Rambling

Just to pass on some information. When I bought my very first boat (being a newbie), I asked a friend of mine, who is a marine engineer and also owns a fireplace shop, to check over my morso squirrel. It had a hairline crack and he advised me not to use it and to replace it. When it was removed, it collapsed in pieces apparently. It was only 10yrs old. He said that very few boaters check their fuel burners, and that they should have new fire bricks inside every few years, and should never be used, if they have any cracks and they only have a working life of around 8 yrs. I eventually sold that boat (with new burner) and every boat that I looked to buy after that, if it was over 10yrs old, had cracks on the fuel burners and the sellers had no knowledge of the dangers. I have ended up replacing the burner with each boat I have bought. It's interesting that the BSS are now taking it into consideration from Jan 2013.

very useful information to know.. thank you. .. reputation is everything and they will certainly lose theirs.. I shall avoid said marina..

BMC 1.8

great, ok I am getting there. So I will search for sealed leisure batteries. Then I need to know what to go for, for the starter battery. I love this site. It's soo helpful. also, I keep hearing about 'gel' batteries, but know very little about them. What is the advantage, disadvantage?

oh ok, not so far off then. Can I totally avoid this by getting 'sealed' batteries?? and will one of these do as a starter battery?

ok, let's assume (ahem) I don't know what I am doing. I had no idea I had to top up batteries. I presume this is why some of them are 'sealed'?? I am able to get to the boat around 2/3 times per week in the winter. I can run the engine each time I visit, but this is the limit I can do in the winter. Long runs to top up are not really an option at present until the summer. So exactly how am I supposed to maintain them?? Thanks Kate sorry, am a bit confused by this checking the levels.. levels of what. I thougth a battery was a sealed object that did not need checking??? One thing is for sure, if I can avoid having to do this,this is best for me. I need least effort, so I presume this means sealed. The Numax ones I saw (dual purpose) were not sealed.

Hi Can anyone give me some advice on buying 3 (maybe 4) new batteries. Someone advised buying dual purpose leisure batteries. Someone else advised marine sealed batteries. Another said, leisure batteries and a lorry battery as a starter. Currently I have 3 batteries. I don't know the set up. But certainly I do not seem to have a separate starter battery, and I definitely want one. All advice happily received and any pointers to anywhere, on the net I can get them and maybe delivered. Thanks Kate

http://www.dettol.co.uk/mould-and-mildew or biological washing powder at a lukewarm temperature. Over 40 degrees Bio doesn't work.

Is there a digit missing on the above mbl no.? Tried to txt to get a quote, but the number failed.

Great thanks for advice. I could get there tomorrow.

I am coming up to Marsworth today and as single handed, would love to pair up with another boat for licks things up to Braunston. LOCKS!!!!!! I meant. This phone keyboard is a bit teeny.

I need someone to get a boat back from Oxford (Thames) to Shepperton (River Wey). End of Aug.

can you add facility availability to each canal. All I am interested in when touring is water points, elsan/pump out and pubs and shops. xx

'high levels of emotional intelligence and can multitask'... interesting. As a scientist, I am always willing to be proven wrong and to learn of new lifeforms in existence..

that's brilliant thank you. Makes total sense. Now to find a kit that is all nicely made up and secured and ready for me.

no it's good. I want to know these thing too. Bow or stern and wher to buy full kit already attached so no mistakes. Hope you are well tree.

thank you.. blimey. Hopelessly too short then. thank you.. blimey. Hopelessly too short then.

I am going from the shallow River Wey, then down the Thames to Oxford. Is a 10mtr rope and 2 mtr chain long enough for my anchor? Is one anchor enough (40ft NB) considering the river conditions of Thames at the moment??

brill, thanks have done it. I am planning my first bigger trip down Thames, up Oxford and down Grand Union. I am in ignorance of much being a bit of a newbie to touring around for longer periods of time (6 weeks) , and wondering if I am biting off more than I can chew. I obviously need to find out more info before I brave this trip. Thanks for that Helen.