Putting it straight

MY NAME is Peter, my narrowboat is Cicely Mary. I saw your story saying it was in poor repair and I would like the opportunity to put you straight on that matter.

My boat was in very good condition inside and out, the roof was in need of paint as it was moored on a mooring for over seven years under trees where it didn't get much sunlight and the roof suffered.

Winter came

I had paint in front locker waiting to go on. I did put primer on last year but didn't get the chance to top-coat it and through the winter rust came through so it needed pulling back and re-doing.

As for the rest of the boat, it was in lovely condition, the engine had about 2,300 hours from new and ran smoke free and started on the key... I have lots of photos showing the inside and, even if I say so myself, it was a lovely boat inside and it was in great condition.

Always impressed

Everyone that had been lucky enough to go in were always impressed with how lovely it was, hard wood flooring, cream tongue and groove ceiling and varnished walls with canal 'bright-work' painted on beams. The bathroom boasted a bath, a pump out and a cassette loo with a ceramic sink with Victorian style taps.

12volts lighting with solid brass fittings throughout with LED string lights going round the living room. A coal fire in living room and one in the boat cabin gave the boat a warm and homely feeling.

I also have lots of friends that knew the boat before the fire that I am sure could back me up on this matter.

As you may realise this matter is a little raw at the moment due to the break-in and engine theft and arson that my boat suffered two weeks ago.

[The article stating that Peter's boat was in poor condition has been removed.]