Rambling

well Jo & Stuart went above and beyond for me. They have moved two boats for me. They were soo helpfu,l and I had daily updates and pics on where the boat was. I had a bit of a bathroom leak and they fixed it. The thermostat broke on the shower and they dropped in at Braunston and found a plumber who fitted a new thermostat. They were recommended to me by a large brokerage who use them all time, and I can see why. They are half the price of craning and transport and definitely do have public liability insurance.

I just got a wifi (portable modem) device from EE. It's great and my teenage son is very happy. I was looking at expensive ones first, thinking there were no other options, this was only £5.99 plus a monthly subscription depending on how many Gigabytes you want per month. You can't go over it either, as it stops you. Really pleased with it. I take it with me to other places too and it's small, but more powerful than a dongle.

I have just used them to move 2 boats 300 miles and they were wonderful. I will absolutely recommend them.

That sounds nice decorative, let more light in but secure.

I just confronted him, which probably isn't the best thing to do. (standing at a distance so I could run)

Has anyone tried the aluminium security panels for S Type windows ( the one that completely come out of the frame.) I think I want greater security on the tow path side as mine are single pane glass and large windows. Looking at what options there are for added security. Any good ideas out there?

The River Wey I was going to have a cratch cover put on with no windows, but won't bother now. Windows are good. Also going to look at greater security somehow. He has crow barred the back door, but was caught before the lock broke.

Moored in a different place now thank goodness. Was just opportunist apparently.

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First nerve wracking experience for me yesterday. Got back ( middle of the day) to find a man hidden under my stern cover complete with hold all and knife (folded at least). Somehow seemed to sense someone was on the boat and didn't walk into it and join him. Got pics and Police know who it is and were great. But feeling wee bit vulnerable now.

My inverter has decided not to switch on this morning. It is a Victron multiplus 3000w. I am in Surrey on the River Wey. . I presume this is not a job for a normal electrician, or perhaps it is??Don't know who to ask to fix it. Any contacts out there?

Can anyone give me the number of a boat electrician in the Surrey Guildford area. Thanks

this is awful. What sort of people do this! https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-evicting-disabled-elderly-and-vulnerable-boat-dwellers I think there is a petition as well. Apologies if this has been posted before, I couldn't find it.

that's really clear and really helpful! Thank you.

It would be good to get some pictures of the towing balls in action. That sounds interesting. I do have a long term mooring and want to plan in advance. This is all so helpful. Pictures are great in case the imagination gets it wrong.

this is presumably to keep the boat away from the bank? and it can rise with the water secured by the scaffolding.

wow! ok, I like the small pole attached to the larger pole idea. I can see that being physically possible to put together. I suppose you have to have somewhere to keep your scaffolding poles ready and handy. The concrete anchor.. could you use a sandbag full of that concrete that you just add water to? I am just thinking practicalities. I can see that attaching the pole to the top and threading the rope through is nice and easy, andI think might be sufficient on a small rising river. That's is amazingly helpful thank you all.

great that is really helpful thanks. I see, they are attached to the boat (not the bank) with the ropes. Just trying to work out how they have tied them.

How do you use scaffolding poles to prevent the boat going onto the bank when in flood? I realise that they go vertical to the boat, but how do you jam them down into the river bed (if that is what you are supposed to do). What is the best way to stop your boat going on to the bank? and are there other things you can do to protect yourself when living on a boat in a flood? Would it be a daft idea to drop anchor away from the banks and wait it out? what is safest? I am about to start living on my new 70ft boat, and think that I should learn a little more, as my area is currently flooded and there are boats on the banks. Thanks for your expertise.

sorry, yes it was a widebeam in guildford, high and dry. Hopefully will be ok. How do you attach pics on here? I can only seem to attach url links under the media icon.

another one on the Wey out of the water. Guildford http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2529433/More-Christmas-misery-ANOTHER-storm-set-batter-Britain-tonight-thousands-remain-without-power.html

I can't help thinking, why buy a canalside apartment if you don't like narrowboats?? http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/luxury_flat_owners_horror_as_regents_canal_boats_moor_up_outside_their_homes_1_1382143 http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/barge-rage-at-canal-as-locals-protest-over-smoke-and-noise-8461412.html http://www.islingtontribune.com/news/2013/jan/councillor-says-%E2%80%98huge-increase-dirty-and-noisy-canal-boats-close-homes-could-force-res

Elsan organic is the best stuff I think.

Elsan organic is the best stuff I think.

she looks lovely. How exciting. That wonderful feeling when you buy a new boat. Make sure you get that stove checked for cracks and safety before you use it (especially if it is over 10yrs old). Get a carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector and have a gas check if you have gas on board (bubble tester) Safety first. Have fun!