07/12/2025
Hi All,
Apologies its been a while since we have updated you with Emu's refit progress, here's a wee round up and some photos of the following;
-engine room upgrade, ( including fuel tank repositioning)
-Summer at Cian Loch.
-Domestic Battery bank Gold standard upgrade.
-Victron Solar Array Installation.
-Emu's HI-AB, which is our MOB recovery system and Tender lift.
-installation of forward and aft heads, walls and doors, bath and bath plumbing
The winter of 2024 was all about getting Emu back together after 4 & 1/2 months of the vessel being out of the water, in the big shed at Mallaig boatyard (Corpach). We spent the time finishing off jobs started at the slip, paying some big bills, and giving ourselves a bit of time with family and time to recover physically, and mentally from an exhausting year.
2025 was intended to be our year of financial recovery after the boatyard, after taking almost all of the previous year off work to slip emu, as expected this hit our bank balances hard, and meant certain jobs were achievable and certain jobs have been put on hold for now, however we have achieved huge progress on lots of jobs including requirements for getting the vessel coded and therefor being able to start up Emu Cruises as a company and potentially bringing us a wee bit closer to being able to start to trade.
It's the norm for those who work as a Mariner or Seafarer to experience both periods of no financial income and to also experience lots of time away at work , as is the nature of the job. So we are used too having to be flexible and creative with our finances and time, so as to keep the project progressing.
SO a bit of a curveball year but onwards and upwards, Emu is now located at Banavie for the Winter with the intention of internal refit progression,
We aim to achieve,
- Wheelhouse full Insulation and panneling, all wheelhouse wiring, finish the dashboard, window scooshers, windscreen wipers, windscreen blowers, wheelhouse seating and deck
- Battoning both the forward and Aft Saloons frames, and coachroof ready for MCA approved Closed cell foam spray insulation. (Hopefully in march).
-Lots of plumbing including Installation of a hot water system! (including heated towel rails). Can't wait.
- Winter maintenance on both our Tenders.
-wiring and lighting.
- Continuation of Coding jobs ( Not many left to do)..
Some jobs such as getting our new Onan Generator plumbed in, up and running and fully installed will now have to wait until later in 2026 due to finances, which for us is rather frustrating but reflects the reality of our current position. It currently requires a good few thousand pounds in parts and labour to finish its installation. Also one or two other expensive jobs also on back burner for now.
Once again thank you to all our followers for continued moral support and general interest in our efforts to get Emu refitted so as to eventually become both our home and our business. we REALLY appreciate the support and apologies for such a length of time between posts.
All the best and thank you for following Emu Cruises .
Dave and Lucy
