Our first introduction to NB Sonia Louise

18 Dec - Our journey time to Bluewater Boats is usually around 2 1/2hrs, today we got caught in traffic which added another half an hour, still not bad though and an easy drive from Somerset. 

Having got excited about the photos sent through to us previously, today was no different.  Our first glimpse of NB Sonia Louise was as we pulled into the builders yard, eager to view our boat for the first time, we decided to do this before coffee.

The steel shed looked very full and industrious with two boats being built side by side, ours and a narrow beam Dutch barge, two very different looking boats.

It amazes me the variety of styles in build here all at various stages, they include 62ft x 12ft 2 bed, 2 bathroom wide beam, a 60ft x 12ft 6" bespoke 1 bed, 2 bathroom wide beam, a 15 metre cruising barge designed by Andrew Wolstenholme, a 70ft bespoke narrow beam Dutch barge, our 65ft bespoke Narrowboat and a 60ft wide beam.

Here are some further pictures of progress so far

Rear rubbing strakes and their rather decorative details being added

The bow shape being constructed, front rubbing strakes being added and bow thruster tube made

Our next visit will be mid January, this will coincide with Bluewater boats winter open day.

Our first glimpse

5 Dec

We've asked our boat builder to keep us updated with pictures between our visits to them, we are really pleased with the progress that is being made at this early stage.

Here is one of the first photos that have been sent through.

NB Sonia Louise - in the steel shed

The hull sides have been welded to the base plate and 'steel ribs' are being welded to the inside, base and sides to add strength to the structure.

Our boat will be 65ft long, a lot of welding to take place still.  The next stage will be for the rubbing strakes to be added and welded, as well as the stern and bow shapes to be formed.

I love the craftsmanship here already and can't wait to see her in a basic unpainted state.