Info about B-Hive

B- Hive was built by Jonathon Wilson at Stenson Marina, commencing in 1988, with first water trials in the early part of 1989. The intention was that B-Hive would be 62ft - so that we could travel the Leeds'n'Lverpool - which has 60ft broad locks, into which you can just fit 62 ft diagonally - (there must be a suitable Harry Potter reference here !). However, as with all things boating, nothing goes to plan, and we actually have 62ft 5ins - which the lock keeper at Bingley 5-rise says is likely to give us trouble - so we probably won't try - shame really.....

B-Hive was then transported by low-loader, since the canal route to Oxford was subject to stoppages, and was launched at what is now Castle Mill Boatyard on February 14th 1989 - after a difficult few hours trying to navigate the low-loader through the narrow streets of Jericho - pictures of too large a boat in too small streets here.(This page has many large images and is slow to load)

B-Hive was supplied as a 'sealed unit' i.e. doors/windows/and engine were fitted, but nothing else.
The diesel and water tanks are integral, and the gas locker is in the bow.

Technical details:

Fitting out was done over the next few years ( it never really finishes!) by Cyril, Alan and Susan.
Assorted pictures of a boat in various stages of unfittedness here (Another page with large images)

Water is all plumbed using 'Bartol' pushfit plumbing, gas in the usual soft copper.
Space heating was originally by catalytic heaters to all cabins, although that in the saloon has now been replaced by a solid fuel stove.
Water heating is by an instantaneous water heater