Simon & Jeanette Angel (& Rosie) - nb Clara
Built by Hallmark Narrowboats, Flint, North Wales, in the summer of 1999. Hallmark Narrowboats built budget Narrowboats in mostly Cruiser style on either Hallmark's own or Dave Clarke's Steelwork all to a standard design. Hallmark also built a short lived Traditional Model until the Company ceased trading in 2000.
Clara is a 40' version of Hallmark's 'Millennium' Class of Narrowboat; She was built in the summer of 1999 and has Cruiser Stern Steelwork by Dave Clarke of Newark; powered by a Mitsubishi 3 Cylinder 25HP 'K' series Diesel Engine, marinised by Sole in Spain, with Sole's own gearbox/sterngear, but in Clara's case through a Centaflex 'M' coupling. Due to the fact that these boats were built to a price, standardisation was how this was achieved by using standard Kitchen units for example.
Hallmarks were also built incredibly quickly; from laying base plate to completed boat in the Water - 8 weeks !!!&
Clara was specified with a few extras and the optional Brass upgrade which meant Brass Mushroom Vents, Ventilation Grilles, and Caldwell Gold Anodised Windows etc. We had a Boatman stove fitted amidships; and by insistence of Nick Bridge, of Blackwater Meadow Marina, who was the Hallmark agent, through whom Clara was purchased; we had a 12v Engel Refrigerator fitted, and very efficient it is too ! Clara is very much a no frills Boat; there is only 12v electrics, much improved by me ! There is a standard Stoves 2000WL Gas Cooker. Hot water is by a Morco instantaneous Water Heater; This provides adequate Hot water for the Shower etc. A fixed Double bed with Drawers underneath and a decent wardrobe and Kitchen cupboards is crude and rude but it all works.
Although Clara is now in her 5th year we have done much to improve her.
In 2002 her original(awful) Paintwork was peeling; we had no choice but to have her re-painted properly. This was done by Will Hewitt of Union Canal Carriers in Braunston. We have the hull re-blacked every two years. I then improved the finish inside Clara re-varnishing the interior woodwork with International Goldspar Satin Varnish. New Curtains transformed the interior completely, as did fitting decent carpet.
We have travelled most of the Midland Canals down to and including the Thames but have not yet managed to get onto the Avon as every time we try, the Avon is always in Flood !
Major jobs to do is to re- install the Stove, as the Roof Collar/Roof join is corroding, and the Adapter Collar on the Stove has split. The Engine Bay must be degreased & re-painted.
Clara gives us a lot of pleasure, and is a perfect anti-dote to the madness of modern living !