Boudicca II
This is the site that follows the progress of the construction of the widebeam narrowboat. The steel shell was built by Floating Homes in July. The dimensions are 2.3 metres (10’ 6”) wide and 13.8 metres (45’) long. The boat starts off as a flat plate and the sides are welded to it, then the roof.
The
boat was then brought out onto the yard, and the first thing that needed
to be done was a lick of paint for protection. The top was covered with
B&Q paint, while below (where the boat will sit in the water) was
blacked. This is a bitumen type paint that protects the steel from the
water.
The
window holes were cut out at the build stage and the windows fitted. They
have to be waterproofed and a putty type tape was used, which squeezed
out like toothpaste as the screws were tightened. There were many a day
of flooded interior after a heavy rainstorm before the windows were waterproofed.
The
engine compartment was painted before the engine was put in, with a diesel
resistant paint called Danboline. Note, careful using this paint on a
really hot day, as it can be so overwhelming in such an enclosed area.
Inside,
the bottom needs to be blacked before the ballast and floor is put in.
The next stage is to put in the paving slabs and screw the wood bearers
to the steel bearers. All the wood that is put in is treated with wood
preserver that prevents wood rot and woodworm. The flooring is chipboard
that is treated with a green substance that repels water and oil. It has
tongue and groove so that it doesn’t bend at the joins.
The
next stage will be to put in the battening prior to the boat being foamed.
Thanks to John and Judy Quinlan for all the advice and cups of tea.
Addresses
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pop-up 1 ..Battening around the window
pop-up 2 ..The Rear Door
pop-up 3...The inside ..feb2002
February ....and it's cold
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As we traveled down the M1 from Luton, by coincidence we see Boudicca II on it's way to Hemel Hempstead from Peterborough. |
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We couldn't have timed it any better, how close one could get |
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It was a case of just under, just through, just about reach and just in time. |
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and again ...just |
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nothing goes smoothly |
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but this was near to perfect |
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all set up |
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should just reach |
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but the big question was |
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will it float ... Splash Down |
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can't see any water |
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no water got in, Boudicca II was floating like she was built to float the oceans |
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Boudicca II ...is here |