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Martin can start an argument with himself in a phonebox. It's one of the reasons why he got a lifetime ban from this site. Setting up a new account seems to have fooled the mods though, so he's back and back at his old tricks. He assures us it's not the drinking though, so we can only conclude he's just nasty.

Thanks, Richard - it is setting my mind more at ease to hear everyone's feedback. The batteries were cronked, so the surveyor said to get the owners to replace them; then there were a few other things that need seeing to (eg the water tank could do with draining, scraping & repainting, hinges on the water tank cover replacing, and a few other bits and bobs, but I don't think anything serious). The house is sold, contracts exchanged, and I'm moving out on Monday. It's the right decision for me, though, at this point in time.

Just a suggestion folks but I always try to buy from fuel boats when out and about. Lets keep em in a job eh.

Given that your worry about the Hull thickness is unfounded, and you had no other issues with the survey, my suggestion is to get it bought Presumably the rest of the survey is fine. From the advert, and from what you have said, It looks like a lovely boat, and you have already discovered that they are selling fast for lots of money. You might not get another chance to buy such a nice boat. In terms of the money, each year you live on it you will have saved about £6000 or more in rent.

Or relatively happy with the way things are, warts and all? Let's face it, we are talking about the maintenance of structures in excess of 200 years old and the country is not awash with money at the moment, nor is it likely to be in the foreseeable future. I for one am just glad that we have canals to boat on. Haggis

I find this is getting more common, with some having 2 lights at the front!! Like you, I struggle with the oncoming boat, using umbrella or hat visor to protect eyes. I have now started to keep a large LED work light at the back with me, if I really struggle, I direct it at the other boat and turn it on just before the boats meet.....usually to shouts and complaints as they lose their vision. As we pass, I explain that I have had just that for the whole duration of them coming towards me.

In your opinion, what are the differences between 'leisure batteries' and 'starter batteries' ? What is the definition of 'Deep cycle batteries', ?

Looks great! I think the price is a little high but not unreasonable given the market which as you say is very hot. Perhaps try to negotiate it down on the basis of the steel, if you're not too late in the negotiation process for that. The water tank capacity stuck out for me too, mine is 3x the size and I still find it frustratingly small - I've been contemplating a bigger tank since I got the boat. Perhaps that's something you can add. That will change if you are living aboard a boat don't tell yourself that you aren't practical. Practical skills are like any other - it's just a case of having the confidence and gumption to give a task a try, be willing to learn and most importantly be willing to muck it up. And there's a whole forum of people here who are extremely helpful and will give you guidance when you need practical advice - I knew nothing about boats when I joined the forum and despite one or two good natured jibes everyone has taught me so much. There are plenty of great resources out there, and you can even do a course in the basics. I say go for it and enjoy her.

Ha ha no I bought it to stretch which is why I knocked the price down from 76k to 48.5k! 50 get your facts right! All the papers said 65 hp and their is no visual difference in them! Still I sold it as a 50 hp and got 2.5k for it, the new owner is well pleased in France with it

No, I don't agree with tipping. - There's a lot of people who work equally as hard who do not or cannot receive tips. Whether it be someone on a supermarket checkout or a nurse. If they want more money they should put their prices up, or if they feel they don't get paid enough, perhaps find another employer!

I've been looking at buying a boat for the last couple of months in this size range. I think it looks good. It may have 6/5 hull, but crucially it still has nearly all this thickness remaining which is good. Remember there are lots of 6/5/5 aluminium Sea Otters about that get by just fine, and aluminium isn't as strong as steel, so your boat will be more than up to the job. It's got a good modern engine and Victron inverter + solar. Most boats this age are not as well equipped as that. I wouldn't advise pulling out......it could take you 6 months to find a similar boat. Added to that the current market is boat sales (especially in the 40-45ft range) is crazy. Good boats come on with the major brokers and people put the deposit down on the phone without viewing.......usually within an hour or 2 of it going on the market!

An article from Fluvial, 2001, with the tunnel horse tug.

I think you can safely say (almost) all iron and steel working narrow boats were built with thinner plating. The Big Woolwich boats for example had 5/16 in (8mm) plating.