Getting there!!!

Friday 12th June

Janet and Toby beside Ella

We arrived to find men working all over Ella, lots of wood work being done on the inside. Toby isn't allowed inside the boat yet so he was attached to the rudder at the stern where he could lie in the shade.  

Wooden batons

All the wooden batons finishing off the roof and walls are all made of oak.  The difference in colour is because the new wood has not been treated yet.

Finishing touches

When the new wood is attached with screws, each screw hole is filled in with an oak plug, so that the finish is smooth and tidy.

Map box

At the stern there is a small box tucked away where you can keep maps, Nicholson guides, Pearson guides, sunglasses, anything you might need whilst you are cruising.  Very handy!!!

Inspecting the box

I wonder what I can hide in here?  Such a useful space.  This space will put an end to maps and books blowing off the top of the boat!!!

Galley

The galley is a walk through galley with work surfaces on both sides of the boat. Each end of the galley is finished with a wooden ball on the top of the post.  The shape and size is just right to rub your hands over!!!  Very tactile!!

Hot water cylinder

This is in a cupboard which will act as an airing cupboard.  There will also be space for hanging wet clothes in here for when it rains.  

Shaver point

Tucked away in a cupboard in the bathroom is a shaver point, very neat and tidy.

Dinette

This is where the dining table will be and underneath each of the seats are large bins for extra storage.  This space also converts into a double bed.  

Engine bay

The engine is sited in the stern.  It will sit on top of the steel bars with a steel tray underneath.  The engine is the last thing to go into the boat.  Once that happens the boat will be ready to go into the water.  

Battery tray.

On each side of the engine bay are steel trays which will hold the bank of batteries needed to provide the power inside the boat.  The batteries will be kept charged up by the engine and a generator.






Our next visit is Thursday 25th June.

Progress!!!

On Monday 1st June, Dave and I paid another visit to see Ella.  We had not been to visit for about 6 weeks, so were very excited about the changes and progress we were hoping to see.

The boat is still outside and in this picture you can clearly see where the windows are going to be.

Here is the stern of the boat and after the boat has been finished, this is where the name will be painted on

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Beginning at the stern of the boat, these are the steps to climb up and down to get in and out of the boat.  Each of the steps will be hinged so there will be storage space beneath them.

On the left hand side is the cupboard for outdoor coats and boots.  On the right hand side the hot water tank has been fitted.  The water can be heated by diesel when the boat is on the move or by immersion if we are moored up for a few days.

 

Here is the lounge area, the woodburner will go on the right hand side and the TV will go on the wall below the window.  On the other side is the L-shaped sofa with bins for more storage and two pull drawers.
You move through to the kitchen -  

The kitchen continues to look like work in progress, but we have changed our minds on the type of hob.  Rather than a standard 4 ring hob similar to those found in caravans, we have chosen a smart 3 ring linear hob which will go at the far end of the work top.
You then move on to the dining table - 

The table is in with a temporary leg to support it at the moment.  The seats will be upholstered in leather to match the sofa in the lounge.  There is a large window above the table to watch the passing wildlife or boats.
This area will also become a double bed if it is needed. You move next to the bathroom - 

The shower wall has been fitted along with the shower tray and the sliding doors are to be fitted next.
Opposite the shower is the sink and space for the composting toilet. Moving on to the bedroom - 

In the bedroom, matching walls cupboards have been fitted with wiring for reading lights on both sides.

This is the wardrobe which will house the washer/dryer, the pipe work is already in place.  There will still be a small space for hanging clothes or we might decide to have this cupboard completely shelved where clothes can be stored neatly folded.  














Opposite is another wardrobe which will have two shelves at the top and hanging space below and space on the floor for shoes.











We shall be paying another visit next week so I will make sure the blog is kept up to date, so that the changes are clearly documented.  Exciting times ahead!!!