Douglas Field

Hi, my understanding is that it is possible via the Trent and then Leeds-Liverpool as the boat will be too long for the Calder and Hebble. The canal plan says 16 days from Pillings Lock to Manchester...

Many thanks! Thanks- I'll check it out Thanks- good to bear mind Cheers- will do!

Hi- I'm looking for a sound double oven for our boat. Struggling to find a reasonably priced LPG one that will work while cruising. We don't have an inverter so are hoping to find one that doesn't require electricity - or one with a main oven that works when the LED display that many seem to have - isn't plugged into the mains. We've seen one or two ovens that look good- & are fine in a marina- but the main ovens won't work without electricity. Any tips for good ovens or websites appreciated! Thanks.

Hi- I'm looking for a sound double oven for our boat. Struggling to find a reasonably priced LPG one that will work while cruising. We don't have an inverter so are hoping to find one that doesn't require electricity - or one with a main oven that works when the LED display that many seem to have - isn't plugged into the mains. We've seen one or two ovens that look good- & are fine in a marina- but the main ovens won't work without electricity. Any tips for good ovens or websites appreciated! Thanks.

Thanks- a good point.

Hi- I have found some 12.5 oz canvas which is wide enough for the boat & some 18oz which will need 3 pieces stitching together for the width. Which would you go for?! (wooden top boat). - I'm new to canvas so don't know if 12.5 oz is sufficient. Thanks in advance.

Apologies for any confusion re: the gas alarm. The ad says CO- but later gas & carbon monoxide: Thanks for comments about mooring rope too. View item: GAS /CO/ LPG DETECTOR COMBINED. 12V / 230V WITH LCD DISPLAY Thanks!

Hi, I've just moved on to my first narrow boat. I'm looking for a good but inexpensive gas alarm. I've come across this for around £25 on eBay. Any advice? http://qtronicseu.com/carbon-monoxide-gas-detection.html I also need to buy some new mooring rope. Any advice on length & type of rope? Many thanks!

Many thanks for the comments, which are appreciated. I may indeed moor under a bridge ...

I'm getting lots of sound but differing advice about painting & repairing my wooden top narrow boat. Epoxy resin seems a good idea but folk have pointed out that this can hide & worsen any rotten wood. I'm also unsure about the cost of this for a 36 foot boat. The second option is to take off the old canvas, repair any damaged wood & then replace the canvas & paint with an oil based paint. This canvas was suggested to me & looks good:http://www.whaleys-bradford.ltd.uk/product.htm?productID=415 I'm new to canal boats & would like to sort the roof out soon, before winter sets in. I'm looking for a method that isnt too pricey that will keep the roof watertight for a few years. It's tricky at the moment with the weather as both potential solutions- epoxy resin or replacing the canvas require dry weather. Any thoughts appreciated.

Many thanks for the canvas info, which is appreciated. This is all new to me!

Thanks- I'll try & source some heavy duty canvas.

Thank you both for your comments. I'm inclined to take off the old canvas, assess the roof & then reapply new canvas, which doesn't seem too pricey. I've seen some calico in a shop for just over £7 a metre, though I assume I can get this more cheaply.

Hi, my girlfriend & I have just bought a 36 foot 1976 wooden top narrow boat that we are living on in Manchester. I'd welcome any advice with regards to the roof. The structure is sound but the roof needs repainting. Is it worth replacing the canvas & applying an oil based paint, or is enough to repair any damage to the roof & use good quality paint? Any advice welcome!