KJT

Pump out only. The cassette version was discontinued years ago. Replaced by the cd, then the dvd. Now everything is downloaded from the web! ?

An ideal solution for those now working from home..... The deluxe version incorporates a mini-fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave!

I think it's absolutely fabulous. Brilliant colour scheme. Well done!

To date, after several years, I have not had the aerial stolen. But if I am leaving the boat unattended for an extended length of time then it is easily removed and stored inside. If you are concealing your expensive router inside an anonymous looking box them no one would know what it is anyway. Ken

Since my original post I replaced the two separate aerials (to get the 4g service) with a single 4g aerial, also from Connex Technologies. https://www.connextech.co.uk/lmo7270-wb-smsm---4g3ggsm-mimo-outdoor-omni-antenna-1153-p.asp I specified 10m cables (as per the original aerials I fitted) and found it works superbly, even in the remotest of locations. I don't think 5g will be so widespread in the near future, certainly in remote canal locations, to warrent changing the setup for a year or so yet. Regarding 5g routers, many routers are labelled 5g when I understand they refer to the frequency, I think 5200mhz, not to 5g, the 5th generatation of the mobile network. I am not so sure fitting the router itself atop a mast would be a good idea for several reasons. I would think that the routers internal aerial is not as sophisticated as the purpose made ones. I could be wrong on that though. And risk of water ingress and physical damage due to its vulnerable location when continually raising and lowering the mast. Ken

I think Kudzucraft means something like this, which we had on our semi-trad. The raised seat is in front of the tiller, in the rear, port corner of the cockpit. Opposite is a drawer unit the perfect height to comfortably rest your feet. The throttle falls conveniently to your left hand whilst underway. For us it was a perfect setup for comfortable cruising.

As above. We have used the Meaco 8DLL for the last eight winters together with an oil filled radiator on a frost setting. One of the good things about the Meaco is if there is an interruption to the power supply it retains its setting and comes back on its previous setting automatically. Some need to be switched on again manually which is no good if you visit the boat infrequently. Ken

I have been with GJW Direct for about fifteen years and always found their customer service very good, and premiums very reasonable. However I have never had to claim but have heard their record in dealing with claims is also very good. Ken

I would phone Pete at Pete Power and tell him the symptoms you are experiencing. He knows just about everything about the eu20i and I am sure he will give you an honest opinion. I would venture that whatever the problem is, isn't terminal and probably easily fixed. Ken

It looks like an updated version of the aerial I originally used. The disadvantage is that you would need two of them for 4g. When I changed to my current 4g aerial it was as a result of advice from an engineer at Connex who thought performance would be just as good, if not better, in a smaller and cheaper unit. Experience over the last couple of years or so, cruising far and wide has proved him right. I have no plans to change it as I am very happy with the performance of the '3' mifi / 4g aerial combo. Ken

Indeed technology has improved since my original post. I currently use the Huawei E5573 mifi unit which has two TS9 external aerial connections. I also use a different external aerial from Connex Technologies https://www.connextech.co.uk/lmo7270-wb-smsm---4g3ggsm-mimo-outdoor-omni-antenna-1153-p.asp It is smaller than the two separate aerials I used in the OP. It works just as well but smaller and simpler as both aerials are in the one unit with two aerial leads to the mifi unit. In my experience I find '3' still has the best coverage on the cut but of course it is a very subjective view as there are so many variables. I also find that the '3' data sim in the mifi unit gives a better signal strength than the '3' phone even when using the phone outside. I have an EE, Vodafone and an O2 phone as well as a '3' phone and generally still find the '3' coverage better than the others on the cut. The worst without a doubt being Vodafone! Ken

I had the eu20i for a number of years. I bought it second hand from Pete Power generators of Barton Mills, Suffolk. It is a brilliant genny and always started first pull. He did an LPG gas conversion on it for me which saves having to store petrol on board. Very quiet and reliable. Certainly worth paying the extra IMHO. The gas connection was 'T'd off the main gas supply in the gas locker using a bbq fitting as fitted to caravans. He has a very useful website which provides a lot of info. I have no connection other than as a satisfied customer. https://petepowerblog.wordpress.com/ Ken

Give Martyn a call at Travelsat. He advertises in all the canal mags. He supplies and fits Vuqube systems. He is very helpful and I am sure he will be able to offer advice and also point you in the right direction if he can't supply one himself. He usually has a stand at the Crick show. https://travelsat.me.uk/ Ken

Of course it does mean that the corresponding side of the dinette is not usable with the seat reversed. Like many things on a narrowboat it is a compromise. But it doesn't look too odd reversed and it is only a temporary arrangement. Better than sitting on the floor! ?

We have that arrangement on our Kingsground boat. I believe it is quite common on their boats. A very useful feature to increase seating capacity in the saloon. A few pics showing how it works:

Since I had new wooden window reveals fitted in 2014 I use Barbour Thornproof Wax Dressing. They still look like new as the condensation just forms beads on the frame and does not penetrate the wood. I apply twice a year with a lint free cloth.

Treating the window joinery by rubbing a thin film of Barbours Thornproof Wax Dressing on it will prevent condensation from damaging the woodwork. Just a quick application every couple of months works a treat.

You will be fine. We have roof boxes and our air draft is 6'6". We had at least six inches of clearance. Ken

Also the winter fuel payment. If two or more claimants are registered at the same address the WFP is halved.

Good point. I have just walked the Claydon Flight on the South Oxford (subject of another thread here) and three of the five locks are leaking very badly. I took the opportunity to take a break at the bottom lock and timed the rate of leakage after a boat left. From full to empty was less than twenty five minutes.