Overview
Solitaire is a 57' traditional style narrowboat built in 2013 to provide a home that could combine the conveniences of a house yet still enjoy the tranquility of life on the inland waterways. Features such as a powerful electrical system provide the ability to silently run items such as a dishwasher and washing machine, whilst ample tankage allows for the freedom to moor away from water points or pumpout stations. The internal layout also maximises usable space, and provides large amounts of storage and spacious rooms.
Accommodation
Solitaire is a comfortable full-time home for two. It features a large kingsize bedroom to the stern with ample storage in cupboards above, underneath and alongside the bed. A mirrored hanging wardrobe also conceals a full-size washing machine. Shelving in the engine room provides further storage which can be accessed from the bedroom or the rear doors.
The bathroom features a spacious, high-pressure but low-water-usage shower and a porcelain Jabsco electric flush pump--out toilet. The holding tank capacity is sufficient for two people living aboard for 3 months. Underfloor heating and a towel radiator keep the bathroom a comfortable temperature.
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The large galley kitchen boasts abundant worktop counter space and storage, and includes integrated appliances such as a 12V fridge with freezer box; gas oven and hob; extractor fan; and dishwasher. A fixed breakfast bar for two can be extended to seat four with two additional folding bar stools stored neatly in the bedroom.
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The living room / saloon to the forward of the boat is light, bright and roomy and features a Morso multi-fuel stove and a sofabed which can accommodate two adults. The headroom throughout is 6'4''.
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Innovative storage solutions can be found throughout the boat and no space is wasted. Skis and snowboards even have a home in this boat!
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Heating
Warmth was a key parameter in the design of Solitaire. It has been double-insulated to withstand cold winters and warm summers. A first layer of sprayfoam insulation acts as a moisture and heat barrier to eliminate condensation. A secondary glass wool layer provides additional thermal and sound insulation.
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The boat is heated by three completely separate systems to provide redundancy. A 7KW Hurricane diesel wet central heating unit feeds four large radiators and underfloor heating in the bathroom. Hurricane heating units are often used in Arctic research centres and much more robust (and expensive!) than the traditional Webasto or Eberspacer systems. The Hurricane's durability allows it to be continuously cycled so that thermostatic valves can be fitted to maintain a constant temperature. The Hurricane system also heats hot water in a 70 litre calorifier installed in the engine room and can be run all year round with no need to have radiators on.
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A 4.5 KW Morso Squirrel multi-fuel stove situated in a slate hearth in the living room can burn wood, coal and smokeless fuel and is fitted with a double-walled flue for an efficient draw of air. The installation complies with BS 8511.
Additionally, a heat exchanger has been fitted to the engine which feeds a matrix heater situated centrally in the hallway. This allows waste heat from the engine to be converted into useful interior heating if desired.
Energy
Energy generation is primarily from the 1110W solar panel array on the roof which produces 100-200Ah per day for the majority of the year. The twin engine alternators are also paralleled by a Sterling alternator-to-battery charger to provide 140A of intelligent three stage charging during cruising, and the combi inverter doubles up as a 85A battery charger when on shoreline.
The house battery bank comprises of six 100Ah Trojan 27-TMX semi traction batteries that are able to both store large amounts of energy and sustain large currents during use by items such as hairdryers.
Electrical systems comprise a 230V AC ring main powered by a 2.5KW Sterling pure sine wave inverter, 12V systems for marine appliances, and regulated 12V for domestic items (e.g. wi-fi routers).
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Plumbing
1000 litres of fresh water is stored across two connected tanks which can comfortably last two people two-three weeks when having daily showers and using the dishwasher and washing machine regularly. A thermostatic mixer valve has been fitted to the washing machine inlet pipe to allow pre-heated water from the calorifier to feed the machine to avoid electrically heating water.
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A water filter is integrated into the kitchen tap and the secondary sink bowl is fitted with an Insinkerator food waste disposal macerator.
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The Jabsco porcelain macerator toilet is connected to a 600 litre pump-out (waste holding) tank which can last for 3 months between pump-outs with two people living aboard full time.
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Security
The main access into the boat is through symmetrical side doors with opening hatches. All doors are secured with robust household locks (not a padlock in sight!). 15 inch diameter portholes are traditional and secure, and non-opening roof hatches provide extra light in the kitchen, living room and bedroom. The boat is also fitted with a Yale intruder alarm with sensors fitted to all opening doors and windows.
Components
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10-6-5-4 steel shell from Cheshire Narrowboats - blacked every 2 years.
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Canaline 38 engine with PRM 120 gearbox (both serviced every 200 hours).
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Sterling Pro-Combi 2500W pure sine wave inverter.
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Blue Sea Systems bus bars/distribution panels.
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Sterling alternator to battery charger 12V 160A.
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Trojan 27-TMX batteries (600Ah)
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Tristar MPPT solar charge controller
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6 x 185W sharp solar panels
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Hurricane SCH-25 diesel pressure jet boiler.
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Morso Squirrel 4.5kW stove with double walled flue installed to BS 8511.
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Johnson aqua jet water pump.
Inventory
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Bow and stern rope fenders.
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Two large and two very large inflatable fenders.
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Two automatically-inflating life jackets.
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Two bow ropes, two stern ropes and two centre ropes.
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Two mooring pins and three mooring hooks.
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Two windlasses.
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CRT handcuff key and hexagonal/slotted tank-opening key.
Build History and Legal Stuff
The shell was built by Cheshire Narrowboats and transferred to Lymm Marina Boat Sales (LMBS) for initial fitout. The engine and associated systems were installed by an Engines Plus engineer (Neil Coventry), before LMBS spray foamed and ballasted the boat. 12V wiring and 230V wiring was then installed by LMBS and is detailed in the supplied RCD Anex 3 declaration of conformity. Interior fit out was performed by a professional joiner, before LPG work was added by a Gas Safe fitter. The boat is currently one year into its current four year Boat Safety Certificate.
