Ella's Appliances

14th August 2015

The last visit to see Ella was 25th July 2015.  As reported at the end of the previous post we have received our registration number so that the signwriter can paint the sign onto the boat. 

Mug shot!!!

We were so excited when these came through.  It really felt as though things were moving forward.

Airing Cupboard

Hot water tank is beneath the slates on the left hand side.  The water is heated by the diesel so as long as we are cruising then there will be unlimited hot water.  When we are moored up and not cruising then there is an electric immersion heater for the water.

Space for TV

The television will be mounted into the top space and the shelving beneath can be used for DVD and book storage.  To the left of the photo is the  woodburner.

Sweepovac

We have chosen not to have a vacuum cleaner on board as they are bulky and difficult to store.  There are no carpets, just rugs, so the floors will be swept and the sweepings will be sucked into a space saving device mounted under the units in the kitchen. 

Fridge

In the galley there is a full sized fridge with a small freezer compartment.  Ample space for two people.

Oven

There is a full sized oven with a baking compartment and a full sized grill.  I do like my toast grilled perfectly!!

Wine cooler

The wine cooler is on the opposite side from the fridge and will be great for chilling wine and keeping bottles of water cool as well.

Space for hob

The hob will be above the oven and is going to be three rings in a linear design. The hob and oven are the only gas appliances on the boat.

Composting toilet

This is where the toilet will be positioned.  It is a separator arrangement, solids kept separate from liquids and there is a fan unit attached to kept the solids tank aerated and any smells out of the boat. Fascinating topic of conversation!!!

Shower unit

Full sized shower unit with pie shaped tray and sliding doors.

Towel radiator

Small radiator for drying towels in the bathroom, there is also another radiator on the other side of the bathroom, so important to keep to warm.







As it stands Ella was moved into the paintshop this week and they are in the process of stripping the exterior back to bare steel and putting a new coat of primer on her.  Once that is done then the top coats of paint will be applied.

We are looking forward to seeing this and meeting with the signwriter to discuss the painting of the name decorations onto the sides.  

Once this has been completed we believe it will then be a matter of weeks before she is put into the water.  It is all very exciting!!!
















































  

We have windows!!!

Thursday 4th July

We were very excited to visit again, we weren't sure where the boat would be or what would have happened to it since our last visit.

Ella remains in the yard as there is another boat being worked on in the workshop, but the fittings have come on a lot.  

Toby at the foot of the steps.

Toby still can't get on board yet so he was tethered to the steps when we first got there.  Then the rain started so one of the joiners took him inside the workshop where he lay down under a huge machine!!

The bedside cupboard.

The units beside the bed have drawers in them and the fronts are in the workshop completed and waiting to be put on.

Washing machine

The washer / dryer has been installed and yes there is just room to open and close the door!!

Bedroom Television

Opposite the bed there is installed the casing for a television.  The televisions will use signals provided from a TravelSat system that will be on the roof of the boat whilst we are moored up and stored in the engine compartment whilst we are cruising.

Kitchen drawers

The units in the kitchen are having drawers fitted and the fridge will go beside them.

Television unit

This is the unit which will house the television set in the lounge area. There will be space to put books/DVD/CD's on shelves as well.

Airing cupboard

This is a cupboard at the stern of the boat which has the hot water cylinder in it.  It will be an airing cupboard as well as an area to dry off wet clothes.

Houdini Hatch

Pigeon Box

These two are going in the kitchen and the lounge to give added ventilation.  These are the frames to go inside the boat.

Window

Window frame

All the windows are in now.  We have chosen rectangular shaped windows to allow for maximum light in the boat.  Each of the windows will be finished off with a wood frame.

Bathroom storage

This is storage beside the shower where you can keep spare towels.  It also shows the panels of leatherette material which will go on the sides of the boat where there are no windows.

Woodburner

Ready to go down the steps

The woodburner is from Clearview stoves.  We installed a larger one in our home and liked it so much we decided to have the smaller version on the boat.  Wayne was a little over awed by the size, but we are happy with it.  The other problem he had was that it wasn't black!!!

Here is the woodburner on the boat in about the right position.  We need to choose some tiles to go under and around the fire to make it fire retardant and safe.  The space underneath the burner is ideal for storing logs before they go on the fire.

Side Doors

Here I am looking out the side doors showing the panelling on the doors.  There will be another set of doors on the inside which will be double glazed.

Cratch

This will be attached to the bow of the boat and will have a tent like affair on it to give extra shelter to the bow seating area.

Bow doors

These are the doors to go at the bow of the boat, again with windows to let in maximum light.

Windows

These are the windows to go in the bow doors.  They are very clever as the blinds are inside the double glazed windows, what a great idea!!!








Friday 10th June

We have successfully pre-registered Ella with the Canal and River Trust!!!  

This means we now have a unique number for Ella.  Our number is 523355 and we wanted the number early so that the signwriter can paint the number onto the boat instead of displaying the aluminium plates.  The overall effect is much more pleasing. 

Next visit is Friday 17th July.    

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!!!