Nearly there....

I have lost count of the number of bruises, cuts and unexplained pains received during the build of this boat. Everything from big welts across my legs to minor purple swellings received after too much enthusiasm (and not enough accuracy) with the hammer. I am also surprised my children bother to remember who I am or even admit to their friends who I am when I stagger home after a 12 hour day looking like a bag lady with my tatty and torn clothes and not so fetching beanie hat. I think my coat was once upon a time brown but now it's hard to see through all the paint and at first appearances it might seem that I have a French manicure until you see its actually sufafix. But I wouldn't swap a moment of it because even when my fingers have been so cold I can't grip the Jigsaw properly or I have nearly lost my hand from an out of control circular saw, the laughter, the friendships made and the enthusiasm that has gone into building a solid and homely vessel has made it all worth it.

We have been engrossed in putting the vessel through the RCD process in the last few weeks. All new build vessels require this certification, which stands for Recreational Craft Directive and it is a stringent and arduous process to ensure that the vessel meets the safety and build regulations required by this European Directive. We have had the assistance of an excellent marine surveyor throughout this process called Steve Hands www.handsonmarine.com and we are now nearing the final stages before sign off. 

When we first started the build we seemed to make huge leaps of progress and the vessel appeared to come together quickly when we were insulating and lining her. Then everything seemed to slow down whilst internal structural supports were positioned for doorways and creating the bathroom. It picked up the pace again when the kitchen and fireplace were installed but the most time consuming task has been completing the internal trim to ensure the vessel has a high quality finish and looks aesthetically pleasing.

In the next couple of weeks we will be putting the finishing touches to this at the same time as linking up all the electrical and gas appliances from the engine. She is due on the water next week and we will take some video of this moment. In the meantime, thoughts move to the next project as well as taking note of efficiencies of build, what can be improved and what is the most desirable design and size of vessel.