loubyscooby

Firstly thank you all for your comments and advice. I will get the regulator as I don't want to be messing about changing a regulator overI'd rather flick a switch and I will also take the advice about getting a professional to put it in as looking at the way Julynian has it set up I would need something for the valve to be attached too. I too have a wide beam so can easily fit 2 in and thanks to reading this know alittle more about gas bottles and the like. Thanks again to you all for taking the time to help me out

Hi, at present I have 1 gas bottle stored in the gas locker. I would like to have a second and then attach together with the ability to switch from one to the other when needed and have a valve that shows how much gas is left in the bottles.I am a little nervous when it comes to gas but think that this www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/gas/gas_regulators/Change_Over_Gas_Regulators.aspx is what I need. They do have ones with various bar pressures so how do I know which one to get? My second question is how easy is it for a novice to fit ? I would appreciate any advice given and any suggestions if you think another product would be better. Thanks, Louise

When I bought my boat after seeing it at the shell stage it already had the tube fitted. Going around discussing the individual choices I could add I did decide I wanted a BT as I had been used to a NB before as part of a couple but was now having a WB as a singleton so thought it would be a help . Luckily the extras inc the BT were at such a ridiculously good price I couldn't not have it fitted. I like the thought that its there however in 7 mths I have used it once (some neighbours who moved my boat recently used it to the point on exhaustion) I have been lucky though as a neighbour has helped me work out other ways of getting out of trouble or dealing with tricky situations by using the wind, taking advantage of rings and bollards by using ropes etc - things that I had never thought of before. I agree that if I'm out with non boaters getting used to a much bigger boat, on part of a canal I wasn't familiar with, giving orders to the crew etc it has given me more confidence (even though I haven't relied on it) Having said that I would prefer the larger living space but would have the tube so you could retro fit if you wanted to. BTW I would haggle with your boat builder as I paid a 1/4 of the cost in their price list.

Good point about the trees, forgot to mention that. Kev & Sue, you are correct I am at Mercia. Yes get in touch when you get here. Have a good trip. Louise

Firstly congratulations and have a good trip. First stop The Bridge at Branston. You can moor up by the pub and its lovely. Little word of warning the tow path comes out quite far under the bridge so take it slowly. At Alrewas the pubs are good but I'd suggest walking down the main road to the chipy as the fish is lovely and the portions are massive (its next to the CO-OP) I do like the Swan at Fradley and have never been disappointed. I have done this trip many times and its lovely but if the cut is busy be prepared for a few delays at the locks. happy trip though

I can't wait to see the loft extension and patio......

Now this is funny...

Unbelieveable picture.... sorry to hear the boat was damaged but luckily neither of you were hurt. If the JCB driver was uninsured, does whoever he was doing work for have insurance? Can't quite figure out how it happened tho. Its a shame they wont cough up for accomodation as that seems so unfair but I hope the repairs don't over run in that case. Good luck

The thing that really surprised me was that after numerous years of getting other people (ex-husband/ex-boyfriend or tradesmen) to do jobs, I have found that I like to find out how things work and am happy doing DIY with the added bonus that I'm not too bad at it. There are a huge number of things I don't know but I am loving learning about it. Friends who have boats had said not to worry as they would come and do stuff if I needed and are surprised that I want to do it all - yes I've been pampered but changing now. Funniest things said to me when people knew I was moving afloat was a) How many times/trips does it take to fill the boat up with the petrol can?? b)Wont you get a bad back bending all the time as the boats I've seen only come to here - as he pointed to his shoulder !! c)After explaining to someone that living in a marina meant that I had a permanent mooring space, a bit like a car park space with my name on it so no one else would "park" in my spot, she said "Well just in case, why don't you just park your car there when you take the boat out" !! It has been these "gems" that have probably most surprised me and made me question some of my friends common sense....

Thank you to everyone for your help. I am having someone look at it this week so will keep you posted.

When I find the answer I will let you know, in the meantime thanks anyway.

Sorry lads but the engine hasn't been run. In a marina, hooked up and not even had the CH on....... The mystery continues

Hi Allan The tank is vertical but I'm not sure where the hot water comes out from - The top I think. Gibbo The whole thing was replaced with the thermostat and cut off already wired How would I know if I have air in the tank and if there is, how do I bleed it ? BTW, thanks for your help

Sorry Ray.... There is a cut off apparently and when the original heater needed "rebooting" for a better word you had to isolate the heater from the mains supply (just turned off all power to the boat) then remove the terminal cover and there is a small black button that you pushed to manually reset the master thermostat. This then worked until it stopped again. Im not sure about the circuit breaker, tbh I know little about the electrics but I can ask that question and see if thats the issue.

Can anyone offer some suggestions please; Despite changing the immersion heater I still don't have hot water. The old element was only 6 mths old but it would heat the water up but then you had to reset it so it has been changed however I still have the same problem. The new element was fitted on Monday so a tank of hot water but nothing since - what else could be the problem ?

Firstly good luck for Tuesday. As I said earlier George too had a free run and was able to get out whenever he wanted. So although I knew he was happy on his own I did worry that his bladder (he is 13) wouldn't cope. TBH it was me who needed training, making sure I allowed enough "extra" time to let him out etc before rushing off. Have to agree with Dovetail too, I am amazed he manages to get up on things when Im out yet if I'm there its like some sort of bizarre standoff - him trying to get up on things so there are the pathetic half jumps and me shouting encouragingly "bl..dy get up here"

Hi Yes I do leave my dog on board by himself. What did you do with your dog before you had the boat? When I lived on terrra firma the dog could get into the garden via a dog flap so was used to going out when he wanted.I work full time and sometimes long hours so have just got a dog walker. I let him out before work, then he gets 2 walks about 4 hrs apart with the dog walker them I come home. I do leave him on his own if I go shopping or out for the evening. Just try leaving her for a little while and then build up that time. Hopefully she wont bark or wreck the place but I wish you good luck.

Ha ha , obviously didn't think that one thru

Single - Check Young - Check (well I'm not a coffin dodger) Own boat - Check Cook - Check (and very well too) Solvent - Check GSOH _ Check Online - Check Shame I don't live anywhere near Somerset - Definately my loss!!! Good luck in your search though as you sound like a great catch. (Fingers are crossed behind my back whilst typing this)

I only paid a small deposit and the balance once the boat was completed and delivered. Admittedly the shell had been built but it was the size I wanted and the layout but the internal fit out was 3 1/2 mths. The shell had been painted but they repainted it for me as I wanted a different colour, there was an oak ceiling in place but again they changed that to a cream tongue and groove and I choose 2 bedrooms and all the internal things like shower, kitchen tops, tiles and flooring etc. I have to say it was a kind of "off the peg" boat but with various personal options and touches. I am really happy with the boat I have so I would say speak to the buiders as you may be surprised.

I probably fall into the category of "not knowing enough" however I did do my research after helping my ex partner re-fit his boat.Having sold my house I wanted to live on a boat as I had fallen in love with the way of life. I looked around and spoke to boat builders and owners and then researched the web. I will admit to not knowing anything about engines/wiring/plumbing but I knew this was what I wanted and luckily I found a builder who helped me understand certain things (others I found didn't take me too seriously) and who can up with solutions to the issues I had. As a result my lovely home will be going into the water on the 27th. I have seen her being built, turned up unannounced, changed my mind on somethings, requested that certain things be fitted so that when I can afford them later they can easily be put in. My builder has happily accomodated my requests plus added things that I thought would be out of my price bracket. I also only put £1000 deposit down and will pay the rest on completion. Never have I felt that any question I asked would be stupid, when I was unsure they gave me alternative solutions. I have found all the staff to be helpful from answering emails really quickly, changing the spec of things (when I changed my mind) and by explaining things when I went to see the build. They were also very helpful with questions I had that had nothing to do with the build ie Marinas/ insurance / satellite tv and mobile communications etc I would recommend Alan and his team from Collingwood Boats who have been a dream to work with and I can't wait till she's in the water

No Alan, Mercia

I will soon be taking possession of a new fully fitted boat so Im very excited about that. I did look at quite a few builders but settled on Collingwood boats as I found them to be very friendly and helpful. They were also very good when I changed my mind on a few things. I would recommend them and I have been really pleased each time I have gone to view the boat during the build even when I turned up unannounced. I also put a deposit on my mooring as soon as I found one and that was 3mths ago and only £400 so atleast I have known where I was going to be living. Good luck

Thanks Martin, this is all making me realise that I know so little. I have looked at the tread you suggested and it was vey helpful. Im going to see the boat on Friday so Im busy jotting down loads of questions - my boatbuilder is going to love me.

Thanks Kevin , all very helpful. I will definately check Maplins out and once I have found a marina check what the neighbours have. Louise