The Design of Achernar

Over the past 2 years the design and specification of our boat has changed several times.We began by reading blogs and forums and in doing so developed our knowledge of the numerous options available.So at this point I wish to thank the contributors to Canal World Discussion Forum and Just Canals.I include in my thanks the individual blogs which have provided so much info and are in my blog list and finally those that have written books and attended the Crick Boat show allowing us to view their boats and answer our questions (Braidbar Owners Group).

So our boat will be a 60 ft Hudson traditional stern with a modern engine built to his C specification.The layout and equipment will be as follows

a) Rear deck

b) Engine room - Beta 43 with twin alternators 65 and 175 amp.
                        - 3.5 kva travelpower
                        - Trojan T 105 battery bank 675 amp hr
                        - Mastervolt 2500w 100 amp inverter/charger
                        - Smartguage
                        - Twin coiled calorifier
                        - Hurricane diesel heater

c)Utility room/Dogs bedroom - This will function as a changing room,which will have bench type seating and removable table.It will also convert to a small double bed for occasional use and contain some cupboard storage including a drying cupboard.Cast iron radiator

d)Shower room/toilet - The shower will be 800 x 800 thermostatic mixer and water disposal will be managed by a manual Whale Gulper.The toilet is going to be a Sanimarin macerator with electronic dual flush options.We will have a large stainless steel holding tank positioned on the centre line and will also carry a self pumpout kit and a reserve portapotti or similar for those iced in occasions.Obscure glass porthole window and chrome heated towel rail.

e)Main bedroom - Will feature an in line bed which will be expandable to 4'8''.There will be built in wardrobe chest of drawers and dressing table area.Porthole windows to both sides.Cast iron radiator

f)Galley - Will be U-shaped containing built in gas oven,microwave,compact washing machine,12 volt larder fridge and separate small freezer unit.There will be an under gunwale can cupboard with side doors above.A houdini hatch will be in the roof.Porthole window above worktop counter.

g)Saloon - Freestanding compact sofa and armchair.Morso squirrel wood burner to one side of steel front doors and a corner cupboard to the other side .We will have a cupboard under gunwale to house flatscreen tv an satellite receiver.The saloon will have four porthole windows and one set of side doors.Cast iron radiator.

h)Well deck with cratch board and cover incorporating a drop down table

i)Bow containing gas locker with bow thruster below.We will also have a refurbished Francis searchlight as a tunnel light

General - All lights will smd/led type.The flooring will be Karndean wooden plank style.

We expect to be giving the builder our final requirements shortly after the Crick show in May with the build commencing a few weeks later.I will at this point be able to give a more detailed breakdown of progress together with pictures.

Before then we have a Willow Wren holiday booked for February to test our resolve.We are hoping for bad weather to make it a real trial.

The Beginning

Well not quite the beginning. That was about 2 years ago when we decided that retirement on a narrowboat was our dream. Since then hours of research online,reading books,attending boat shows,visiting builders and asking lots and lots of questions on various canal forums has resulted in us now being in a position to decide on a boat builder and the style and specification of our new home. We have chosen S M Hudson to build our boat and are now in the final stages of the design and features that we want on board. This is my first attempt at a blog so I will keep this initial post short. In future posts I will be thanking all those who have provided me with so much information and also I will detail the build of our boat so that in the future it maybe of benefit to others who follow.

The name Achernar is pronounced (Ack - er - nar) is a navigational star of the southern hemisphere.