Chelonian ia a 60ft Steel traditional style Narrow Boat, the shell was built by South West Durham Steel Craft in 1994.
The fit out was by the owners on the banks of the Lancaster Canal where it was launched in 1996. After a number of years exploring the system it was purchased at Braunston by the current owner in February 1999.
Read on for information on the original fit out or use the menu above for more details.
Chelonian as originally fitted out with a Fixed double in the rear cabin with a fixed single cabin immediately forward, a side corridor gives access to all areas including the central toilet and shower room, the kitchen and living area. A bed settee in the main forward cabin provided an additional double berth when required.
Chelonian was originally powered by a BMC 1800cc engine marinised and refurbished by Calcutt Marine.
Electrical System
The low voltage electrical system consisted of an engine mounted 70A alternator charging an engine and domestic battery system via a Sterling Power Alternator to Battery Charger. The battery system consist of 1 starter battery and 3 x 110Ah marine leisure batteries for the domestic supply. A Sterling Pro mains charger provided a split charge system for starter and domestic batteries up to 50A for use in the marina.
The 230v electrical system consisted of a shore supply and an Sterling power 3KVA inverter to provide mains power both in the marina and on the move.
The use of 12v to supply to a 3KW inverter was always problematic with the huge currents (300A) needing short high capacity cables to keep the volt drop to a minimum. The layout of the boat and the practicalities and cost of using 100sqmm cables meant that obtaining the full output of the inverter was rarely possible.
The Sterling equipment has all performed well with few problems, and the support from Sterling power has always been first class I would recomend anyone looking for 12 and 24v systems to consider this kit.
Kitchen/Gas
The original Kitchen fittings include a 12v Shoreline fridge, a propane hob and oven, a microwave and a gas kettle. Gas was held in 3 x 13Kg Propane bottles in the gas locker in the bow.
Heating/Hot Water
A coal fired boatman's stove in the front cabin with ecofan and an Eberspacher 5DW diesel central heating system with domestic radiators throughout. Hot water is provided by a dual coil calorifier using both a central heating coil and a coil from the engine cooling system.
In 2008 the boatman's stove was replaced with a 5Kw wood pellet stove from Artel. This stove provides a thermostatically controlled warmth while at the same time significantly reducing the fire risk associated with the solid fuel heating system. More details in the Wood Pellet stove Section.
Lighting
Lighting was a mixture of 12v florescent and halogen and 230v energy saving fittings.
Fresh Water
Water is a standard 12v pumped demand pressure system with 200 Gallon freshwater tank under the fore deck.
Bathroom
Full size shower with thermostatic mixer and sump pump, wash basin and various storage.
Toilet was a dump through SeaLand unit with pump out tank.