Well, this is it. This could be the start of a new and exciting thing, or in a few posts time come to a grinding stop!
The plan is to commission a tug style narrow boat, have it built as a live aboard, and at some point cruise as an early retiree for a while. The "while" will be as long as money and health allow. The "early" could be my late 40's. (for those of you with black and white! that's a few years away yet!!)
The inspiration came from years on the inland waterways as a child, graduating as a deep water sailor and RYA day skipper before more recently returning to the love of ditch bashing with 2 influences.
One - the beautiful lines of the Mel Davis tug, (pictured) found in Crick Marina "by chance".
Two - the live aboard life style of my Andy on Khayamanzi, and the freedom he has within the inland waterways community.
But first things first! The boat. After researching the real "go anywhere" size, my tug cannot exceed 59 foot, total length overall - so will be built at 58 foot. I want to cruise all connected waterways, so the Huddersfield is a requirement!! I met someone in Banbury this year who went through in a 60 footer, but only just! So I reckon 58 foot plus fenders will do it! She has to have traditional lines, a vintage engine with traditional speedwheel controls, and as "proper" a bathroom as possible. Boatmans cabin (BMC) will be modern, rather than traditional, incorporating a fixed double bed, as well as the traditional stove. This boat will be the meeting of traditional and modern. Will she ever get built? I hope so.
1 comment:
Did you know there is another K2 on the system. She is at Nuneaton and although they are not liveabourds they do cover a lot of miles each year.
Brian
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