The old steel stern and cab part company with the wooden cab and rest of the butty
Himself (Richard or Paddy as some of you know him) has never been happy with the original replacement stern he fabricated a few years ago, to take the place of the existing V-stern (push along). I was happy with it, but he insisted that he was a lorry driver and mechanic, not a welder.....
Interior of remaining cab with wooden roof and sides down to the gunwhales
He wanted it doing properly by a proper welder and a new cab to replace the steel and wooden cab. The wooden part is a recent addition a couple of years ago, to enhance the existing boatman's cabin.
The steel has arrived!
After the butty was pressure washed, the men started work on the cab, cutting the old steel stern off and deciding on the new 'swim' to pull the sides in nicely. When the steel was dry later on, we put the first coat of bitumen on the bare steel sides.
New floor going in..
In the meantime, Paul dragged the motor boat out, so that we could spend the week 'blacking' that as well, just as we had done last year. We wouldn't normally do this every year, as it is costly and physically demanding, but it is our house and as the butty was out anyway. If you think of a house, certain rooms would need a fresh lick of paint just as frequently?
First coat going on the motor, she looks better already
The weather is not helping our drying time. We are being put back in the water on Monday, so all being well, the 3 coats should be dry by then.
Rain stops play, but it was late in the day anyway. Sheets go over and the welding starts today instead!
The chaps work very quickly and impressively here at PJ Barber, Long Eaton. Meanwhile, we try to get some more paint on the hull sides on both boats and keep the dogs happy...
Lots of walks and charging round fields...
and of course sleeping.....
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