Sunbeam
Introduction
Bob’s a builder and Karen a school teacher. They are proud owners of Sunbeam. They’re interesting people, Bob’s been leading the way from a green energy point of view for a long time having converted his Landrover Defender from diesel to electric himself. I asked Bob how difficult he finds charging the electric Landrover when charging points are hard to find. He said I’ve never charged it anywhere else but my own driveway in London. Greenwich to be exact.
Bob’s a keen member of the CRT and is in high demand as a volunteer because he knows how to build and repair stuff. As we all know, there’s lots to be built and repaired on the inland waterways.Â
They’ve just retired and plan to spend a few years touring the UK in stops and starts. Following their instincts and their whims.Â
Karen is a nature lover and a William Morris fan. She really likes the colour red too. As they travel around the British countryside they’ll be accompanied by Bellflowers, Brer Rabbits, Strawberry Thieving Thrushes, Marigolds and Poppies. Good luck to them and well deserved!
Specification
- 15 kW Direct Drive water-cooled
- 40 kWh lithium battery
- 1.8kW integrated solar array
- 5kW 1500 RPM back-up generator
- 3.6kW isolation transformer
- 61’ Semi cruiser reversed layout
- Steel 10,6,5,4
- 2 pack paint system
- Teak deck
- Pump out toilet with 400L tank
- 650L stainless steel water tank
Layout Description
As Bob steers 18 tonnes of Sheffield steel around the country from his command position no doubt Karen will be looking back at her husband from the comfort of the side lockers and thinking, could I have done better? No, this is perfect.
The warmth of the teak deck and the ample space on the stern of Sunbeam make this boat ideal for couples and groups. Conversation is easy without raising their voice thanks to a very quiet electric motor.Â
Each boat we build is different and this one is no exception, go down the steps into the accommodation and you’ll find electrical and battery cupboards left and right. A little further on and there’s the guest toilet/cloakroom portside and starboard side, washer dryer and extra cupboard space.
Galleys on boats are tiny but to help movement of people and to be more comfortable to work in we make ours with a 800mm corridor in the middle. It means less room on the starboard cupboards, so inevitably less storage space. A problem if you want six months of food stored in cans for a nuclear war, not so much if you live off mostly fresh foods. Supermarkets are in abundance along the canals and you’re sure to come across one every three days.Â
Kitchen equipment includes a two ringed induction hob, combination oven with microwave and DC fridge with freezer box.
Unlike the writer, Bob and Karen like board games and have a need for a large dinette table. This converts into a double bed for a tall person and has duck hatches either side. There’s a huge amount of storage for bedding and board games under the seats. Six inch foam was used, the base was Bellflower Weave and the back was Brer Rabbit, both from William Morris.Â
Moving further forward is the snug with an L-shaped built in sofa and storage underneath. Every boater needs a bookshelf for their Nickleson guides and we’ve put one at the end of the sofa. However this one’s different in that remove the arm, take away the board and the sofa extends nearly a foot more should a long person be using this space as a bed.
For Bob’s entertainment there’s a Morso Squirrel Stove and for Karen, there’s a TV with an Amazon Firestick, an Alexa Echo and access to a whole world of entertainment.
Side Elevation
Day Plan
Roof Plan
Sleeping plan
