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All will be active when the build is finished, hopefully by the end of May...Now June!

Welcome...

...if you have arrived here by chance, feel free to stay awhile and peruse the content.

The site is of special imterest to narrowboat & canal enthusiasts, be it an owner, loaner, hirer, walker, gongoozler or just a dreamer.

How it all began...When your friends hit 50 and start to die unexpectedly, it makes you take stock of your life.

What if you were left alone, would you still enjoy the things that you enjoy as a couple? Probably not...this site is about an idea that has become a reality; the second boat of a couple who gave up their business to live the dream.

Hull by Colecraft Engineering Ltd, from a sheet of metal to the stylishly engineered finish hull.

We decided on Colecraft as they have a very good reputation, which also comands an excellent re-sale value.
They are more than happy to accomodate customer ideas and modifications.
A family run business that delivers the goods; value for money, good workmanship and friendly customer service.

Our last boat was built on a Colecraft hull and we had been extremely pleased with it, so why go anywhere else!

Fit out by Lockmaster Boats Ltd, formally Darren Aldridge Boats.
From battening out the hull to the superbly finished craft that is the 'Iron Butterfly'.

Lined out in Oak with solid Oak doors and trim. Granite work tops add the finishing touches to kitchen and bathroom.

The fit out started in January 2009 and is not yet completed.

Electrics and Heating. Watts and keeping warm.
We wanted ease of use and functionality, infact, a home from home.

Power by Beta Marine: Beta 43 engine, chosen because of its reliability.
Beta Marine the leading manufacturer of modern marine engines.

livery: As this is our second boat, do we stick with the same colour sceme as before, as we really liked them, or go for something entirely different?

The hull was undercoated and painted prior to leaving Colecraft to stop it going rusty, as it stood outside for a while before leaving for Darrens floating dock.

Deciding the Nitty Gritty...This is when the problems really start. Soooo many choices. What Hull? What Fitter? What Engine? What Length?... the list goes on.

Making the most of the space available...What can't you live without!

Learning Curve: As this is our second boat build, we have learnt a a few things along the way. Here you will find how we resolved any issues.