins with rolling her out manually until one strap can be placed around the stern. Then it gets easier as a lift of the stern and the crane drags her out far enough to be able to get the lifting cradle in the right position.

Gently Does It.

At this stage the bow is rolling on rollers inside the shed. It all has to be taken very slowly stopping and checking at regular intervals to make sure everything is going alright.

Halfway Out.

Once she is far enough out of the shed to get the full lifting cradle and both straps on things can move a bit quicker, if a bit precariously. From this point she has to be fully extracted from the shed and then turned through 90° without hitting the main unit, there is not a lot of room for error with a 70' boat.

Full Lift from Now.

With the bow now clear of the unit it is plain sailing from here, everyone back breath again.

Nearly There.

Safely back in the water and hopefully no scratches in the new paintwork. It was a fantastic day, despite the rain. Nothing dampens our spirits. We are now very close to having her finished.

Safely Back in the Water.

Keep watching this space as Hadar is finished. It was an emotional day for us both seeing our new boat go back in the water safely. Thank you Roger for giving her a smooth journey from the paintshed. We are now wearing perminant smiles and will continue to do so for many years to come. We will have more news next week so see you then.

Week Thirty-Six

The Nearly Completed Engine Room Doors.

Well the painting of Hadar is nearly finished. The blue on the inside of the engine room doors has been completed. The doors just need a final touch up tomorrow and she will be ready for craning back into the water, weather depending. The counter deck has received it's 2 coats of red oxide, and the boatman's cabin has had a coat of varnish.

The Completed Counter Deck.

The Finished Engine Room Doors.

Today is now all about waiting. Hadar's paintwork is completed and she is ready to come out of the paintshed. We are just waiting for the weather to settle down. It could be today, but more than likely tomorrow. We will just have to wait and see.

Flywheel Cover.

The Covers in the engine room have been painted and fitted. The red one is to cover the flywheel, and the green one covers the alternators. These should protect both crew and especially Paddy from injury.

Alternator Cover.

The cover over the calorifer has also been fitted. All these covers are easily removable for access and maintenance work.

Calorifier Cover.