We've been on tenterhooks for the last week or so, tracking the progress of the dread ship Wilshamstead by phone! We're back down south for the time being, but the marina has kept us updated on things. She was out of the water for a few days at the end of last week, and this morning we had confirmation that the hull replating has been completed and she's back in the water already.
A new gas locker has been constructed in the cratch because apparently it was too awkward to weld the gas locker where it originally sat right down in the bow. So we're going to be using three 6KG bottles rather than the original 2 13KG ones. Easier to lug up and down future towpaths and easier to haul in and out of the locker is my guess.
That might minimize outdoor space in the bow somewhat, but as we're planning to turn it into a greenhouse anyway, I can't see it being a major issue. If anything it'll just give us another shelf on which to sit plants! Is it going to be an issue having our gas bottles in a slightly enclosed space? What we're hoping to construct (or purchase) is a clear cratch cover, hopefully having the gas bottles in there will be okay... We can work our way around the new locker if not.
Now we're trying to get hold of our surveyor to arrange our in-water survey. Boiler servicing is the next job for the marina, and we also had word that the current owners have bought seven (!) new 110 a/h batteries for Wils, to replace the smaller collection of very, very dead ones that are currently sitting inside the stern.
We're investigating potential marinas and how much they charge for moorings, as well as insurance companies, and where we're going to cruise first! The logistical issue of where we're going to be when we start installing new work surfaces, wardrobes, sinks etc - not to mention the stove - is also on our Stuff to Ponder list. As she is currently on the Grand Union I think some exploration there would be a supoib choice.
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