Hull - The Antidote narrowboat construction diary with photographs and drawings, boat information and specification


			"THE ANTIDOTE"  HULL CONSTRUCTION
			






		
		
		
REEVES
		
		

		
		I wanted my steelwork to be done by 
		Reeves Boatbuilders Ltd, and	they are the normal hull supplier for 
		Weltonfield Narrowboats Ltd,
		so everyone was happy!
		

		

		Reeves are close to the Grand Union Canal at Napton, some 6 miles 
		west of Daventry and just 10 miles from Weltonfield.

		

		This proximity helps maintain good communications between the two companies.
				
		
		
		
		
		
		
		

		
		
		
HULL WELDING
		
		

		
		Reeves started work on the hull on 10th June 2002, and completed it around
		5th July 2002.
		

		

		I visited them twice during construction and was given a warm welcome 
		on both occasions.  They were happy to show me the progress on my boat 
		and took the opportunity to	clarify some queries which they had.  
		

		

		I like it when your supplier asks: "How do you want this bit done?" rather
		than pressing on regardless and hoping they get it right!
		
		
		
		
		
	
		

    
		
		
INSIDE THE HULL
		
		

		
		This photo shows an
		internal view before the topside plates were welded on. 
		

		

		One interesting feature of the Weltonfield spec is 
		the 12mm base plate, since most hull manufacturers today use 10mm.
		
		

		The extra baseplate thickness has two advantages. Firstly, it gives extra 
		security with regard to abrasion and/or corrosion
		thinning. Secondly, the added weight at the bottom of the boat reduces the 
		amount of ballast needed.
				
		 
		
		
		
		

    
		
		
HULL WELDING COMPLETED
		
		

		
		The third photo
		shows the completed boat just before the window openings were cut out.

		

		

		I was pleased with the quality of Reeves' steelwork and I understand why 
		they have a good reputation in the industry.
		 
		
			
		
   




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[ Home Page ]   [ Introduction ]   [ Drawings ]   [ Hull ]   [ Delivery ]   [ Fitting Out 1 ]   [ Fitting Out 2 ]   [ Fitting Out 3 ]

  [ Fitting Out 4 ]   [ Paintwork ]   [ The Relaunch ]   [ The Finished Job ]   [ Thumbs ]   [ Detailed Spec ]   [ Latest Mods ]  

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REEVES I wanted my steelwork to be done by Reeves Boatbuilders Ltd, and they are the normal hull supplier for Weltonfield Narrowboats Ltd, so everyone was happy! Reeves are close to the Grand Union Canal at Napton, some 6 miles west of Daventry and just 10 miles from Weltonfield. This proximity helps maintain good communications between the two companies.
HULL WELDING Reeves started work on the hull on 10th June 2002, and completed it around 5th July 2002. I visited them twice during construction and was given a warm welcome on both occasions. They were happy to show me the progress on my boat and took the opportunity to clarify some queries which they had. I like it when your supplier asks: "How do you want this bit done?" rather than pressing on regardless and hoping they get it right!
INSIDE THE HULL This photo shows an internal view before the topside plates were welded on. One interesting feature of the Weltonfield spec is the 12mm base plate, since most hull manufacturers today use 10mm. The extra baseplate thickness has two advantages. Firstly, it gives extra security with regard to abrasion and/or corrosion thinning. Secondly, the added weight at the bottom of the boat reduces the amount of ballast needed.
HULL WELDING COMPLETED The third photo shows the completed boat just before the window openings were cut out. I was pleased with the quality of Reeves' steelwork and I understand why they have a good reputation in the industry.