Seven Stars is currently being built by Reading Marine Ltd at Aldermaston Wharf, near Reading, Berkshire. This is a picture diary of the boat's construction and fit out. Bookmark the diary index page so that you can come back at regular intervals to check progress.
The external
surfaces have all been painted and the bow has been given its all important
'eyes', in the form of a pair of yellow circles. The stern above the water
line is painted the customary red and white, but otherwise the external
decoration is much simpler than that applied to more traditional narrowboats.
The brass propeller
has been fitted. And in the engine compartment, we have an engine!
Now it feels like a real boat.
Inside, the Galley equipment
(with the exception of the refrigerator) has been fitted and the work surface
has been neatly edged with wood trim. The wine rack on the starboard side
of the Galley already looks ready to accept its first consignment.
The red line along the top
of the grab rail shows up the gentle curve of the superstructure to its
best advantage. The coach-lines along the side have been painted and the
panels on each side of the boat prepared for sign-writing. We discussed
the wording and the style of lettering with Ivor, Reading Marine's sign-writer
- you can just see his chalk marks on the blue panel above.
With the engine fitted, the control panel and the electrics for the generator kit can also be installed.
Now that the external paint
work is complete and the engine fitted, Seven Stars can be lifted into
the water. There is still much to do inside, though: central heating, carpet
laying and varnishing the wooden surfaces. We are hoping 'launch' day will
be soon so we can enjoy cruising the Kennet and Avon before the end of
the summer season.
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