Jenny Wren is our 15th serial hybrid narrowboat and is the latest high-tech semi-cruiser 58’6” narrowboat to join the Ortomarine family.
Whilst the electric motor which powers Jenny Wren’s propulsion is in line with our other recent builds (Engiro 12kW nominal, with 18kW peak), the generator and battery bank are both larger than previously fitted. The generator is a variable speed Fischer Panda PVMV-N 10000i (keel cooled) and the battery bank comprises 5 x 200Ahr LiFePO4 batteries giving a total of 1,000Ahr (48kWh). The waste heat from the generator heats the hot water, in addition to the electric element built into the calorifier, which is also used for solar dumping. There is a large Victron Quattro 10kVA inverter allowing a higher charging rate from the generator, meaning that the generator can recharge the large battery bank quickly and efficiently. The solar array on the roof is made up of 12 x 200W semi-flexible panels, giving a total of 2.4kW.
Everything on the boat is monitored by our Ortomate system, which is accessible via a large 10” colour touchscreen display at the aft of the boat, and also via the customers’ mobile phones/tablets/PCs.
The owners, John & Sarah, have spent many holidays on hire boats – including hiring Ollie Owl last year, so they are experienced boaters with the advantage of having used our Ortomate System before – which has vastly more functionality on our private boats than either Ollie or Arthur Owl.
The interior is one of our most popular reverse-layout designs, with a decent sized galley, our versatile duplex dinette, a large Sofabed Barn sofabed, walk-through bathroom and bedroom at the bow. There are a few design features to note – firstly the steps into the cabin from the stern deck. These feature slightly deeper treads which provide a more “dog-friendly” access to the boat for Bracken and Teasel, the 2 Cockapoos who now call Jenny Wren their new home. Other dog-friendly touches include an outside tap in one of the stern lockers for hosing down dirty dogs, dog lead anchoring points in the stern deck area, and a Perspex screen insert for the stern cabin doors so that the dogs can be kept inside, but still see John & Sarah outside on the stern deck (and vice versa!)
A striking feature of the galley is the beautiful Silestone Quartz worktop (Parisien Blue) complete with drainer grooves and 1.5 bowl granite sink. There is a Qettle boiling water tap which also provides filtered cold water. There is a compact washing machine next to the sink, and a large airing cupboard at the aft of the boat. There is a 2 zone induction hob (with bridging feature for larger pans), a full size multifunction oven, a microwave and an undercounter larder fridge.
There are double glazed side hatches on both sides of the cabin, centred over the tables for the duplex dinette.
The bathroom door features a stunning fused-glass country scene, designed by Kathryn Webley (https://pod4art.com/), and includes the boat’s namesake – a Jenny Wren.
The bathroom is fitted with a large rectangular shower with an Onyx Crystal shower panel, a corner vanity unit, a cassette toilet, and a bespoke cupboard with an angled laundry basket.
Storage in the bedroom is plentiful, with a double wardrobe offering shelves and a hanging rail, a chest of drawers, over-bed cupboard, and generous under-bed storage beneath the full-size 4’6″ double bed, complete with a gas-strut side lift and padded headboard.
As with all of our new boats, the fuel tank was filled with HVO at launch, which contributes to our boats starting out as environmentally friendly as possible – we are hoping that HVO will become more widely available on the canal network in time
