LadyG

I dont mind people using the Services if they are donating to the CRT, but I dont think it occurs to them that these facilities cost money and they are not public facilities.

I suppose that is why stealth camping is so popular. I think people convert vans and make them look like trade vehicles. I believe new campervans are an arm and a leg, so one expects the purchaser knows the ongoing cost. Of course they only need buy a BW key and then use our facilities for nothing. Like the six cycle touring people i challenged.

I always stay fairly near the Services when water resources are likely to be restricted, top up water regularly, use bottled drinking water if there is a heatwave. Many casette users have spares.

Depends on what you want the boat for and your price band. I chose a boat from a good builder. It is 57ft NB suited to liveaboard as it has a solid fuel stove and a Webasto with rads. Isuzu engine, others are just as reliable. I now have more time and more knowledge. I'd still swerve a rust bucket project type. I was OK to paint inside and out, say £3K, allowing for time in marina to get everything sorted. I'm happy with windows and portholes and foam insulation. Cool in summer, privacy enhanced. Dont be afraid to look in cupboards, engjne hole, battery wiring, any wiring, plumbing,

Fully comp insurance usually a grey area after 25 or 30 years, some companies ask for a survey at 30 years. The insurance policy is a contract, you have to keep the boat in good condition. There is some risk in any transaction, if the boat has evidence of good maintenance and the owner shows you evidence of ownership for a good while, and is knowedgeable of the boat the risk is less.

No way always the cheapest, some are very posh with several bedrooms, big variation. Ive only used one, location being critical. It was very basic.

Yes, shoreline will provide a limited amount of power, but one has to make users aware of limitations before they ring you at 11.00 pm to ask for advice

Im wondering if its one of those glass fibre orange things originally designed for launching from oil rigs, with a small engine and seating for 12.. Ive seen some that have been camouflaged, and some that have seen better days. Ive never seen one moving!

Difficult to advise. You dont mention which marina .... I would talk to the surveyor and ask him if it is OK for me to be there, after all you are paying his wages, and he should be very informative. He may know the boat, its not unknown Im assuming this is a steel boat and the marina will take it out, at your expence. If you are ready to transfer a deposit, this is an opportunity to have it power washed, maybe blacked (assuming its not been epoxied), if you decide to buy it there and then Before the survey you need to discuss what is to be surveyed, if you are not familiar with these boats you may need a detailed inspection. Youve already paid a deposit, so make sure you are at least getting what was described!

1 ) Enhanced safety on the BSC. 2) I doubt if all/any marinas will allow airBnB. 3) Insurance must be made aware of all the relevant facts. I am always very doubtful that money can be made from this tyoe of enterprise, it sounds very similar to folks who buy a salt water boat in the hope that their costs will be covered by the charter and provide them with a free holiday. If owner has you to do the fitout, my first port of call would be a Gas Safe Boat examiner, (and probably advise having a survey done by him if that has not been carried out already) before you do anything major. If its nearly finished you can check the BSC documentation before finding your G S B examiner ( Im assuming its got gas).

Try a soft toothbrush and a torch. Keep the area clean using a dustbuster vacuum if necessary. Pipecleaners may be used to clear the jets, but are not always readily available.