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Really, just dig up a mate and hire a boat for a week. That would give you the basics of handling it, which is easy enough. What matters is how well you can cope when things go wrong or your health fails. I got stuck immobile for a fortnight when my back went, and without the support of friends I'd have been in trouble. RCR are ok for most engine problems but not any domestic appliance failure. Can you do regular maintenance, including painting, or can you afford to pay for it (assuming you can find anyone)? Are you fit enough to lift a heavy weed hatch from an awkward place, heave gas bottles about and replace batteries? And, if you've live so long in Ireland, how would you cope being on your own in a different country?

Thanks for the comments. Not confused, but yes I am referring to something analogous to the health district locations. Obviously I don’t have one of those but just the bald number is not aesthetically pleasing so I am inclined to put something in front of it, hence was thinking of adding the issuing authority in the same fashion. I was looking to refer back to the original issuing authority, which it appears was still styled British Waterways Board on the date in question. Alec

I would guess that performance can be improved by making them as thin (top to bottom) as possible and probably insulating on top. The settling issue suggests that a removable plate bolted on the top would be advisable, with a drain fitting on so that the system can be drained below the level of the tank first and then emptied to remove the sludge, rather like cleaning out the crank case of a Kelvin. Alec

All in one piece and not even a wooden handle. My plan is to install a tube so I can detach it when not cruising

Is this any help, it has a date on it

So are you saying the swan neck and tiller are all in one piece ending in a wooden handle and not a removable brass tube?