Today’s outing to the Crick Boat show started badly. Horrific traffic on the M1 followed by an ominously purple sky turning the field into a mud bath. After a trip to the real ale rent things were looking up.

I don’t have the same taste in interiors or exteriors as most of the boat designers there and, if I am honest, didn’t love the fitted wood work or panelling. That said, what it did show me was how spacious a boat with similar dimensions to Betty can feel. And, while I wasn’t a fan of the finishes chosen, how space saving tricks can be used to good effect.

TO REMEMBER: roof lights, shutters and sliding doors.
TO FORGET: built in bedside tables and acres if glossy woodwork