Once the boat was off the lorry and in the water, I was able to look around inside. Note the green gloss paint on all internal surfaces - part of the standard Weltonfield specification to improve long term resistance to corrosion.

Even with the dark green paint, I was pleased with the brightness inside the cabin.

The first job was to make the boat weatherproof.

Windows had been ordered from Channelglaze, but as a temporary measure all windows and hatches were sealed with polythene sheeting taped in place, and the cockpit area was covered with a green tarpaulin to keep out the rain.

(Photo taken on 19th July 2002).

When the boat was weathertight, work started on the ballast and flooring. Note the eerie blue-green hue caused by light coming through the blue plastic sheeting and reflecting off the green paintwork!

Ballast (consisting of concrete slabs) was laid on timber bearers on plastic sheeting to obviate any risk of abrasion removing paint from the base plate.

I chose sprayfoam insulation in preference to mineral wool or expanded polystyrene slabs. It's more expensive but without doubt it gives the best results. The foam goes into every nook and cranny and bonds intimately with the painted steel. I can't see any possibility of condensation getting between the insulation and the hull.

The first photo shows a general view after spraying by Paul Homer Specialist Polyurethane Coatings, now trading as A & K Insulation Ltd. Note that the floorboards are in place and covered with polythene sheeting to protect them from the foam.

The second photo is a close-up of the ceiling, showing the protective tape being peeled back to expose the clean timber bearers. There was some trimming to be done where the foam projected beyond the timbers.

(Photos taken 23rd August 2002)

Side panels in place, up to the gunwales.

Note that on the left of the photo, the side panels are ash-faced where the bathroom and utility room are sited. These panels will be exposed, whereas along the rest of the boat the side panels will be covered with carpet.

The large holes in the port side panels are where the waste outlets are positioned in the hull.

(Photo taken 31st August 2002)

The bath ready for fitting.