JoelD

When someone protests so much it gets me thinking, and when I get thinking I get researching. Here is what I found: The Maisibert build was started by JM Clarke Narrowboats-Director Jason Clarke, when JM Clarke Narrowboats reported 'problems' Jason Clarke offered to complete the build through Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats (Another Clarke Company). Now here is the interesting bit. At the time that JM Clarke Narrowboats was reporting problems another company called J&M Clarke Narrowboats Ltd - Director Jason Clarke, came into being! There appears to have been some sort of problem about the utilisation of a name so close to the original one as the name of the new J&M Clarke Narrowboats was then changed to Mill Wharf Boat Company. The results of a few hours investigation on the internet. I think the name over the door is probably irrelevant.

Saw your 'Intrepid' on the cut the other day, that is one fine boat and a seriously beautiful paint job. You must be really pleased. Not sure what all the bickering is about here but it seems a little disconcerting that Columbia is being built 'Again' after being recovered and lengthened By Jason Clarke of JM Clarke Narrowboats at Blisworth back in 2006 - see the article in Endeavour, Northampton Branch Newsletter Feb 2007.NEWSLETTER Although, please jump in anyone if I am quoting wrong here, I think Columbia was actually a butty built at Saltley. Motorboat production at Saltley didn't start until 1912. Columbia first received an engine in 1939 (Done by Yarwoods of Norwich) at which time I believe she was shortened to 54ft. SEE HERE I have a feeling that Columbia, again I could be wrong, had already been sort of built, had a wooden cabin top put in but then had a fire 2005 and sank, was recovered, lengthened, a boatmans cabin built onto it. SEE PICTURES OUTSIDE BLISWORTH Then, of course my history is a little lacking here but I believe that there was some attempt to sell the boat (on Apollo Duck) but there were complaints from some viewers of the boat that the lengthening of the boat had not been done correctly, or in the correct style or maybe it was something to do with the boatmans cabin that had been built onto the boat in 2006 SEE HISTORY I obviously digress here but with such a chequered history, one that seems to mirror the many changes at Blisworth itself, it would be lovely to see Columbia back in fine form.

If the pictures are anything to go by the Maisibert looks a lot better than the last time it sailed past Blisworth, and under its 'own steam' this time! Looks like you towed out two boats, or was this their version of a wide beam? Congratulations

I have been trying desperately not to respond to this topic as I realise that this is your dream. Unfortunately I cannot hold back any longer. You must be having concerns. 1. Completion date was supposed to be 31st December, are the delays because of the builder or at your request? – ensure that these are fully documented in writing. 2. The process of the build just seems a little ‘butt about face’ do you have your own independent marine surveyor checking at each milestone? 3. Do you have insurance on the boat that covers the build stage? I certainly would not take kindly to a builder delaying me to complete their own ‘projects’. This boat is being constructed outside, winter is going to have some major effects on the internals if it is not properly treated and looked after, maybe even slightly heated you have got to ensure that the builder is going to preserve YOUR investment as it appears to me that you are funding this build and subsequently the builder and he has little to lose, where as you have it all to lose! Having fitted a couple of boats myself and had one built for me I would be seriously looking into the lack of progress on this build when compared to other boats on blogs that commenced build at the same time as yours.