New Paintwork - new flooring

Another task I started on was to replace the carpet in the saloon. Outside looking good, so how about the inside as well?

Several years ago we had seen some oak laminate flooring being sold at a discount because all the box corners were damaged. Well, the captain said to me, "Let's buy enough for the whole of the boat." Which we did at something like £26 for six boxes.

Since then they have sat quietly under the bed just waiting for the right moment to see the light.

So, I trotted off to Polgara for a week alone to tackle, what I thought would be, re-flooring the whole boat.

The first job was to empty the saloon, lift the carpet and prepare for action. I enjoyed that bit.

Next, read the instructions - something I don't usually do but it seemed a good idea at the time - so, on with the coffee.

Looked quite simple and straightforward! Another coffee while I checked it over again.

All I had to do was select a length of flooring and, using spacers, lay it against the wall of the boat and then interlock the next piece and with a sort of twist of the wrist lock the adjacent pieces into place - and, off you go, beautiful oak fitted floor.

Right, I can tell that you can see where this is going!

First length laid OK - good progress so far. Next length - Ah! - Just needs a bit to cut out round the corner cupboard - set up work table, mark up wood, cut out and - it's back to front! I'm sure I checked. Measure again, cut out, right shape this time, lock in place.

Time for another coffee.

Next piece goes in alongside the first two but needs cutting so that I get the seams offset across the boat. Also, that bit has to be shaped around the same unit and the other end around the settee. Right, all ready now for the flick of the wrist twisting action - originally laid two lengths instantly spring apart! End up sitting on first two lengths and wrestling with new sections.

Mutter, mutter, mutter!

Time for lunch in the Marina restaurant since chairs are in the sink, shower room is full up with cushions and fire irons and I think I need a real drink!

Work-in-Progress

Of the whole floor, I think there were only six lengths that didn't need cutting or shaping and some of the flick of the wrist bits just didn't!

The finished job looks really good but I only completed the saloon in the time allocated. Next time I shall be taking the power saw with me since hand sawing down the whole of one length is very tiring and takes too much coffee time! Also, it's the galley where every length will need cutting or shaping.

Well, the boxes have sat quietly under the bed for a few years already - I'm sure a few more won't matter!