THE BUILDING OF 'SLOW PACE'


A 60’ semi-trad, reverse layout, bespoke designed narrowboat with shell built by Reeves
and fit-out by Heartwood Narrowboats.



This is a blog of the building and fit-out of the Narrowboat Slow Pace from base plate to launch.
The more recent postings are pictures taken during our cruising.






Seating / Sleeping

With the desmo tables removed we have comfortable seating...

... and two pullout footstalls.

A view with the cushions removed.

The footstalls have removable internal sections. Giving these a quarter turn and replacing them gives a higher footstall or extra seating at the table.
In the higher postion the stalls also support the lift out back panel to make up a double bed.

The mattress of the bed is made up of the seat & back cushion and an extra fill in piece that is stored behind the back panel.

Forward Cabin



Interior Continued

The completed saloon & galley.


A large side hatch is in between the breakfast bar & dinette.


The galley worktops are Prestige Spectrum Black quartz sourced through T Foley Interiors: More information about this surface can be found on thier web site: www.kitchensfitted.co.uk


The galley has lots of curves! The mosaic tiles are slate.


With the table removed, the 8 ft L-shaped dinettes provides comfortable seating to relax and watch TV and converts to a double bed.

We have had the table made in three sections to give us maximum flexibility. Here all three are in use...


...and here, the centre section removed...


... and here, the two end sections joined together.


When not in use, the space under the lobby gunwale provides storage for two of the tables.

We came up with a neat storage solution for the desmo legs!


We have a large mirrored bathroom cabinet and more storage in a cupboard behind the WC. The cupboard under the wasbasin houses the vac flush mechanism & cassette, which is accessed from the adjacent bedroom.


The mosaic tiles are a blend of travertine & marble. The vanity top is Silestone Quartz and was also supplied sourced through T Foley Ineriors: www.kitchensfitted.co.uk

We have a quadrant shower. A towel radiator with two towel rails above fit nicely in the space adjacent.


The mosaic tiles used over the vanity unit were also used on the floor. White gloss tiles have been used on all the remaining areas.


The upholstery, blinds and bungs were supplied by Cabin Care: http://www.cabincare.co.uk/boats.htm Our thanks go to Ned for both the excellent service given and the super job done!

We also had matching bungs made for the bow doors.

Internal Pictures

A small selection of internal pictures - more to follow!


Our completed dinette.


One of the single beds in the midships cabin.


The galley.


Testing the Heating System!

5 January 2009


Test Run!

1 January 2009



The Launch!

22 December 2008

Slow Pace is launched!














Sign Writing

19 December 2008

We commissioned Dave Moore to do the sign writing.


Dave Moore at work!

Our boat now has it's name...

... and will soon have a floor!

Final Fitout Stages

5 December 2008

Slow Pace nears completion in Stone, Heartwood's new home.



The first top coat has been applied.


The Worcester Marine S-Type windows & portholes have arrived...


... and so have the Houdini hatches.

The curved cupboard in the forward bedroom has been finished.

The cabin doors have been fitted.

The entertainment unit is ready to be fitted in place.

The dinette tables are being made.

The bathroom is ready for use!