Our Links:
External Links:
Enter a key word to search for posts:Brandy Pad Finally takes to the Water
Posted on: Wednesday November 16, 2016 at: 1:33 pm
Although Brandy Pad was actually launched a week ago (November 9th) it has been a very hectic week and I am only now able to find time to post about it. If you read our previous Blog, you will know that we had to change our plans in a major way at the last moment. Thanks to Saltford Lock being out of action until just before Christmas, we were unable to launch in Bristol Harbour as planned.
In the end we managed to arrange for the launch at Crick Marina, near Rugby. They have good access for a crane and low loader. First Brandy Pad came out of its shed and had the tow bar removed:
-
- Brandy Pad leaving the shed
-
- Into the open
-
- Removing the tow hook
Next it was lifted into the air and loaded onto the low loader for hauling to Crick:
-
- Into the air
-
- Please don’t drop it!
-
- Over the Low Loader
-
- Gently onto the truck
The truck left the boat yard and soon arrived at Crick (probably the fastest our boat will ever go!):
-
- Not much room
-
- Arrival
Arriving at Crick, the truck reversed down to the wharf and Brandy Pad again took to the air:
Finally at rest in the water:
-
- Settling in
-
- At rest
We were only able to moor at Crick for a couple of nights, during which time we had to hire a van, travel down to Bristol, pick up all our possessions from our storage, travel back to Crick and transfer everything onto the boat (all somewhat faster than we had previously intended) and then move the boat down to Welton Haven Marina where we were lucky enough to arrange temporary moorings for a month while we sort ourselves out and then set off on our travels. The past week has been spent working out where to put everything and buying in all the little extra bits and pieces we need to complete our fit out – broom, mop, ash can, coal etc. The stove has been lit, the washing machine has worked hard and the boat is starting to feel like home.
One thing that has surprised us a lot is just how much it flexes. Some doors that were perfectly aligned now sit slightly out and one or two things will need adjustment. As it turns out the major change in plan will work out well as we are much closer to our builders – Bluewater Boats – which will work out much better for the inevitable bit of “snagging” that will have to be done!
After all the months/years of planning the dream becomes reality, looks fantastic.
Lovely photographs and details. We wish you both happy canaling in your new “Home”, Hope to see you when we are back from our holidays.
So exciting Chris. What a wonderful time for you both. Great to see a dream made real. XX
Congratulations! It looks great and I’m sure you’ll have great fun sorting it out.
Cathy
xx