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Essex Girl is a 58ft bespoke narrowboat launched in July 2022.
The owners, Nicole and Richard, visited us back in 2021, where they viewed our boats in build to gain some ideas on the layout and the cabin space. They were attracted to the idea of a short bow as this increased their internal cabin area and enabled them to have a side cloakroom at the stern with the additional cabin space they had gained. Small alterations to the steelwork were required for the side cloakroom, another advantage of having a bespoke build by ourselves as we build our own steelwork we can design each and everyone to suit individual requirements.
We discussed in length the hull design, various layouts, designs and their cruising plans. The hull design, the lining, materials and electrical/engineering equipment were discussed and finalised over a few meetings. During the hull design we fabricated our elegant square stern with a seating area across the back and a side locker, this is vastly becoming our most popular hull design allowing more area for socialising.
Upon completion of the hull, Essex Girl was shot blasted to remove the mill scale and contaminants and a two pack epoxy primer was spray applied to the superstructure and a two pack epoxy blacking applied under the waterline.
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Following the installation of the ballast, floor, battening and spray foam to all areas within the cabin, the proposed layout was marked on the sub-base floor for Nicole and Richard to walk through to ensure nothing needed altering or moving from the agreed plan before we started working on the interior. During this visit we discussed and marked all of the electrical wiring to be fitted with the inclusion of TV aerials, wi-fi, solar panels etc. The fitting of the lining and the bulkheads followed, whilst cabinetry was commenced together with the engineering.
Throughout the build Nicole and Richard visited regularly and were guided through the various decisions that were made and various material choices through to the final furnishings and paint colour scheme.
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Towards the end of the build, Essex Girl was moved into our paint workshop where we spray applied high build finishing primers, undercoats with non slip coatings to the roof, gunnels and stern deck and base top coats in Alexseal. An acrylic urethane clear coat system was applied over the top coats and offers a very high gloss and exceptional depth of image. It also offers excellent colour stability values and additional resistance to UV rays, salt water, abrasion and fuel. The acrylic urethane Alexseal top coat provides a buffable finish from tree damage and scratches that can be buffed and polished back to its original condition. The stunning signwriting was designed by Nicole and perfected by our local signwriter.
To complete the professionalism Essex Girl was inspected by an independent marine surveyor and certified with a RCD to approve all the requirements have been met throughout the build.
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Essex Girl on her way to Crick Boat Show 2023