"The Story of The Maisibert "

After a life long dream of owning a boat and cottage in Suffolk, we finally realised that we could never afford our dream so we took the decision to buy a narrow boat.We visited narrow boat brokers and looked at many second hand boats but decided that we would go the extra mile and have a boat built to our specification.So the search started for a boat builder and the style of boat, we purchased a canal boating magazine to get idea's and read about a fit out which was very modern and had unique curved galley units.We visited the yard and talked to the owner's of the featured boat and decided that we would like our boat to be of a similar design. We started our research to formulate our specification.We visited boat shows, talked to other boat owners, read books and anybody else that we thought could give us the information we required.On the 5th December 05 we signed the contract with the builder of the featured boat after completing his move to Blisworth. The hull builder laid the base plates in March 06 to start the boat of our dreams.We named the boat after my parents as a tribute to them as their life time of hardwork allowed us to achieve our dream.

The Maisibert has had extra drain holes put in on the roof at the stern end.

The work was carried by Baxters Boat yard in Northampton

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pc5zRAC4O6Q

After many weekends cruising and time with the new puppy I have finally got round to putting a video together of our fourth crew member and you can watch it from the link above.

July 08

Cassie is cast for the remake of that classic film

The Great Escape

July 08

Cassie relaxs on the boat

July 08

We take Cassie for her first trip on The Maisibert and we breakdown on the way.

Picture of Cassie as we wait for the R.A.C.

June 08

Cassie enjoying her new surroundings

June 08

Our new crew member comes home.

June 08

The Successful candidate for the fourth Crew member for The Maisibert is Cassie

June 08

Heyford Fields Marina is officially opened by a Radio 2 presentor, boat owners and V.I.P.s were invited to a hog roast,drinks and music by a duo.

June 08

We interview the fourth crew member of The Maisibert

May 08

The crowds wait to see Alma Jean the new creation from Heartwood Narrow Boats

May 08

This is me showing off my Boats and Canals tee shirt

May 08
The Maisibert is invited to attend the Crick Boat Show by Heartwood Narrow Boats

A video that I posted on You Tube

April 08

The Maisibert is taken out of the water to change the prop. that was supplied by the previous boat builder.

April 08

Whilst passing we say hello to the old boat builder.

April 08
After a clean up and spending a couple of days aboard we take the boat through Blisworth Tunnel

April 08

We reach the moorings at Heyford Fields Marina as we enter the Marina the wind takes the boat side ways and gets stuck across the canal

April 08

We travel through Newbold Tunnel

April 08

The Maisibert enters the locks at Atherstone with Craig at the helm

April 08

The Maisibert on one of her first over night moorings

April 08

With the new Prop. fitted we start our journey from Stoke to Northampton

March 08

Heartwood Narrow Boats are featured on a Midlands television programme called Waterworld and showed the Heartwood team working on The Maisibert.

March 08

Dave Broach carries out the R.C.D. inpection and passes The Maisibert.

March 08

Over the Easter weekend John and Sue from the Boats and Canals Forum join us for a day cruising.

John was on the helm all day so it gave Sue, Craig and myself a chance to brush up on our locking skills.

March 08

The Easter weekend we take The Maisibert for a cruise on the Cauldon Canal

On the way back I manage to get the boat stuck in the mud, Hilary loses her temper and decides to walk to the next lock which turns out to be four miles away.
At one of the following locks we pick up a wheel complete with tyre and tube on the prop, so after this has been cut free we complete the journey in the darkness with the aid of Nav. lights.

March 08

We start the journey back

March 08

Careful mind the paint work.

March 08

We make it to The Plume of Feathers in Barlaston.

March 08

Craig get his run through on the systems before we set out on our first trip.

March 08

The end of a great weekend to celebrate the launch of The Maisibert

March 08

A floral tribute to Mum and Dad for the boat is named in their memory

March 08

Phew she floats and the Champagne flows

March 08

We will soon know.

March 08

Will she sink or will she swim

March 08

The Maisibert starts out on her travels again.

February 08

We have been proud of Heartwoods customer service,quality of workmanship and dedication that we requested Nigel to put the company name on the side of the boat.

February 08

Robin completes the sign writing and as requested he brings the curves from the inside out and brightness to reflect my parents out look on life.

February 08

Maria and her helpers make a fantastic job of putting on the non slip surfaces on the boat, Whilst Paul and Ian tidy up the loose ends inside the boat

February 08

Robert Naghi paints the boats name on the bow in a style to reflect the modern look of the boat.

February08

The designs in the corners of the cream panels were intially designed by Paul and Maria's daughter Keelie

February 08

The Maisibert get its name Painted by Robert

Who said you never forget how to ride a bike!!!

January 08

Cratch boards and cover fitted

January 08

Ned from Cabincare has fitted the blinds to the boat.

Took the opportunity to assemble and to see if the futon bed fitted

January 08

Engine room nears completion and systems are tested.

January 08

Trims and skirting almost completed

December 07

Wooden flooring laid in the saloon, galley and bedroom