Phil Lamb - nb Jacob
email: phil@goldings.demon.co.uk
Jacob was the 29th boat built by South West Durham Steelcraft for Pete and Julie Hawkins in 1990 . Pete fitted out the interior himself. Their names still adorn the sides until I can think of a suitable company name and base to replace them. The base I am considering is Ledbury, which is where I went to school, and used to be on the Hereford and Gloucester Canal, but is likely to be bypassed if the whole canal is restored.
Jacob is 55ft long tug style narrowboat but the forward bulkhead carries full-width glazed panels including doors. The draught is 2ft 7in. There are side doors in the galley area. There is a traditional engine room fitted with a 1948 Ruston and Hornsby 2VTH which was rebuilt and fitted with starter motor and alternator by Brian Chisholm of the Marine Engine Room. The rear cabin is not a boatman's cabin but has a proper double bed instead. The steering position has an extended hatch to make room for two people and has a throttle wheel and a push/pull gear change.
Jacob has at least one sister vessel built around the same time. The only one I have seen is Leah, which was at the Birmingham festival in 2000, and was up for sale at the time. If anyone has information about Leah or other siblings please let me know.