Shake Down Day

After some three weeks working on the boat Laurence had all but finished the rewire and equipment fit out. Just a few minor jobs to do before re-decoration could start. Mindful of the hammering the boat had experienced in the hands of BW, Sarah suggested a trial run to see how the boat would perform.

Sunday April 5th was a fine sunny day, the boat was run astern to the Grove basins, the repairs to the flight plate immediately were noted as the boat steered very well – astern. Winding at the Grove a run was made for Pelsall Jcn, stiffness in the rudder at around 100 degrees became very obvious, this may be due to a bent stock or a problem with the bearing.

Winding and returning to the yard the boat performed well with no significant issues. Work can now be done to see the boat through the BSC and re decoration is expected to start very soon.

The Inspector Came to Call

Morse the cat, inpects the stern tube.

Update

Keith and bob have completed the new false floor which now makes the hold very servicable. In the cabain Bob and Laurence have been scratching heads over sorting out engine controls.

Laurence found out that he had forgot how to read his micrometer - having last used it in the 6thform! The bilge was a nasty surprise, BW employees had been emptying the stove ash and other waste into the bilge for a long time, this has caused a build up of damp and is not being viewed as the next most desirable job to undertake.

Masts and Stands

With the false floor down some of the standard running gear could be put back into Barnet. The Masts and Stands were fitted yesterday by Keith and Bob.

False Floor

Bob and Keith started putting down the false floor today. The floor is being made using bases that have been reclaimed from the previous floor and around 40 brand new scaffold planks. The planks were a bit of an eBay bargain!

Thanks to Laurence Hogg for the images.

Photo Update

A couple of photos of the recent back cabin repairs.

Update

Last week saw further progress on Barnet. Stuart of Barnowl Narrowboats, and his friend Damien came to the yard to start work on Barnet’s Back Cabin. You will have seen in previous posts the extent of work which needs doing in the Cabin, all of this will be repaired by Stuart and Damien. Well done lads.

Today Bob and Keith started work on the false floor in the hold. The previous floor was properly designed for the hold of Barnet and made at Bradley. The ply was rotten but the hardwood bearers were salvaged and we are able to use them for our new false floor.

Unfortunately access to Barnet isn't easy at the moment due to the weather but I will upload photographs as soon as I gain access.