"The QE III is Boat number 12 for Beacon Boats but it is the first time they have built one for a complete novice. They and their suppliers have bent over backwards to give me what I wanted and no one said 'that's not how we do it.' I think she is impressive. Whether or not you like the design, there is no way you can fault the workmanship or the attention to detail.
My dislike of blinds and curtains meant the window frames had to be specially made by MD Woodtech, and Cabin Care had to design and make bungs to fit large windows. Regardless of the number of times I changed my mind about the outside colour, Mark never seemed to mind, and the sign writing by Sheila Smith is absolutely brilliant.
Nothing has been too much trouble for Ali and Neil including making sure I know about engine, water and gas, maintenance and checks, which I know was not part of their contract. My grateful thanks to all who helped in the build of the QE III and if you see me on the canals and I have still got my L plates on - give me a wide berth."
Liz Emmerson
My dislike of blinds and curtains meant the window frames had to be specially made by MD Woodtech, and Cabin Care had to design and make bungs to fit large windows. Regardless of the number of times I changed my mind about the outside colour, Mark never seemed to mind, and the sign writing by Sheila Smith is absolutely brilliant.
Nothing has been too much trouble for Ali and Neil including making sure I know about engine, water and gas, maintenance and checks, which I know was not part of their contract. My grateful thanks to all who helped in the build of the QE III and if you see me on the canals and I have still got my L plates on - give me a wide berth."
Liz Emmerson
QE3 is a 57' semi-trad narrowboat, reverse layout, fitted out in maple and oak.
The hull is our 'standard' semi-trad, with Josher style bow, painted simply in a deep blue, with some stunning and unusual signwriting superbly executed by Sheila Smith.
Internally, starting from the stern, it has a Canal Line engine (42hp) and a bank of AGM batteries, and webasto central heating unit. The gas locker is at the rear, and the stern is fitted with a 'pram cover' and cushioned lockers, along with a tractor style perch seat that is removable.
Into the cabin and the galley:
The area first houses electric cupboard and calorifier with an airing cupboard, then opens out to the galley with granite style work tops, a Blanco 1 ½ sink, 3 burner hob, and lots of storage in drawers, cupboards and our 'cellar boxes'. A compact washing mahine, large oven, and 12v drawer fridge are also fitted. The area is light and spacious due to large windows (which have 'bungs' rather than curtains for insulation and privacy) and the open planning. A 'pullman' style dinette has a very clever electric rising table, that also allows the table to be adjusted side to side or length ways. This also creates a second bed, and has full storage below. Again, the seat back is reversible to allow sitting facing the saloon.
The saloon has a further bed-settee, a diesel fired stove, storage unit which also hides the shower pump for good access, and a high tech media centre cabinet.
This houses a wireless computer/tv/music centre…also touch screen, that provides all entertainment to both this and a similar smaller version in the bedroom. Spec'd and installed by 'Boaters Tech' it wirelessly gives different tv channels for onboard computers, as well as internet and all associated entertainment throughout the boat. It is set on a lift that comes up out of the cabinet at the touch of a button.
Into the bathroom, there is a 'thunderbox' cassette toilet, large tiled shower with inset soap dish, and an inset sink in oak with storage. Even the 'loo roll' is tucked away in it's own little inset box.
The bedroom/second saloon has 2 wardrobe/drawer full height units, with twin beds that can also be a full width double….yes, you CAN have a 6' square bed on a boat!!
There are LED reading lights under the gunwale, and a blow heater set into the storage under the beds. All drawers have soft close runners. The floor is solid oak throughout. Lighting is all soft white LED's, and there are even LED courtesy lights in the bow lockers and stern bulkhead to aid good visibility when alighting the boat at night. A bow thruster is fitted also.
This is a light and airy boat, modern, with simple lines, and we wish the new owner many happy times cruising onboard.
The hull is our 'standard' semi-trad, with Josher style bow, painted simply in a deep blue, with some stunning and unusual signwriting superbly executed by Sheila Smith.
Internally, starting from the stern, it has a Canal Line engine (42hp) and a bank of AGM batteries, and webasto central heating unit. The gas locker is at the rear, and the stern is fitted with a 'pram cover' and cushioned lockers, along with a tractor style perch seat that is removable.
Into the cabin and the galley:
The area first houses electric cupboard and calorifier with an airing cupboard, then opens out to the galley with granite style work tops, a Blanco 1 ½ sink, 3 burner hob, and lots of storage in drawers, cupboards and our 'cellar boxes'. A compact washing mahine, large oven, and 12v drawer fridge are also fitted. The area is light and spacious due to large windows (which have 'bungs' rather than curtains for insulation and privacy) and the open planning. A 'pullman' style dinette has a very clever electric rising table, that also allows the table to be adjusted side to side or length ways. This also creates a second bed, and has full storage below. Again, the seat back is reversible to allow sitting facing the saloon.
The saloon has a further bed-settee, a diesel fired stove, storage unit which also hides the shower pump for good access, and a high tech media centre cabinet.
This houses a wireless computer/tv/music centre…also touch screen, that provides all entertainment to both this and a similar smaller version in the bedroom. Spec'd and installed by 'Boaters Tech' it wirelessly gives different tv channels for onboard computers, as well as internet and all associated entertainment throughout the boat. It is set on a lift that comes up out of the cabinet at the touch of a button.
Into the bathroom, there is a 'thunderbox' cassette toilet, large tiled shower with inset soap dish, and an inset sink in oak with storage. Even the 'loo roll' is tucked away in it's own little inset box.
The bedroom/second saloon has 2 wardrobe/drawer full height units, with twin beds that can also be a full width double….yes, you CAN have a 6' square bed on a boat!!
There are LED reading lights under the gunwale, and a blow heater set into the storage under the beds. All drawers have soft close runners. The floor is solid oak throughout. Lighting is all soft white LED's, and there are even LED courtesy lights in the bow lockers and stern bulkhead to aid good visibility when alighting the boat at night. A bow thruster is fitted also.
This is a light and airy boat, modern, with simple lines, and we wish the new owner many happy times cruising onboard.