Ratzend

Perhaps you didn't "blow on the cartridge" hard enough? Although, if you are in the UK they are probably the wrong type of bugs

A digital camcorder would certainly output much better photographic images than most webcams. The majority of webcams are only 1.3 megapixels, sufficient for simple monitoring but not much good at capturing detail. The only thing with using a digital camcorder is that the wiring system is different and, certainly over any distance, needs to be reasonably good quality. The time lapse is normally controlled by the program on the laptop, you can set the interval between taking the image, anything from a few seconds to minutes or even hours. Some digital camcorders do have a 'time lapse' option built in, it could be worth checking the manual or if you have the model I would be happy to find out for you. Martin

I have been thinking about knocking up a bow camera system although for a different reason. I won't be getting a boat for another few months but when I do I will be cc'ing alone. I wondered if it may be of help to have a controllable camera on the bow for situations where you would normally get another crew member to stand there and look out, blind bridges, T junctions etc. I have a couple of Foscams which I have used in the past and are fully controllable via a network cable or wireless, although wireless control tends to be quite slow. The cameras are not expensive and the wiring is cheap enough. I have had them wired up to the laptop and they were perfect, given weather proofing and knock protection I can't see why a system wouldn't work, it would be quite simple to have a small LED screen/monitor by the stern. The software for capturing still images and time lapse photographs ranges from some very respectable free programs up to expensive professional programs. And are fairly simple to operate and set up. However, having used these cameras in the past, my experience is that they could work very well for the purpose I am thinking of, but they are not high resolution cameras. Great for simple observation but not really suited to decent quality photography. They are also very sensitive to lighting conditions. I don't know if you have actually tried taking a photograph with your webcam? I think you would need to be satisfied that you were happy with the quality before spending too much on webcams. Apologies if this has already been covered, it is just something that has been going through my mind for my own benefit given that I no longer use the cameras for the purpose I bought them. Martin

It feels to me a little reminiscent of the HGVs on roads. I listen to many complaints about their antics and bad driving. And of course HGV drivers make mistakes, just like everyone else, but good HGV drivers aren't just watching the few cars ahead of them, they are thinking and planning miles ahead, they know what their limitations are and if they can't, for example, attain a certain speed before a long and winding hill, then they are going to be holding up a lot more traffic than they may do otherwise? If we pass an HGV that is travelling fast up a long incline we don't give it a second thought, but we sure as hell get angry if we have to sit behind them getting slower and slower. And the reason my have simply been that an unthinking motorist wouldn't move over and given them the space they needed for the run up several miles back? It does seem that communications might have been better in this case, and if it had been me I would like to think that I would have made the others aware of reasons for my actions, I can't see too many people complaining if they understand there was a sensible reason behind it? Of course, HGV drivers don't get the chance to explain what they are doing, or why, and I don't think the sign language that usually follows helps much either

Yes, thanks, I had accepted that a survey would be virtually certain. I am happy with work needing to be done, just not on the hull !!!

Sounds like my sort of dream transaction, the only problem is that I wouldn't have known it was a good boat so I have to involve a third party. Great way to do business though when it works! Martin

A lot of very good advice, thank you. The 'glass's guide' reference brought back a few memories! Apologies, my reasoning wasn't very clear on new boats, about 7 years ago when I decided this is what I wanted to do I spent a lot of time looking and designing, and redesigning, and redesigning............ ! I was actually on the verge of going to see Liverpool boats and start the process off formally. Looking back now at the 'designs' I drew up back then I suspect the builders would have probably had the best laugh they'd had in years!!! Plus the boat would have had to have been around 140 foot and the height of a double decker bus. I am sure they would have sorted me out, but it really was just a collection of other people's ideas pretty much glued together with lack of experience and ignorance ! As things are now, the only real 'must have' is a boat, and the only 'mustn't have' is holes in the bottom !!! So I concluded that it would probably not be the best option, for me, to pay a builder when I have that amount of flexibility? The intervening years have also been expensive, so saving the builder's premium would be a bonus better spent on maybe adapting someone else's dream? I am getting ready to go and view as many boats as I can, it was just that knowing my luck, I would find the boat I wanted before the cash was ready and available. I know that there are ways and means, deposits and loans, it just wasn't the way I wanted to do it. I also know the 'perfect boat' doesn't exist, and it wouldn't be any good for me anyway, my family motto is 'If it ain't broke, then fiddle with it till it is' Thanks again for all the opinions and ideas, I promise none of it is wasted or ignored ! Martin

Many thanks, Martin

Thanks, I thought Spring might be a good time although I was also told that the end of the season is a 'prime' time too, presumably sept/oct ? I am waiting for my solicitor and accountant to finish butchering my finances and inheritance situation so that I can buy outright and be reasonably confident about my future plans I would have liked to go down the historic nb route but I realise that would be a huge undertaking, on the other hand, as I will be travelling alone I rather like the idea of having a temperamental old boiler on board It will be 55 to 60 feet, not widebeam, I suppose it really depends what I find when I get into the market, I have been avoiding looking too closely at boats until I knew exactly what the financial situation was, I had wondered about having a boat built but then realised I wouldn't know where to begin as far as design is concerned, so have ruled that one out! As long as there is room for a couple of cats and maybe a dog, that is about it really. Plus me of course !!! Martin

Interesting points, I see what you mean, thank you. Martin

Hi, Is there a noticeable difference between boat prices north/south of the country? I know there is in the motor vehicle market. Naturally there is in the property market but I am not looking for moorings so hoping that wouldn't effect boat prices. I also feel a little uncomfortable posting on this subject as it is obviously related to possibly profiting from the current climate and conditions and my gain will be someone's loss, but I am not sure where else to get honest and experienced opinions? Thanks, Martin

Many thanks and apologies, I had somehow missed that thread. Martin

Hi, I hope that I have managed to post this in the right section of the forum! As I am now getting to the point where I can actually go out and buy a boat I was wondering what, if any, might the effects be of the impending water shortages and canal restrictions, on boat prices? I realise that there will be quite severe limitations in some geographical areas, I am currently in Liverpool but would not be restricted to buying in the North West although it would be handier initially. I will also not be restricted to being in any particular area or on any particular system as I will be living aboard and cc'ing. I appreciate that no one knows for certain what the long term effect of water resources will be, if there are any, but I have spoken to several people and received conflicting opinions. I was wondering if anyone in the forum might have an opinion or advice? My boat will be fairly standard, 55 to 60 feet, not widebeam. Many thanks, Martin