Shrimp near Forton

Shrimp moored on the towpath., originally uploaded by Bay Photographic.

I took Shrimp on her maiden voyage up the canal today. She steered beautifully straight, all of the electrical circuits I have installed over the winter worked as they should and the engine purred like a sewing machine. (Its a Honda. Say no more.)
The sun was shining, the water was calm and I was greeted cheerfully by everyone I passed.
Which made all the time and money (six months and just over three grand) I have spent on her completely worthwhile.

Shrimp in the water

Shrimp in the water 2, originally uploaded by Bay Photographic.

Finally launched my boat 'Shrimp' on Monday, after many months of prepping her for the BSC test, painting her underwater sections with Epoxy and antifouling, installing electrics and polishing her gelcoat.
Completely misjudged the waterline, haven't taken a photograph for a month, and I am now known as 'Dulux' at work as a result of my Monday morning paint spattered look , but it all seemed worth it when I saw 'Shrimp' on the water.
Now all I need is some time to enjoy her.

Shrimp Undercover

Shrimp Undercover, originally uploaded by Bay Photographic.

My Orkney Longliner 'Shrimp' in the boat shed at the marina. Covered over with tarpaulins to ward off the dive bombing runs of the swallows that have recently taken up residence in the shed as they do every year.
Shrimp now has a boat safety certificate, three coats of epoxy paint on the underwater hull, a serviced engine and an electrical system.
Very soon she will have two coats of antifouling and be immersed in the Lancaster Canal. At which point I will find out if the water line I arbitarily drew on her is on, under or way out of the water.
Frankly, if its not in the right place its a bit late.