[Anonymous]

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Hello every one! Nice to be a member of the forum – we’re hoping to move abroad when our Boat sells,preferably to Spain and looking forward to a new adventure! If you’re looking to return to the UK and for a unique lifestyle then our home might be just what you’re looking for!

The photo album can be viewed online at: andromeda.myphotoalbum.com and the boat is currently advertised on eBay Uk – item no:140371989959

We have been living aboard ‘Andromeda’ (Formerly ‘Patricia campbell’) for 4 years now and she is my pride and joy. I love the whole lifestyle and being where we are BUT my other half and daughter haven’t embraced the life on the ocean wave so we are now looking for other options.
We are not desperate to part with the boat by any means and will wait for the right deal before letting her go.

We are looking to exchange the boat for an inland Spanish property with a good sized plot of land which must be habitable (don’t mind some minor DIY) and MUST be Legal in every sense of the word and not subject to the ‘Land grabbing’ that goes on in some parts of Spain.All necessary paperwork must be present!!!

**The price of the boat is £65,000 and in the abscence of a swap, we may consider accepting a deposit of 50%, you move in and pay the balance at an agreed amount per month (at zero % interest!) over a fixed time period – at the end of which the full ownership of the boat would be transfered to you,the new owner. Of course,you would have a written & binding agreement for this and everything would be above board! We know only too well how difficult it is to get on the property ladder – especially in the current economic climate so this might be one way to do it without taking out a huge mortgage!**

‘Andromeda’ is a large and very spacious ex – fishing boat that is half way through conversion but is liveable and will make a superb cruising family home that is built to handle any weather.
You could sail her anywhere in the world with confidence once she is finished.

Where could you buy such a huge amount of accomodation space and on the sea too,plus a complete change of lifestyle for this kind of money? And,if you fancy a change of scenery you just up Anchor and sail your home off into the sunset!

‘Andromeda’ is moored on a secure quayside mooring (which could be transferable to new owner) with 24hr CCTV and security patrols, in Fleetwood docks (within 200meters of ‘Freeport’ shopping centre) with mains electricity and plenty of parking space right next to the boat. The Dock has recently become an extention of the marina so there are plenty of Yachts,Cruisers and a few Trawlers to keep you company.
Fleetwood is a great little Seaside town with all ameneties within a few minutes walking distance from the Boat! Plus it’s only 15 mins from Blackpool. The last pic shows the view of part of the dock from our boat.

*We have done most of the hard work but there is still a lot to do and the new owner must be prepared to spend some money and invest the time in this project so it’s not for the faint hearted!!*

Don’t let the fact that she looks quite rough on the exterior put you off – we have been concentrating on getting the interior liveable. Despite her present look,this boat is a very solid and sturdy vessel – confirmed by an out-of-water survey 4 years ago. She will however need some time & hard work to get the exterior looking good including replacing several pieces of the planking on either side above deck level.

‘Andromeda’ is 67 ft in length overall, 22ft in beam (width) and has a draft of 11ft below the waterline.Surveyed weight was 64 tons – after removal of all fishing gear/winches etc etc.
She was built in France in 1975 and is constructed of Oak planking on heavy Oak frames with a steel wheelhouse and a large aluminium shelter deck that now makes up the main accommodation area.
She has a very good ‘Cummins 430hp’ diesel engine that starts on the turn of the key.

*There is a huge amount of space and a great deal of potential for use as a floating home and business – Andromeda would make a superb Dive Boat!*

The accommodation at present is as follows:

*There is a large open plan area that encompasses the lower wheelhouse and has room for a large ‘L’ shaped saloon/lounge (approx 20ft long ) on the portside (Left) with 3 large aluminium portholes, an equal sized ‘L’ shaped galley/kitchen on the starboard side (right), a good sized separate dining area. The galley is temporarily on the port side as shown in the photo.

There is a huge hatch (5ft x 5ft) in the ceiling that we open in fine weather and it really does open up the space even more & lets the sun shine in – fantastic!

*The master cabin/bedroom is 90% finished with a beamed and stained ceiling and T&G clading to the walls,Built in wardrobes and cupboards plus a large opening porthole.

*The second cabin is currently a blank canvas awaiting conversion but has a large opening porthole and a ceiling hatch.

*A good sized room that will make a Bathroom with room for a decent sized shower cubicle.

*A large room in the forepeak/bow that would make a third cabin with room for an en-suite.
Below this in the lower bow is a small room that would be ideal for storage.

*The hold is a huge 30ft x 22 ft with 8ft of headroom. Currently used for storage,this could be converted in to another two large cabins or three medium sized ones – or it would make a great on-board Cinema/Gym/Games room/Workshop….

*Moving aft: There is the original captain’s cabin which is a small but useful space – large enough for a single bunk.

*The original galley/kitchen which is currently being converted to a utility room and has cupboards and a washer/dryer. Recently had a new PVC window.

*A hallway / cloakroom area – recently lined out and had a new PVC window.

*The original toilet/shower room which is currently being converted to a small toilet/washroom.

*The engine room is very spacious with tons of room all round the engine and at least 7ft of headroom – it does need a damned good clean up and re-paint to make it look good and there are some redundant hydraulic pipes and electrics to get rid of but it’s a great space to work in.

*The wheelhouse is a good size with windows all round and is a real sun trap.
It has recently had a brand new Mahogany door fitted.

*Below the rear deck is the original crews quarters that had 8 bunks but has been stripped and is ready to be fitted out – could be used as a store room or more cabin space…..would be ideal to house the compressors for a Dive Boat!

*The rear deck is a good size and is ideal for chilling out or BBQ’s!

*The upper deck has acres of space – you hold a full blown party up there with no problems!

Since we have owned the boat we have:

*Had an out-of water survey plus cleaned the hull & prop,fitted new anodes and re-painted the hull.
The hull is due for cleaning and painting again so the new owner will have to undertake this task.

*Removed all fishing gear / winches / hydraulics / Cranes / Redundant pumps & metalwork etc etc (approx 32 tons in all!) – a huge task in itself!

*Completely stripped the interior.

*Completely re-wired for 240v incl new consumer unit etc.

*Fitted 2 new 1000 litre water tanks plus a new pressurised water system. There is a seperate filter tap on the Galley sink for drinking water.

*Constructed sturdy partitions for the cabins and lined walls & ceilings with Xtratherm insulation boards.

*Stripped out the hold,removed freezer pipes, renewed the floor & fitted a new wooden staircase.

*Fitted 6 large heavy duty Aluminium portholes with Deadlights (hinged covers) – there are another 5 smaller Bronze portholes ready to fit.

*Fitted 2 identical glazed UPVC doors – one to the lounge and one to the galley.

*Had a new extra wide Aluminium Gangplank made (£1500!) which is 20ft in length but can be split in two in case you only need a small one.

*There is a pot bellied stove fitted but we recently bought a lovely woodburner with a backboiler that will provide central heating and hot water for the whole boat.Also supplied are some radiators including a large towel rad.

You really need to come and view the boat (By appointment only!!) to appreciate the potential in this vessel.

If you’ve dreamed about this kind of life I can’t recommend it enough but it’s not for everyone!
I am without doubt going to be utterly and totally gutted to part with her but that’s just how it goes – sometimes life really sucks!

I have kept a photographic record of the progress so far so there a many to look at should you come and have a look at ‘Andromeda’ or go to http://andromeda.myphotoalbum.com where you can see the pics from day one to present day – though there are more up to date pics to be added shortly of the utility room and washroom/toilet etc.

Just as a footnote:
‘Andromeda’ was recently featured on Peter Kay’s spoof ‘X’ factor show – ‘Britain’s got the eXtra Pop factor’ in 2008 which was the follow up show to the one he did earlier in the year. She had the name ’Longhorn’ painted on her bow for the show and we haven’t got around to painting it out yet. So,she is kind of famous – you can check her out if you see the show!

I have probably missed loads of stuff out so if you need any further info just email me or give me a ring on 07760 – 328951.

Cheers,
Greg. 🙂

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