The Bow Cabin

The bow cabin of Iris Abbott was the crew cabin in its commercial days and has been retained as an original feature and is used by us as a very handy and cosy guest cabin. There are two separate spacious bunks with cupboard space that would have been the crews wardrobe and a drop down table; similar to a narrow boat back cabin, but bigger!

Engine Room

The engine room is sufficiently spacious that we have used it as a workshop with a workbench with a vice and lots of storage for tools and consumables.

The main engine is a Gardner 4L3 with a Gardner 3UC reversing gearbox. The engine is the original one fitted to the craft from new but as all compenents are replaceable it is likely that only the main castings are actually the originals.

In 2007 we had the engine stripped down and fully rebuilt by a retired senior Gardner test and service engineer fitting any new parts that were necessary.

There are two diesel generators installed, a 3 KW electric start cocooned unit and a 7 KW hand start Lister.

The domestic diesel boiler is also installed in the engine room and is fed from the pair of integral fuel tanks each with a capacity of 1100 litres. These tanks were opened up and cleaned out as part of the engine rebuilding work.

Wheelhouse

The steel and glazed wheelhouse was built as part of the conversion, it is a large (approx 20 x 10 ft) space, accessed by sliding doors on either side.

Forward is the helm and navigation equipment. Aft is U-shaped fixed seating, (under and behind which is storage space) this can seat 9 comfortably. The teak planking on the floor was apparently rescued from the demolition of New Brighton Pier. A salvaged Victorian spiral staircase leads down into the main accommodation. This is a fantastic space with panoramic views. The wheelhouse is a very useful space for family boating.

Storeroom

We had thought we could convert this room into another bunk cabin but found that we didn’t need the extra space and so it has remained as a bit of a utility store room.

Office Area

There is a small lobby area at the bottom of the stairs. On the port side is an office area with a desk where we have two workstations. There are shelves above.

Toilet/ Utility Room

Opposite the office area is a room with a toilet and hand wash basin. There is a large full height cupboard and a Hotpoint washing machine.

Pantry

Forward is a pantry with shelves for storage and a full size, upright 240V fridge freezer.

Galley/ Saloon

This is a large open plan area with hardwood fitted units, a double sink and gas cooker. A fixed corner seating area converts into an occasional double bed for guests. There is a wood burning stove and fixed shelving. Houdini roof hatch.

Companionway

Companionway takes you forward of this area. On the starboard side is the bathroom.

Bathroom

With a corner bath with a mixer tap/ shower attachment and an overhead shower, washbasin and toilet.

Master Cabin

The spacious master cabin is forward of the companionway. It has a freestanding double bed and a large fitted wardrobe. Houdini roof hatch and windows either side of this cabin. There are currently freestanding drawers and a bedside table.

Cabins 2 and 3 There are two accommodation cabins off of the port side of the companionway. One has double bunks in and the other which is almost identical had the bunks removed, but they could easily be reinstated if necessary. The cabins each have a window and Houdini roof hatch with a fixed escape ladder.