Boat Share | Mandarin

Mandarin is an extremely well appointed and lovingly maintained 65ft semi-traditional narrow boat built by Alvechurch Boat Centre in 1993 to an exceedingly high specification. The hull is of 15/6mm steel and the superstructure of 4mm steel. The engine is an Beta four-cylinder 42hp diesel (refubished fitted 2020) with closed circuit cooling system. As well as doors from the spacious bow and stern decks, there is a useful entrance in the port side amidships.

The interior is light and airy, finished in ash T&G panelling. The windows are of stylish rounded 'top hopper' design with lined curtains. The boat is insulated and centrally heated throughout by a diesel-fired boiler fitted in 2016. Hot water is from a calorifier heated by the engine, boiler or an immersion heater which may be used where a landline mains supply is available. The solid fuel stove, renewed in 2017, in the forward cabin makes a delightfully cosy environment on chilly evenings.

The boat is conveniently wired for 240V AC electricity derived either from an onboard Sterling inverter or from a landline where available. 12 volts DC and USB charging sockets are also available.

The syndicate policy is to renew items which become outdated thus keeping the facilities at a high standard and maintaining the value of members' investment.

Mandarin can comfortably sleep up to six people. The double bed has a sumptuous, interior sprung mattress and the two fixed single berths are of comfortable high quality foam. The lounge/dining area has a flexible arrangement; two armchairs convert to single beds. The dining chairs are stored within the folding dining table that can either be used in the forward cabin, on the fore deck or set up on the towpath! Two comfortable folding occasional chairs complete the seating.

The spacious bathroom has a step in shower/hipbath with integral seat and thermostatic shower, a hand basin and Microphor flush toilet with remote holding tank.

In the galley area is a 1½-bowl sink and drainer, tiled worktop, an electric refrigerator and a modern four-ring gas hob and cooker. There is a full complement of crockery.

There are ample storage cupboards throughout the boat. The comfortable, high quality floor coverings were completely renewed in 2019.

The syndicate is entirely private and non profit making. It has run since 1993 when Mandarin was built. Each member owns a share in the boat until such time as they choose to sell. The monthly maintenance payments are set at a level which budgets for all regular servicing and repairs and for repainting above the waterline every six years and engine replacement every ten years.

All members sign a comprehensive syndicate agreement on joining. An Annual General Meeting is held out of season at a hotel over a weekend when a Chairman, Secretary, Engineer, Treasurer and Bookings Secretary are elected and the formal business of the Syndicate is agreed for the following cruising season. This is also a great social event, meeting up with fellow owners who otherwise might meet only at handovers.

Cruising allocations are flexible, requested in advance of, and finally agreed at, the AGM. Additional use of Mandarin is generally available outside the season for a nominal sum subject to maintenance requirements. Each member is entitled to nominate up to two Associate Members who may use part of their allocation but with some restrictions.

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