OBERON...
After several years without his own boat, Simon Wain, has decided its time to build himself a narrowboat. The plans are to build a Grand Union, Small Northwich type narrowboat of 45ft in length. All the measurements are coming off original motor boats or from original Yarwood plans to ensure the replica is 'spot on'.
The build started in October 2009 and is taking place in the car park of Brinklow Boat Services with Simon undertaking work on it at weekends. This page will help show the construction of Oberon and keep you up to date with the progress.
Work begins with laying down the base plate in early October.
Positioning and securing the top bends
Fabricating the front cants
The front plates being pulled round
The cants have now been ground off and painted up, all the front knees are now welded into position and the fore end plates are welded up to the stem post
Work is now almost complete on the bow of Oberon. The guards are welded in position and the cants finished. The deck lid and fittings are now being worked on by Simon and should be fitted by next weekend.
The photos above show the chequer plate deck lid having been made and fixed in position.
The tug deck has also now been added to the bow of Oberon and work is now beginning on the stern.
By the 17th October, just after a year into the project, Simon has now fabricated the counter which completes all the major steel work to Oberon. The back cants are fabricated and almost a 3" dish on the soul plate has been achieved to allow for the 26 inch propellor which will be fitted.
Despite the weather, Simon has still been able to progress well with Oberon. The guards have now been welded onto positon at the stern end which really brings out the shape of the counter.
Below are the latest photos of the progress with Oberon, the rudder had been made with measurements coming from the Big Woowich motor Greenock.
After over 17 months of building the hull of Oberon, on Tuesday 22nd March 2011 the hull work was complete and Oberon was craned into the water at Brinklow. Below are a couple of photos of her, looking an absolute treat, well done Simon!!
Work will now start on fabricating the cabin.
Work to Oberon has continued at a good pace since March with the cabin progressing well. Oberon is being fitted with a 'northwich' style riveted engine room with the later wooden style back cabin and handrails.
Over the past few weeks, Simon has continued to progress the work to Oberon. The engine room roof is now secured and the handrails welded on. The engine room hatch runners are also riveted in position and slides have been made.
Since Simon has completed the cabin steel work he has been progressing with the internal fit out of Oberon. Photos below show the progress of the fit out so far, beginning with battening the cabin sides and top ready for the lining and laying the floor.
