clbrof

Hello Tony, Thanks for the response, I should have mentioned they are indeed widebeams (11' to 12' wide x 60'). Has anyone who continuously cruises managed to purchase a VAT exempt widebeam?

Hello I have come across a few Collingwood sailaways that I am interested in. The prices all state VAT ex. Having read lots of old threads on this forum and few others as well as HMRC sources of information on the subject; VTRANS110560, VAT Notice 744C and some past cases (won and lost by others), I feel I am still non the wiser to understanding VAT exempt. 1. How are Collingwood building their boats to increase the 'deck' height? By the same claim Aqualine uses, by making the gunwales impossibly small? 2. The residential aspect of what is required to be compliant with VAT Notice 744C I don't fully understand, the boat must be designed for living on, not pleasure/leisure etc etc. but whether or not it must be put on a residential mooring is not clear? (I remember one guy in a marina I was in specifically changing to a residential mooring to attempt to reclaim VAT on the new widebeam, I can't see where this is required by law? any one clarify or point out what I have missed?) Basically my second question is, can one 'live' on the boat or make it one's 'home' if you are continuously cruising, or must it have a residential mooring? Thanks for any advice/information.

Thanks for all the info guys. The boss behind the stern packing section leaks from the threads. It initally leaked from the boss (hull) so I tightened with a stillson. This in turn loosened the other end a 1/10 of a turn and a small amount of water leaked through the threads there. I undid the packing sections and wound it off a bit to expose the threads. In doing so I ended up taking the whole thing off (tentatively), not a drip came through, was a bit anti-climatic.... (was ready with cling film to put through the weed hatch). I put some marine sealant on the threads and rewound the packing section back on. I inspected the packing, seems very hard with what seems like parts of string falling apart and burn grease coming out..... Bit annoying after 80 hours, I assume it was overtightened. I have put everything back together and will get some new packing soon to repack it.

Is this possible ? I was thinking to use some epoxy putty around the prop shaft through the weedhatch. Is this risky ? Or has it been done?

Hi Thanks for all the great info. Boat weight must be about 20 tonne? (16 when dropped in empty, now nearly fully fitted must have gained a few?) Only planning non tidal thames. Price? (Any? don't know how much one costs? looks like the big ones are £70+) Preferably compact design, will be stowed outside on bow. Never hoisted an anchor before? Is 25kg anchor + chain + length of chain too heavy by hand?

Hi all I have read through the 'anchor' threads, however I havent found much info on what size/weight anchor to use on a widebeam? My boat is 50x11'. Any tips or links would be great thanks!

Aquapanel from Wickes is the best bet as long as you can securely fasten it, as it is quite heavy

I get that they are a PIA when cruising, however the boat spends most of its life sat in a marina, and an extra dry area 3m wide by 2m to take wet clothes off makes more sense for us. I was thinking £300-400 for materials would do the trick thanks for the tips.

I want to cover the back of my boat. However I am looking at ~£3000 for a pram cover to be made for me. Im sure I can make something for less, by buying the bits and having certain parts fabricated for me e.g. have stainless tubes bent a a local firm for frame work, and making the rest myself (templates etc) So far I have found fittings for the frame: http://www.baselinemarine.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=53&cat=Stainless+Steel+and+Cast+Range http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Bow-Bimini-Top-Boat-Stainless-Steel-Fittings-Marine-Hardware-Set-7-8s-12-pcs-/131248856837 Fittings for the canopy itself: http://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/store/category/midland%20chandlers/cabin%20and%20deck/deck%20hull%20fittings/canopy%20fittings.aspx Fabric, thread and windows: http://www.acorncanvas.com/PBSCCatalog.asp?CatID=1591500 I am currently just seeing if its economically better for me to make it myself (I can do the mechanical parts, partner can sew). Also wanting any hints and tips, e.g how to seal sewing (correct threads/sealers etc), choice of fabrics (longevity, colour fade, mould/algae growth)! Thanks!

Ok thanks for the reply. I think the Teddington sensor is 15mm? so could perhaps tee it into the outlet? Also what temperature is yours set to?

Hello I am currently installing a refleks 61 msk in my boat. I want to install a fire valve http://www.fueldump.co.uk/images/File/kbb%20fact%20sheet.pdf Should I use the 65 or 90 degree model and where exactly should I put the sensor? The refleks diagram shows the 'feeler for hotwater safety valve' being installed on the outlet of the stove's coils. http://www.tedcon.com/pdf/kbb.pdf

Thanks for the suggestions. I have sent that company an email thank you Alan de Enfield

Hi I am looking into diesel heating for my widebeam. I have approx 36m^2 of floor space. So I reckon I would need around about 5kw to heat the boat. I like the idea of a gravity fed system, no pumps or 12V for redundancy. So far I have come across Refleks Bubble Stove Dickinson (seem to require 12v....) Are there any other brands that I could look into? At the moment I am swaying towards the refleks due to low diesel consumption, no electrical power needed and good aesthetics.

I have used Hylomar in the past on my engine, holds up well.

The current flue on the fire is 4 1/2 inch at the spigot, is this a normal size? I am looking at changing the stove, but most stoves seem to be 4 or 5 inch?

Why is that ? It's sold for boats ?

Hi My new solar charge controller arrived. I have had a quick look at it and the installation/instructions and don't understand where I should wire the earth to? There is an earth stud on the aluminium casing. My last solar controller didn't have an earth? Im guessing earth the casing to the negative DC ground? If someone could confirm that would be great!

Thanks! Interesting link

Hi What are some of the governing laws (maths not 4mph limit etc) that limit a boats speed, also is it possible to work out a rough speed dependent on engine power? Does double speed quadruple drag apply to boats? Thanks

Funnily enough, probably yes, grew up in a built up area, not many have front gardens. . I knew using the word property was a bad move, I meant it as in item/belonging. I will have to find some of those stickers! Happened again today...............

I have lived all my life in a house, bar the last 3, still wouldn't have dreamt of stepping on someone elses object/property/home.

I found a chap on ebay who sells solar panels on ebay £110 per 230W, brand new. All in all my 920W setup cost under a grand (Victron 150/70 £485 + Cabling and mounts). Depends on you roof size, my roof is wide, if narrow you may be inclined to not fill it with solar?

Been in a marina for over a year now. Out of the canal I never had a problem. Would have thought people would be even more conscientious of space in a marina, but apparently not.

That's what I thought, feel a bit invaded when people do that. Going to be putting up some 'dog' gates I made soon, hopefully that will keep the humans at bay, the dog doesn't even get off the boat unless told to.....

What are people's views on knocking on a boat? Sometimes people/neighbours will knock and be standing on my back deck and peering down through the hatch. I find it strange? I usually knock and wait to be invited aboard, what's the etiquette?