A “Chance” to work on our boat!

We have just spent 3 days up at MGM.  James has been given a few jobs to do on Chance whilst we were there.

He and Rachel helped with some of the wiring, and he also painted the second coat in the engine bay, as well as helping with the rubbing down of the outside.

The Worcester windows we have chosen were also put in whilst we were at MGM as the boat has also been painted.

We decided to go for the same colour as our last boat “Spirit” as it seemed to work so well (chosen by the original owners) with all chrome fittings and windows.  We are really pleased with the result, it gives the boat the contemporary look that we wanted.

The bulkheads are in place for the bathroom and bedroom, and the shower tray has been fitted.

We have chosen the tiles as well, which will be in a brickwork design.

Looking from the bathroom into the galley and saloon.

The fresh water tank is also now in place, all 110 gallons of it!

It’s really happening!

We have been busy lately ordering various items for Chance, Flat screen TV, recorder,  and a pair of leather reclining chairs and foot stalls for the saloon.  We had these before on our previous narrow boat, and have been looking at various types in stores and hadn’t quite found what we were looking for, after looking on ebay last week I came across these:

As we could return them if they were not what we were looking for,  we had been sent a leather swatch to check on the colour, as its difficult to tell what colour cream they are from a picture. They arrived within 3 days of ordering them, the salesman even called us on Sunday to confirm the order and that they were in stock, perfect service.  He also said that he was surprised how many of these recliner chairs have been bought for narrow boats. As we were so impressed with the chairs and the service I have posted the link should anyone be interested.  http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Oriental-Leather-Co
We are going back up to the boat at the weekend to check on “Chance’s” progress, so will post some more details shortly.

New Year and another Chance to visit..

We spent a lovely weekend with friends in Hereford, and continued on Monday to MGM at Thurmaston, to see Chance’s progress, as the spray foam and wiring had just been completed.

We are very pleased as it is a very neat job, and there is masses of overhead lighting and under cabinet lighting wiring and sockets where we have requested them.

Now the floor and ballast is down, MGM drew out our basic floor plan to give us an idea how the inside might look.  We made a few changes, notably the reduced depth washing machine we have purchased (400mm), which has now been moved to the island in the galley, instead of being under the main work surface, which will now give us more cupboard space in the galley.

We have now agreed the detailed layout so the fitting can begin and decided on the oven, hob and twin sinks in the galley.

The holding primer is being sanded down and the undercoat applied.

The engine bay awaiting painting and the installation of the Beta Marine 43hp engine.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

 

We hope you all had a good Christmas, especially those of you iced in on the cut!!  We have just received a few pictures of “Chance” from the builders (MGM).  Its now in the shed for the fit out, and has all the electric cables fitted before the spray foam insulation is done next week.

The ballast is now under the floor, and there are cables everywhere, probably as we have asked for so many sockets in various places!!

The anti slip is on the roof, and the mushroom vent holes have been cut.

We hope to go up and visit again soon in the New Year.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

A break in the weather and a “Chance” to Launch

At last the weather has warmed up enough and after a delay of almost 2 weeks we finally had a launch date.
We drove up from West Sussex early in the morning arriving at MGM in Thurmaston by 11am, the boat had already been loaded onto a trailer and was on its way down the M1.


Chance arrived promptly at 11.45am with the Crane following.
And was very soon lifted into the water!! Without any problems!!

We’re very pleased with the build quality and the superb finish so far.  The attention to detail by the hull builder is really good.

Easy does it!! 

So finally the Champagne was opened and sprayed everywhere! and the boat christened and named.

An amazing day, and now we have the fit out to look forward to.  And guess who wouldn’t get off the boat!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!!!!

After arriving home last night, after a snowless journey from Leicester, we awoke this morning to an unusual sight at home in Selsey, snow on the beach….  around 6” or so fell last night, and it seems we may get more tonight.  Oscar had a thoroughly good time in the deep snow when we went for a walk in the village.

The Lifeboat station at Selsey

James and Oscar

Where’s my ball gone?

Who said there was a “Chance” of snow!

We travelled up to Thurmaston yesterday, hoping that the boat will be delivered to the boat yard from Uttoxeter where the hull has been built.  Sadly after heavy snow overnight this was the scene where the hull is now ready.

So delivery and launch abandoned, we went into Leicester to buy a new slimline washing machine for the boat, at only 40cm deep it will take less space than a normal washing machine, but can still take a 6kg load.

We were amazed at the progress on Chance now and how great she looks………

So we all hope that the weather improves and will try again for a launch next week…………………..perhaps!