jddevel

I will confess that my case my gas engineer used a product which I believe comes originally from Germany. It is a continuous 5 core sheathed pipe which having no memory can be "manipulated " into corners bends etc without requiring joints but specialist tooling and fittings. I had to get the CRT to investigate and acknowledge its use. The engineer was specially trained in the products use. For the electrics Loomtec supplied the loom. Water was using Uponor pipe work. Again specialist tooling, fittings and trained at Uponors UK training center. I would add that the hull was constructed by Bourne Boats to a sailaway level.

Impatient to get afloat after years of hiring but just wanted a leisure craft for ourselves and the family in 2016 I approached a number of yards with the same response. You`ll have to wait at least 18 months to 2 years. Disgruntled I saw a sailaway ( engine ballast flooring windows etc in)-right length for us (57 ft) and design (semi trad). Having been in property development building new houses with qualified tradesmen ( and our own joinery workshop) I decided we could fit out the craft far quicker. 8 months later it was in the water and away to get painted and the hull treated at Debdale (zinc plus 2 pact)

Thank you Tony. Via another discussion I`ve mentioned potentially placing the boat on the market and the requirement of a RCR so having a qualified person appraise the situation ( which I most certainly not) is in my and any potential buyers interest.

From the comments made by the one broker I`ve spoken to it doesn`t really stop with the RCR. The problem they high lighted was that following purchase from even a new registered boat builder the owner often makes changes which can affect it`s integrity. This could be such simple things as installing new switches/sockets, solar panels or say bow thrusters solid fuel stoves etc. etc. Forms request that such changes additions are confirmed and that they have been completed by a qualified person ( possibly "competent person"). Best thing seems to be is sink it and claim.🤣🤣

My comments regarding bureaucrats is that this is a left over from the EU and probably insurance companies seeking "a way out" . Anyway it is the potential broker requesting/ suggesting the need for a RCD/RCR which I expect inorder to cover themselves and their potential liability (read insurance claim) all brokers will look at. I've had one quote £4000 plus!!!. So for me it will either be Oh well or stick it on the price- not that that will work. It certainly means both builders and sailaway owners will have to build in this inflationery cost. Whether selling privately will rid of this extra hassle again for me I might bite the bullet and just discount it to avoid the extra stress. I thought selling a house was bad enough!! Anyone looking for a 57 foot semi trad with only 440 hours on the clock?

So the thorny subject of RCDs. Have members had experience of retrospective issue of RCD on a sailaway craft please. Apparently the original belief on my part that a craft owned (from new) for more than 5 years is not now necessarily applicable. The bureaucrats are on the case with their red tape and interference!!

Thank you for comments. Installed new battery and all OK. However old battery having recharged at home is holding charge so have contacted local electrician requesting he makes contact to explore problem.

Thank you Tony. I will admit to having little, actually read no real knowledge, of the science of batteries etc which is why the request for someone to review my system to ascertain whether it's just the battery or an uderlying fault. The marina state they are unable to get to it until well into May . Couple of emails and leavi g phone messages. 24 hours charging still only 9 odd volts. So bit the bullet and bought a new battery. Engine now turns over with ease. Will await further contacts to ascertain if I've a problem with the wiring set up. All good for now though.

Your getting technical. 🤣 Anyway not actually sure the person we had wire the boat sorted it as although a sailaway we had gs/electrics completed by canal boat "specialists" but even in early days after full days motoring monitor never showed 100% and we had to resort to the genni. Engine twin alternators 38 hp Beta 450 hours in only 6 years

Thanks for advice so far. Can probably get it started but undoubtedly sulphated. Because spend so much time away think either additional link to starter battery or seperate solar panel would be helpful.

Flat starter battery. Solar panel doesn't appear to be maintaining battery. Leisure batteries OK. Leisure user back since before Xmas. Located Near Braunston at Dunchurch Pools. Any recommendations please.

My apologies for not being more detailed. Existing is believed to be enamel. Will obviously test an area first. However reading both instructions -namely "degrease before application" and if bitumen is used any change will need stripping right back obviously. Want to stick to existing type which I need to establish exactly what`s on there (pretty sure it`s not bitumen, first. My assumption is enamel. Don`t want to have to resort to sand blasting or stripping right back if I make a mistake. Must admit using"blacking" would be easier. Will have to see what I can find out.

Any recommended degreaser I can use on my hull ( gunnel to waterline) before painting please. Boat will be out of the water. Process I intend is -degrease, rinse lightly abrade then paint using a enamel based urethane modified resin system.

You could well be correct. I will have to check the specification. My point about painting between the waterline and rubbing strake is that those dam locks that move make that area a little unsightly.

I refer to the fact that the hull up to the waterline was zinc and epoxy treated. Debdale give a 10 guarantee.

I just felt that for its cost against peace of mind for potential buyers that photos and the fact we had done it meant a sensible asking price may be far more easily achievable. around £300 against a requested " well we don`t know what the hulls like so we`ll knock off a couple of grand" Perhaps I`m wrong?

I thank all those who have advised me and have already taken steps to get the boat professional cleaned on the exterior. Under discussion is a lift out, paint from the waterline to gunnels ( those dam locks will keep moving!!), hull pressure wash and inspection. As it was treated at Debdale Wharf -Zinc plasma sprayed and topped with epoxy I`m optimistic that apart from lots of fresh water mussels all should be fine ( was a couple of years ago when lifted and inspected). Have sent a PM to Julian but publicly would comment that whilst I recognise pricing is important so is the right agent. A requested £10000 reduction in price to me is an enormous sum whereas in commission terms if that is only £600 then they`ve made a sale and onto another one. I did have one agent out who to me gave a negative view because it hasn`t got a fire ( it`s webasto radiator heating/hot water) and considered that live aboards where where the market really lay. however as stated will review following the great advice on here.

I respect your point Lily Rose but can only consider the situation comparing it to the property market where the first time buyer is currently being hit with higher rates and the lack of of fixed rate offers.Which obviously has a knock on effect. Plus those at the extreme higher end price range rarely concern themselves if it`s something they want. What I don`t want is to waste my and others time with those looking for someone desperate to sell which we`re not. We`re just being realistic about our physical position ( we`re getting towards the 80year watershed) not financial. It`s a 6 year old semi-trad.

Obviously the query is in the question but are boats currently selling ACROSS the price range or like the property market is the scene one of extreme caution? I only ask as due to current family health issue and a lack of use over the last 3 years we are considering what to do.

Have the sale of canal boats slowed dramatically like the property marked or like the estate agents phrase " if priced correctly" in other words drastically reduced is there still a market. What is the forums local experience.