Raybo

I have a gas fridge, and it uses no leccy at all!

Of course, he will be potentially saving a lot of money on rent that may cover those "running costs". I'm not saying £10k is enough, but there is a distinction between the capital outlay to purchase the boat and the regular outlay. Ray.

I thought I spotted an Eberspacher in the photo of the calorifier.

Nigel, Isn't it possible that the "Provocative and inflammatory posts" originated from other posters on the thread? My recollection of your posts is that they are detailed and considered, rather than inflammatory. I understand you would want clarity on where the boundary between tolerable and intolerable lies to avoid posting under a sword of damocles, but would be surprised if your own posts were too close to the line and would hope you could continue to post on CWDF.

It looks like a decent, well equipped boat for the money, so I wouldn't dismiss it based on the blacking gap. As Paul G says you should also try to uncover the rest of the hull maintenance history. A 5 year gap in the blacking doesn't neccearily mean the boat is turning into a colander. Many boats seem to go 4 years between blacking; its not best practise but I don't think its unusual. The boat looks a little tired, possibly due to little recent use. This is shown in the photos, suggesting they are being honest in its presentation, and is also reflected in the price. If you are reasonably close I would certainly go to have a look, and maybe arrange to see another 2 or 3 boats in the area on the same day to get a feel for what the competition is like. Ray. Edit for typos.

I use Wilkinsons Exterior Metal Black paint. It is water-based, but forms a good seal against corrosion. It paints on really easily and gives a nice finish (Matt or Satin available). It may not be as robust as some paints when coming into contact with locksides etc. but is really easy to touch up and is pretty cheap.

Furness Vales is closer to Manchester than Whaley Bridge (which is on your list of acceptable locations). Its just 1 train stop further out than New Mills.

Our first hire was from a single-boat operation. The boat was moored in Mercia Marina, and it all appeared above board in terms of the relationship between owner and marina. We were picked up from the local station, but I believe it was an option to park a car there. This was about 6 or 7 years ago, so things may have changed.

It must be difficult to steer whilst doing the Mobot! Surely a one handed wave would be safer. Nice car btw!

And a civil servant who can't spell Macclesfield (Maccalsfield) or Peak Forest (Forrest). Pretty embarrassing really for an officially released document. Also, there don't appear to be any winding holes on the Upper Peak Forest - shome mishtake shurely.

I think they are crushing that one because of how ugly it is.

Signed. I also grew up in St. Helens (tough, for a Wigan lad!). I don't remember much mention of it at school. I remember fishing at the hotties, is that part of it?