Scu8a

I don't think there's anything wrong in expressing an opinion either way. The OP asked for comments after all. It's just the sanctimonious nature of some people's negative comments that is just not necessary. Perhaps its something to do with a superiority complex or something.

Your learning curve will be HUGE!!!! Enjoy it, it's fun. Oh, and EVERYONE will have a different opinion on the best way to do something. Listen to all your options and pick the one that seems the least hassle.

I just thought I'd update everyone on this post I created over a year ago. I appreciated all the responses and advice I received... thank you. I suppose it goes to prove what a procrastinator I am that it's taken such a long time to organise a trip but 'better late than never' so they say. I've just booked a weeks trip in mid October with ashbyboats.com on the Ashby Canal, coincidently in the NB Ashby. I went with some of the advice given here. The company look great, boats up-together and the one week routes all look interesting. We will probably make our way down to Stoke Bruerne and back although that's not set in stone. So.... if you see two befuddled guys trying to operate a lock.......if we pass you by too fast or hold you up by being too slow.....if we take too long trying to moor up...or any such idiot newbie errors... roll your eyes but think kind thoughts....and offer some advice, lend a helping hand...all will be gratefully received. Thanks once again ;-)

As a side issue......I have a hand held shower head with an on off leaver in the head. I guess it saves me 50% in the water used each shower.

Grin.

I'm on a dutch barge that's constantly connected to shore power. A good electrician friend assured me that one was vital in the circumstances.

Could I please clarify something. I live on a dutch barge on a tidal river. Hence we have no need for any black/grey water tanks because ours pumps straight out into the tidal river. I was under the impression that on a canal there was only a requirement for a black water tank for toilet waste. All other water waste, shower, dish-washer, washing machine etc could be pumped straight out into the canal. Could someone please clarify this because I am now confused. Thanks

Thank you all for such quality input. I agree Chewbaka £1500 is an astronomical amount for a crapper and given the feedback you have all given I'll not be buying one. Thanks Adam1UK on clarifying how to empty the Airhead. You've eased my mind on the ease of emptying the unit. It's more than likely that I'll be going for that unit. Thank you all for the input.

Big wide grin.

I believe the Airhead requires a dismantle and unbolting from the floor each time to empty it, the Sun-Mar has a drawer that is removed from the unit itself. Also the Airhead has a seperate urine bottle whereas the Sun-Mar is bigger and can cope with wet & dry going into the same composting area. I therefore thought that the Sun-Mar would be the more robust unit. (Rightly or wrongly). Do you find you get a saving on pump outs as well as a saving on the space saved with not having a grey water tank?

http://www.toiletrevolution.com/products/composting-toilet/sun-mar-excel-ne-composting-toilet/ Has anyone had experience with the above composting toilet? At Crick I was very impressed with the 2 person unit. It seemed able to properly handle the task unlike some other brands I have seen. However at around £1500+ it would be a considerable investment. It was also the size of a small car ;-) Should I decide to begin CCing, would a composting toilet be worth considering? No grey water tank to take up space or to pay to have emptied. Any thoughts?

While I'm not into the look of wood on the inside of a boat, I sure am in awe of the outside of yours. Absolutely stunning. She certainly stands out from the crowd.

A criticism on this post was that all modern boats look the same......with the wealth of modern materials at our disposal these days, why are the majority of new boats made out internally with wood? Why are the all the same shape too (trad, cruiser etc). I'd like to see more innovation such as plastics, resins etc to bring more colour into the equation. Maybe steer from the front. I did not mean to be critical of someones pride and joy....I worded my post badly and I apologise once again. My taste is miles away from what would be conventionally acceptable. I'm sure there would not be many that like it. I apologise again for my crass comment.

So so sorry....it was not my intention to be rude or offend. I'm just not a lover of wood.

WOW! The outside looks great but what's with all the wood on the inside????? I hate it. I thought it was gonna look like some sort of S&M dungeon or something, but then again....I've always been a bit odd ;-)

I use one of these too. Works a treat but I doubt it will filter a 'taste' out of the water.

Bloody Hell. I've been a business owner for 12 years with all the correct public liability insurance etc and for some reason the thought of it whilst cutting hair on a boat totally passed me by!! Thank you.

I have been reading this topic with interest but would like to ask what floating businesses people have come across while on their travels.. in a physical, not virtual sense. I'm sure that there are the obvious ones such as coal, wood, gas delivery but I've also seen someone using their barge as a bookshop....(was that as a CCer? I'm not sure). With over 20 years experience I have some mad idea of running a floating hairdressers. Travelling around the country cutting peoples hair. How feasible this would be, I've yet to decide. Thoughts would be appreciated.

I have a great little leaflet on electricity on board. Link is below. I hope it helps someone. https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Book-Energy-Unlimited-EN.pdf

Does anyone know of any fascinating byways in their area? ;-)

I love Antony Gormley. I also like the biker spoof too!!!!

Thank you to everyone for your advice. It's much appreciated. I'll do some research around your suggestions. We won't be going for a few months, I'll probably leave it until September/October, or maybe even Christmas!

We currently live on a wide beam Dutch barge in a SSSI area of the river Hamble and love the peace and tranquility. I personally dream of retiring on a narrowboat in a few years time as CCers but my partner has many reservations. Such as..... Narrowboats are like coffins. (we're both over 6ft) The waterways are getting busier and busier, they can be like Piccadilly Circus All those locks seem like too much hard work. So I have a sensible plan of taking a weeks holiday to change his opinions BUT I obviously need to plan carefully to avoid confirming his prejudices. So I'd appreciate advice on the best area to take such a weeks break. I'm not bothered about time of year, I'm not green when it comes to living afloat in the winter but I am bothered about quality of boat, busyness of the area, and strenuousness of trip regarding too many locks etc. So I'm after a quality boat in an area of tranquil beauty with a few pubs along the way. I hope this makes sense - Advice would be appreciated. XX