loubyscooby

I sold my house and bought a brand new widebeam because that suited me. I had boating experience, my ex had a narrow boat so was used to that but I really am not a DIY'er so a new build was best. My knowledge has improved vastly regarding how the boat works, I may still be trying to grasp electrics and battery's but I do find out so much from the forum and books. I would only like to give 2 bits of advice really. Firstly you must love the idea of boating (having no experience of narrowboats as you put in your post is a bit of a worry, try it first) The reason for this is that it is a different way of life. You will need to think about filling her with water each week, getting coal/logs to the boat. Emptying the loo. Weekly check lists to ensure things are still OK.These are just a few things-you need to always think ahead and watch the weather. Secondly think about where you want to be moored (I wanted to have the security of a marina) and where you can take the boat if you go out. Look around both narrow and wide beams, see how you and your belongings could fit in, bear in mind you will seriously need to downsize those belongings. Chat to owners and then make a decision with your heart and head. I love this new life and have not regretted it. My boat choice may not suit boating purists, I may be restricted to certain canals and yes I love all my electric guzzling necessities ie hair straighteners and big TV but for me it is perfect. Good luck Louise

Congratulations, a lovely looking boat and great when a dream comes true

Hi Lanners PM me if you want but overall pleased

I don't think its mad as I'm not a purist but I just went with a cream painted ceiling and oak walls and then bought all the "modern"look in with the furnishings. If the "Ikea" style is what you prefer go for it as its your home. Trying to get the wood lighter would IMO take ages especially on T&G panelling. Good luck Louise

I have had similar problems but only when I havae my laptop on and connected to tinternet.... don't know if that means anything Louise

I think this is the link, hope it works. It looks a lovely boat www.venetianmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/2265.aspx Good luck Louise

I'm with the get 2 bedrooms brigade. I live on my own but do have step grandkids, my kids or mates stay over and the fact that there is a seperate space is ideal. The grandkids have left stuff here so that they feel its their room - I do admit to hiding it when others stay though as I think they would be amused by the Pepper Pig collection.

Julynian Yes I too was given the run around by Sky with them all saying it wasn't possible. Luckily I spoke to a guy in the technical department not sales who explained it all. The secondhand contract means they just supply the card and/or any subscription you want so you can continue to enjoy F1 still. You can get the card and then add extra packages at a later date but that just means you pay the extra £25 as the card comes free if you add an extra package or you can use the one you have. Louise

I have just bought a brand new suitcase type sat dish from preloved for £25 - comes with sat finder and all the bits. I have spoken to Sky and after getting the run around I have been told to ask for a second hand subscription. This means you have the dish and sat receiver so just want the card. The card costs £25 (as a one off or for 3 years they said) which will get you Sky 1 etc or you can subscribe to a package (you dont need a phone line) which means no one off payment but obviously its the cost of which ever programmes you want to include. I have done the movies for about £40 and then got a magic eye for the bedroom TV. Hope that helps Louise

How exciting.. Have a great time and enjoy your trip.

I need to be prepared. Since getting my boat (8 mths ago) I haven't lit a fire yet so still have a virgin squirrel, plan to hopefully recify this this weekend if the weather is good enough to light it and have all windows and doors open. Must say though I'm not cold yet .....

I would say fit them across the boat to make it wider. However on my exes boat we bought laminate flooring called zebrano from B&Q and fitted them at a 45 deg angle. It looked gorgeous, made the space seem bigger and was a feature that everyone commented on. Good luck with your decision.

I believe I'm in your old mooring Martin....

Oh I feel your pain, Mercia wind is something to contend with. Im lucky in a way as I has a WB so don't have a boat next to me when mooring up. Everyone here is so friendly so why don't you ask someone near you to come on board and offer some advise as you do it, that's what I did. I also spent an afternoon going in and out of my mooring to see how the boat handled and what I needed to do. I have got so used to taking my boat out in the most appalling conditions - taking advantage of people who are around to help take her to the PO - that I recently almost went into panic mode when I went out and there was little wind to help. My only bit of advice is practise, practise, practise and buy a bottle of vino for your neighbours.

Poor Tom, good job you saw him - Dream Chaser always seems to have a load of visitors Robbo, excellent idea, why did I not think of that Second numpty thing today and both on the same blooming thread!!

Hi Star Look here www.cvmarine.co.uk/special_offers/more_details.php?id=106 they have them and on sale at just under £150 or www.rhinoinstalls.co.uk/motorhome_top_rear_boxes.htm but these are a bit pricey and these do them too toy your exact specifications and they can be locked for safety www.driftwoodnarrowboats.co.uk Good luck Louise

Do you know I kept looking at the pic of your boat and thinking I've seen that somewhere - yes a few boats away from mine !!! What a numpty !!! George doesn't mind a cat but he is heavy to pick up and its funny as Harvey the dog walker will always say - cat on the pier today LOL Davidss - great idea, have lost a couple of maps over the side in strong winds so will definately bear that in mind

Sarah & Ian Im at Mercia so could just pull up by Midland Swindlers and throw it on the top and will defo be looking at getting it if they have a BH sale (esp as we get 7% off as moorers) Cheshire Rose I need to light the fire first as Ive never used it Haha but then logs will be on the top too Louise

Thanks for the comments... I do need to get 2 centre ropes so thanks Dekazer Mac - not brave enough to think of doing it single handed yet ( did have 2 yrs experience on a 54ft NB with my ex but now got a 60ft WB). I need to google to find out where the best place is to get a pole Richard - love it that items have a dual purpose Sueb I will get a life ring but hope never to use it Thanks again Louise

Since living on my boat I have been out on the cut a few times but have not gone far. I hope to go out further in October (providing I can find a crew) so need to buy some of the essentials that will be kept on the roof. Apart from a pole, a boat hook and a plank do I need to get anything else? Also looking at some previous threads regarding poles I take it that you should have it longer than 12ft and not made of pine - is that right ? It may be a silly question so for that I apologise before hand Louise

Always best to sleep on a boat with one arm dangling out of the bed. Then if the boat is sinking while you sleep, you get an early warning. A wet hand definitely wakes you up. I thought that made you wee

I saw you set off this morning.... Think I walked past you guys on the pier too whilst you were just getting everything ready for the off. If I'm right, I'm moored further on past the little island so feel free to drop in for a coffee. Hope your first trip was all you wanted and more

Well I never. I too didnt realise you could get something like this. So now for another silly question - do you just need 1. On my weekly checks I look at the inspection bit I have where you could see water if there was a leak (very technical explaination I know - forgive a learning newbie) so it that where I would place it ?

Well I forgot to update this and report the solution to the problem. Two guys came from the boat yard and after working on it and emptying and filling the tank 3 times they realised the problem and set about fixing it. It was a very complicated procedure................. they turned the thermostat down 5 degrees as it was overheating !!! Allan, Gibbo and Ray you were all right so thank you I bet they wish they had thought of that before replacing the heating element twice. Happy to report no problems since.