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Windfola

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Posts posted by Windfola

  2. Ex-hire boat purchase.

    in Living Afloat

    Posted · Edited by Windfola

    On the down side as a liveaboard they have too many large windows

     

    I rather like the idea of bigger windows, mainly because I like lots of light. Is the objection because of security, or something else?

     

    Oh and your endorsement sounds encouraging, MrSmelly. B)

  3. Ex-hire boat purchase.

    in Living Afloat

    Posted · Edited by Windfola

    Thanks all - that's helpful. I have checked out Black Prince and they have a yard near me, so may try and visit tomorrow. I'll see if I can find the other two companies you mention too.

     

    I popped over to Heyford this afternoon and saw round a 57 footer. The salesman showed me what adaptations they would include in the price (removal of excess bunks, bathrooms and giving a bigger, open plan saloon). They will even repaint the outside in a colour of my choice, with the new name as well, all included for £60,000.

     

    However the inverter is just 800kw. There is Eberspacher heating and a Surecal calorifier and they will also add a Morso stove and LED lighting. Other adaptations would be at extra cost.The engine is an Isuzu. However when I asked about trying one out on the cut for an hour, he said 'why would you want to do that?' and said no one ever does that because 'what you see is what you get'.

     

    The other thing I am wondering is what else might not be included that I would need for a liveaboard?

     

    Does it seem like good value for a 3/4 year old boat?

  4. Ex-hire boat purchase.

    in Living Afloat

    Posted

    I live close to Oxfordshire Narrowboats, who regularly convert their ex-hire boats to sell on. I've been to have a look and they seem nicely fitted out (haven't seen one converted for private use yet, but plan to if I can). They say they will remove the extra births as needed and make an open plan area if requested as part of the sale price.

     

    They are mostly Colecraft built boats. They say they are serviced weekly and blacked as needed, and will re-paint the hull in your chosen colours to remove the 'hireboat' image.

     

    Has anyone bought an ex-hire boat before? How do they compare to any other second hand boat? Also how do Colecraft boats rate in general?

  6. Inconsiderate boaters

    in General Boating

    Posted

    All I can say is, being a potential 'twit,' that I would rather be educated nicely than shouted and sworn at. How am I supposed to get better at boating if I am continually stressed out and embarrassed?

     

    I think I might invest in some 'L' Plates and a sign saying 'Please be patient. I'm a beginner' written on it. :captain:

  8. Experience/practice needed.

    in Crew Swap

    Posted

    I'd suggest getting in touch with the owners of Indigo Dream, who have a blog here, and you could message them through that. I know that with the combination of boating and greyhounds, you'll have a lot in common with Sue and Richard.

     

    Already done that and had a brilliant day out last week. And more to come in May too.

     

    Have you thought about taking a boat handling course - ???

     

    We were made aware of top lock training on here. I was going to get Jan a course as an Xmas pressie in advance of us buying our own boat but decided against it after deciding to wait to see how we got on. I felt confident enough, Jan less so.

     

    We have in the end done just fine but I suspect being self taught a few bad habits have crept in, a proper course could probably have avoided this.

     

    That's on my list too, MJG, but thanks for the point about learning bad habits. It is certainly true of car driving, so boats are no doubt the same.

     

    We are doing the Black Country Ring in October but the boat only sleeps 2 so would only have to be for a day as we could not put you up over night.

    But you are more than welcome to join us for a day, think Rose could do with some help on the locks lol.

     

    Edited to add

     

    pm us if interested

     

    Thanks that sounds great. I'll be in touch.

  10. Experience/practice needed.

    in Crew Swap

    Posted

    Hi there

     

    Single female, mid forties only five foot and not very athletic or fit (good start eh?) seeks loads of practice at crewing and steering while trying to arrange boat purchase for permanent liveaboard. My aim for the summer is to improve my strength and stamina.

     

    I am based in North Oxfordshire and have had a bit of experience crewing/steering narrow boats and past experience with cruisers (Thames, Broads, Ireland and west coast Scotland) but need a LOT more. :help:

     

    So I am looking for days out or even longer trips on narrowboats of all kinds to extend my (limited) knowledge and help my research.

     

    If possible I would love to bring my elderly greyhound along (he is in need of experience too!), although this is not crucial. See greyhounds and boating for more info.

     

    I am not working at the moment so can do weekdays or weekends.

     

    I am happy to travel at least an hours drive from Banbury - more if overnighting on board. Gender not important, but preferably no ax-murderers! And I am not looking for romance.

     

    Do please pm me. :rolleyes:

  11. Cheapest heating in the long run for liveaboards.

    in Living Afloat

    Posted

    Someone mentioned Rayburns - just wondered if they do a small boat stove with oven and back boiler? Like you get in kitchens?

     

    Found this:

     

    My link

     

    Does anyone think it could be used on a boat for cooking, heating and boiler?

     

    Or would it be hopelessly too hot in summer? (common problem with ranges in houses). How about doubling it up with a gas cooker for winter use, and fuel saving?

  13. No More Nails

    in General Boating

    Posted

    I once used no nails to fix a heavy brass hook to some brickwork that was impervious to hammer drills. That was ten years ago. Admitted it only has to support tea towels, but I have tried hanging off it a few times and it is definitely not going anywhere.

  17. Liveaboard research

    in Living Afloat

    Posted

    Well personally I am a newbie/would be liveaboard and I am grateful for all the information I can get. I may or may not choose to follow the advice of others but without informations and opinions (from whatever source), how on earth is anyone new to boating to make informed decisions? We are intelligent adults and more than capable of sifting out the good from the bad as we gain experience.

     

    And why slag off well meaning offers of help?

  18. Greyhounds and boating

    in Living Afloat

    Posted

    An update:

     

    Yesterday, my brindle greyhound, Beren, had a brilliant day out on a boat with 5 other greyhounds and 2 cocker spaniels. He was totally laid back about it all. Richard and Sue's boat is kitted out perfectly for greyhounds and I now have lots of tips about how to make a boat more greyhound friendly (enclosed cruiser stern, shallower grippier steps, grippy deck coverings and so on).

     

    Thank-you, thank-you Richard and Sue! :cheers:

  19. The basics for living aboard full time

    in Living Afloat

    Posted

    Well, I just want to update.

     

    I had a fantastic day out yesterday boating with some lovely folk who use this message board. I learned a lot (and learned that I have a unending supply of stuff yet to learn). Principally I know know a lot more than I did about invertors, calorifiers, the merits or otherwise of pump out loos and the importance of a fit out that suits my needs. I feel a lot more confident about what to do next (helmsman certificate, single handed boating, more crewing experience, and more and more and more research!

     

    This forum is a wonderful place.

  25. Boat Rage

    in General Boating

    Posted

    You lucky bar steward.

     

    I assume you are a regular at the Pear Tree, and probably a drinking mate of Dave Pegg & Co (aka Fairport).

     

    tone

     

     

    Actually I am not a great drinker, though I know the Pear Tree well! And Fairport are brill...

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