Canal Boat — January 2018

28 January 2018 Canal Boat canalboat.co.uk

there are no corners to catch as you exit
bridge holes.
The shell was built by Darren Barker of
Cauldon Boats of Stoke-on-Trent. If that
name sounds familiar, it might be because
a few years ago Cauldon did some well
received full fitouts; but Darren’s
background was in steel fabrication, and
he now concentrates on producing shells.
Andrew Crook says the firm is particularly
good for shells which are a little bit out of
the ordinary.
In this case, the shell is a success. The
steelwork looks good, the cabin sides are

smooth, the lines are attractive, and there

are some nice touches such as a finger grip

on the handrails.

The cruiser stern is surrounded by a rail

topped with hardwood and enclosed by a

dodger. There’s also a big pram cover for

use when moored, which was removed

before we set off on our test cruise. There

are lockers each side of the deck, each

containing a full size gas bottle. They also

provide somewhere to perch, or to put

your mug of tea. There’s a step fabricated

into the deck down to the stern doors. It

means it should be easier to get in and out

of the boat, but you do have to remember

it’s there!

The well deck has lockers on three

sides, with cushions to make sitting out

there more comfortable. The locker across

the boat gives access to the bow thruster

tube, which has a weedhatch. The locker

also contains the battery, and has its own

bilge pump.

Kevin was very keen that the water tank

should be a stainless steel one, so it’s

situated under the well deck. As the gas

bottles live at the stern, the locker in the

nose is available for storage.

Handling is surprisingly nimble