We've done it!!

Last week we visited nearly ten marinas and saw something in the region of fifteen boats. We had a lot of thinking to do, but we finally settled on one in particular, we put our offer in and after a little haggling on price we drove up to Daventry to write a cheque, the deposit is down and the good "ship" Wilshampstead is nearly ours! We're absolutely over the moon!

We had another look around, Jem measured up the curtains and we had a good look at what we might do with the space inside. We're planning to have a multi-fuel stove installed in the saloon. Following a recent hull survey commissioned by the current owners, there is some hull re-plating to be done, particularly on the areas that receive the greatest wear and on the gas lockers. A full service on the boiler/gas system is due too, as is an in-water survey that we're having done once work is completed. All of which means that we have a moving-in date somewhere in the 4-6 week range. Hopefully it'll all go smoothly.

This does give us some time to find the right insurer, to pack up our wordly goods, to prepare ourselves for the move, to look into moorings etc. So I think a photo of our new home is in order!

We're hoping to install a little more storage in the bedroom, space for a small writing desk would be amazing and the consideration of what to do on the washing machine front goes on... Not to mention our ongoing investigations into sustainable energy solutions, we're looking into wind turbines, solar panels, numerous water-based schemes of course and (my personal favourite) a steam powered generator! We're also investigating how best to assuage the wrath of the maritime gods when it comes to changing a boat's name... More to follow soon!