Hope I can be there to photograph the launch.
As for the bubbly - save it for when she is in the water, on a sunny day!
(I think the pictured ally slipway might need a bit of bracing )

Gordon .... if you think an extra pair of hands might be useful during the de-shedding process let me know and I'll pop over.

K

The boat looks fantastic.

My wooden boat is out of the river and tucked up in the yard waiting for the Spring.

Whilst not as attractive as my wooden boat, I’ll be using my aluminium boat today to meet someone for lunch at a riverside venue. My riparian neighbours have named it the warship, Putin!

Great to see progress Gordon, I would recommend crane with strops to allow leak checking, I've seen a few Narrowboats pi55 water in at launch but that's usually dozy builders missing out gland stuffing from propshafts or seals on hull tappings

Reminded me of this unfortunate fella not too far from me......... https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/restored-project-boat-sinks-within-minutes-first-launch-53653

Graham, I'll try and give as much notice of the launch date as I can, hopefully a trip to the Highlands will be possible for you. I'm hoping that removal from the shed will be straight forward but thanks for the offer Keith, you are of course welcome to visit anytime, could be among the first trips in your restored Mog.

Reminded of the sad case of a narrowboat with air cooled (no place on a boat IMO) Lister engine. It had just left a London boat yard after substantial hull repairs including steel over plating which increased its draught! On entering the Thames it took only minor waves to enter the cooling ducts normally well above water line, and sink the boat

It's been a bit hectic work wise recently but things are moving forward. I'm still waiting for the trailer that was promised in January so have continued with the fitting out of the inside.

First up some wiring progress. When my son visits to borrow the power washer or suchlike I request he brings his tools and repays the favour with some wiring.




The headliner, foam and vinyl for the upholstery arrived a couple of months ago so the cushions are underway now and I've just completed the lining of the main cabin tonight.



This is looking into the mirror on the bulkhead, it's hinged with a large storage are behind for spare bedding.



Next job will be a curved nosing in maple on the step then I'll get some dark grey vinyl on the riser and flooring onto the steps and cabin sole.



I'll need to get the paint and varnish brushes looked soon as well. Still no word of a mooring but I'm not bothered as the schedule is slipping behind yet again!!!

Thanks for posting Gordon, it is a fantastic showcase for your many abilities, amazing and getting very close now.

Workwise down here it is very difficult getting any tradesmen at all, I suppose everything stopped with Covid and then the supply chain is still to recover from absence of production.

I see you are a fan of Sterling electronics Gordon. I used their equipment on both sea-going and canal boats without issue unlike far more expensive Victron and Mastervolt equipment.

On one occasion the size and integrity of cabling from service battery bank had the 3500 watt Sterling Combi bravely attempting to service a 4kW plus AC load when the 16 amp shore power tripped, until the 500 amp fuse on battery feed blew that is. Still working fine several years later when I sold the boat.

Great to see your progress, and that craftsmanship still exists in a world of robotics Gordon..