Steelwork Sprayfoam and Electrics

Since my last post when Achernar was launched whilst on holiday I have now obtained the photos that Steve Hudson had kindly taken. Whilst I am biased I do think she looks good.



Slowly does it !!!!!


As you can see from the next 3 photos we have opted not only for steel side doors on the starboard of the boat which are in the galley area but we specified additional doors on the port side which are located between the galley and the saloon. The reasoning behind this is that no matter which side the towpath is we can always have side doors open without being peered at when moored.



Entering the water





Side hatches viewed from inside facing the stern

Then last week along with many others we attended the Crick Boat Show. This was out third visit and the weather was by far the best it has ever been. We of course viewed several boats but one of our main reasons for attending was to obtain things on our shopping list. We managed to secure a 55 pound show discount on a seagull water filter and we have also confirmed that the freestanding sofa and armchair will be made by elite furnishings. We have order extra material (mulberry flame) so that cushion seats in our back room can be covered to match and also our porthole bungs.
Whilst viewing the Hudson boats Steve informed me that the Beta Marine 43 engine on show was in fact our engine and that it was to be delivered straight after the show.(We went and had a look and saw it complete with Travelpower)



Fine weather for enjoying a picnic lunch

 I was also interested in looking at solar power options and following a discussion with exhibitor of 'run by the sun' I was pleased that my choice of a Panasonic 235w panel and an Outback charge controller which can be added to as required is a good choice. The Panasonic HIT panels are very efficient and so are slightly smaller compared with other panels of a similar wattage.
Unfortunately I did not see any exhibitors from Merlin as I was hoping to source a Smartguage at a show price. However I have also been reading Tom's blog from Waiouru so I may hold off from this purchase until he has finished reviewing the BMV600. (See blog list for link)

With the build of Achernar progressing well we needed to make a final decision on what cables are required for our audio visual entertainment. These cables need to be installed now so I have opted for 2 HDMI - 1 COAX and 1 Ethernet. All will run from the back of the TV to a corner cupboard containing Satellite Box, Blu Ray player etc.

So yesterday  I travelled to Tamworth and delivered said cables. It was also an occasion for more photos to be taken.




Engine bay - Battery bank will on the left and Hurricane diesel heater will be on the right.



Brick ballast with cut away section for Stainless Steel Holding Tank. The base plate which is 15mm has been treated with bitumen and waxoil. By resting the tank on the base plate it has increased its volume by about 20 percent.

 



Showing the Houdini hatch and the pair of prisms currently partially covered by sprayfoam.

 Well I am sure that a next stage payment is soon to be due but at least the day when we finally get afloat is in sight .