Nuggler was a custom build in 2002 by Braidbar Boats and is based on a Tim Tyler shell. We chose Braidbar because at the 2001 Crick show, they were exhibiting the boat which came closest to our pre-conceived idea of what we were looking for and because we very quickly established a good rapport with the owners of this family run boatyard. We were persuaded against some ideas of ours which were frankly ignorant - we had only hired for two seasons previously - and are pleased we were encouraged to go for the more expensive hydraulic bow thruster option. From the craftsmanship we had seen in the exhibited boat and on visiting the yard to see boats under construction we knew that the year long wait we would have for our boat would be worthwhile.
We have been and continue to be very happy with our boat, but inevitably there have been a few problems and we have added a few things.
Problems
After the first half year, it became evident that having struggled with battery capacity all summer, one battery was duff. Braidbar reimbursed me for this without any fuss, but I decided to replace the whole set with 4 Elecsol 125AH batteries and to install a Sterling alternator controller together with a Cruz Pro battery monitor (AH/Volts/Amps). This has proved highly effective and together with the roof mounted walk-on solar panel keeps the batteries in good condition. An additional solar panel installed last year almost provides enough power to keep the fridge freezer going on sunny days. The Elecsols lasted nearly 5 years. (A later set did not last more than two seasons before needing replacement)
The rack & pinion front door bolt failed and it has been replaced with a more reliable mechanism.
Improvements apart from above, a boat alarm has been fitted., and a water tank gauge. We now also have smoke, gas and carbon monoxide alarms added. The latter has woken us in the night due to inadequately set up solid fuel stove, so was very worthwhile. It subsequently transpired that there was a leak at the rear of the stove from a badly secured blanked off flue exit.
A maintenance log has been kept recently and gives a good idea of what goes on in much more detail.