The start of the underplating with the sheets tacked on before continuous welding around the plate edge
Here comes the crane to lift the front section whilst the men arrange for the concrete blocks to be moved so the underplating can be done where the barge rested on the blocks. On the right Andrew is showing them where to put the crane lifting straps
Up she goes with Ed in the red poised ready to spring into action as on the right he moves the one ton block into position with a little bit of help from the bobcat.
hello here is Brian continuing to work on the top despite the force 7 winds.
26-1-16. Almost completed half of the top hat up to the wheelhouse area.
Inside the main body of the barge the top hat is now finished except for the painting, Insulation and fitting out. When completed we will have 2 bedrooms, shower and toilet, kitchen and approx. 90 feet of hanging space for our art together with plinths to show ceramics. Also in the wheelhouse an area 11 feet x 9 feet as another room where I can run my Photography Workshops.
5-2-16. The structure of the wheelhouse ( without a wheel) is complete with floor supports and ready for the 10 foot x 5 foot metal sheets to complete the exterior. The windows will be measured and ordered prior to cutting out the apertures. The underplating is still not complete due to the persistent high winds but we are hopeful later next week the weather may improve. Although during the conversion process we have not yet suffered any freezing weather or snowfall for which we are grateful.
6-2-16. The two barges alongside. Peters barge on the left will shortly be moved to his permanent mooring in the Marina and although its not finished yet the slipway is needed for other boats. Our barge on the right has the first steel plate on the starboard side of the wheelhouse and is in the process of having the stern lifted with the crane so the underplaters can weld the final plates where the barge rests on the concrete blocks.
View of the crane hook ready for the lift. Brian working around the wheelhouse
10-2-16. View from the front of the roof looking aft and the progress of the plates.