A Working Boat

​Installing a derrick (crane) on our boat

​For two years, and possibly a lot longer, the derrick has sat in the forepeak. Yesterday it saw the light of day!
 
The promise
Fifteen years ago when we traversed the French canals in our 33’ sailboat we made ourselves a promise to return on a more suitable boat. Now we are back on our 18.5m Dutch Barge - Rouge Corsair.

The lure to convince Noel that this barging malarkey was a good idea was in the form of a motorbike. I glibly promised he could have a bike on a barge as, ‘there’s so much room!’
 
Good Idea
I must admit it is a fabulous idea. We have more freedom and no ‘backwards-and-forwards’ trying to manage a car and a boat.

​Eat my words?
Well, it’s been easy so far because we’ve been in one spot, in Diksmuide, Belgium, all winter. So, the bike hasn’t made it on board… yet.
 
The Derrick is on
We hauled out the dismantled derrick and assembled it easily on deck, there was just one bolt missing. The parts are very well made, heavy and, have probably been used once as there is no wear.

Bridle
Noel is creating a bridge to lift the 250kg bike and the marina residents are gathering for the spectacle.
 
Will it work?
Find out tomorrow…
 
See what else we are up to here.
We’re selling our boat (with crane), look here.