News about Reed Boats in
2004.
April 2004.
March was a month of slow but steady progress which led up to
a great day on Friday April 2nd. On that day...
- It was possible to glimpse what Ash would look like when fully painted since
we had just started to paint her, and although only undercoat and with much
of the fine coloured details missing, still she looked like a boat and less
like a uniformly painted steel shape.
- This glimpse was possible from all angles as Ash hung high in the air. Since
on April 2nd Ash was pulled out of the shed and carefully lowered into the
water to check her for watertightness and she how she lay in the water with
the ballast in. She passed both tests with flying colours.
- All this has been recorded by TV cameras. Although there is still no certainty
about a further series of 'Waterworld' next Spring, the producer was hopeful
enough to come over to Braunston to interview me, Dave Thomas and several
of the boat builders and to get some pictures of Ash being checked out.
- In the background was Oak, she is now getting close to completion. The Kitchen
appliances are in, the engine has been tested as has the water system and
the central heating system. We have been able to inspect the boat by her own
lighting system. She is really coming to life. Only two main jobs are left
for the builders, the installing of the coal stove in the Lounge, and the
flooring which will shut safely away the engine at the other end. A number
of small things also exist, such as some wall lights, a drain for a wash basin
etc.
- Finally on the 2nd of April another of the skilled craftspeople who have
been working on our boats over the last few months was introduced, our Signwriter
who at the end of April will add the decorative names to Oak.
All in all a day for rejoicing.
N.B. If you are around Braunston, do have a look at the boats, Oak is afloat
near the Marina entrance in the arm that leads to the dry docks, while Ash is
back on solid land in front of Dave Thomas's sheds. If you see someone painting,
it is probably me, come over and say hello. (If I'm not visible do ask if I'm
around. )
Newsletter for January '04 / Newsletter
for February '04 / Newsletter for March ' 04.
If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martin@reedboats.co.uk
