The last week on the Becky

As of tomorrow the Tramp and I will be spending our last week on the Becky before handing the care of the old girl to Kate her knew owner . 

Doing my best to keep her all spruced up but already she's beginning to look a bit bare and forlorn as I move all my books and bits off. I'm  sure Kate will soon have her looking pretty and loved in no time.

Am I sad, yes of course the Becky has been my home for 14 years but its time to move on. It's time for a new adventure, at 72 perhaps my last, I hope to get a smallish narrow boat and spend a few years pottering about on the canals. 

I've seen a lot of the rest of the world but very little of my own country so think its about time I did.

the Becky's Bottom

28-07-2013

The Becky in dry dock having been jet washed and now waiting for her survey and bottom painted 

The Becky’s Mooring. with updated info and photo's

The Barge Becky is moored on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal at Heybridge Basin, on the opposite side to the towpath and next to a large lake that is now a nature reserve. The area is a haven for migrating and roosting birds and a favourite spot for bird watchers. There are two yacht clubs nearby with safe tidal sailing also canoeing and kayaking on the canal. There are also some fine walks along the towpath, around the lake or along the sea wall. For those who enjoy fishing the canal has a very good reputation and sea fishing trips can be had nearby.

Although the Basin has no shops there are two good pubs. There are shops a 20min walk along the canal or a Large Tesco accessible by dingy with moorings alongside their car-park. Both pubs serve good food and there is also a café on the seawall.
contact lezwilki@hotmail.co.uk  Tel 07561155440

Bedroom 2

Double bed futon 

Bedroom 1

Double divan bed with storage draws underneath hanging rail 

The Galley

This was refitted 7 years ago has large sink with double drainer good storage space and work-surface, full size cooker, fridge with small top freezer and microwave. There is also  large storage cupboards opposite

The saloon

Is split level the top part measures approx. 10ft x 7ft with access through the floor to the water tanks below. The lower level is approx. 11ft x 10ft with a large multi fuel stove that’s ample for heating the whole boat and for cooking on.

The aft deck area

Is approx. 13ft x 9ft including aft poop area where steering position is. The access to engine room is under the floor. This is now totally rebuilt with a solid roof and drop down sides with a pine floor, the steering position is roofed but with open sides.  It makes a lovely summer lounge or painting studio.

The barge Beck with additional photo's

The full history of the Becky is unknown, we know she was built around 1930 in Holland of riveted iron construction and because of her relatively narrow beam, 11ft, believe she was used on the smaller canals probably as a farm barge.

She has an overall length of 65ft, beam 11ft ”12ft if you include the rubbing strakes” her draft is approx. 3ft. As stated her hull is of riveted iron with steel plate decks. The main superstructure is of fiberglass sheathed timber and the fore-cabin of steel. The conversion to a houseboat was first done in the 1970s but has had much additional work since then.