Ratty & Moley

All very useful and interesting perspectives. Thank you everyone who has responded. I'm tempted to,say that we may park the hotel part of the idea and look for a smaller boat with less regulation hassle and just keep it for personal use with friends in the summer. I had got really excited about the lifestyle change and potential for the boat to earn its keep in the summer months. After listening to what everyone has had to say I'm not sure how to overcome the logistics of transporting clients to the boat without further capital,investment for a large vehicle, plus all the licensing regs for. 24meter boat . We are still mulling it over but do so appreciate hearing from those who have been there and done it !

Thank to everyone who has replied and offered their views. Much appreciated and all goes into the 'melting pot'. I absolutely agree that taking a year to get to know the boat and the French river / canal system is the way to go. I shall be making arrangements to see the boat very soon and hopefully meet with the owner whilst he's in the UK. Can anyone suggest what the costs might be for hauling out/in and blacking/anodes . Also where the nearest shipyard or Marina that is able to offer that service for a 24m barge near Vias ? Thanks

Tam hi It's 24 meters - currently moored in Vias. No longer used as a hotel barge but was in the past . 2 double cabins on suite and sofa bed in the galley for additional 2 people who would need to share a bathroom with cabin folk . Price reduced from 130k to 95. I'm just not sure of the demand as I know there are many hotel barges about charging huge amounts of money. Being limited to 4 possibly 6 people at a push is this going to be worthwhile to run as a business ?? Appreciate your views Aileen

Can anyone recommend where to start looking for a mortgage for a boat ? Thanks

Thank you both - have joined WOB on Facebook. I didn't even know such groups existed so thanks fir that

I think I may have lost all sense of sanity ! I'm thinking about purchasing a Dutch barge in France and to use it as a commercial venture. I'd love to hear from others who may have done this and especially hear from any female barge owners.

Gas checked and no valves closed off

Thanks guys will give it a go to clean the battery terminals ... Just rang Bosch - Worcester tech helpline .. They said it could be the micro switch that needs adjusting ...??? Not raising itself high enough to create the spark for ignition .. At least it's still under warranty albeit only for another 2 months .. But thanks for your support and suggestions

Stoke of luck Mike I found the receipt! It's a Bosch W1359 LPG Water Heater purchased 21st July 2014 so hopefully still under warranty

Hi Mike, Not sure on the model ... I will have a look this weekend when we go down to the boat. It's new, less than a year old so I would hope it's covered under guarantee ... Now to try and dig out the paperwork. Thanks for replying

Hi Folks, Last summer we installed a new boiler on our Springer .. It's a Bosch with automated ignition when the hot water tap is turned on. I've replaced the batteries in case they were flat, let it run for ages so the air locks can pass, but I still don't hear the clicking of the ignition ?? Am I doing something wrong. It's a brand new boiler installed by the chap who did our gas safety certificate. There is a control lever which needs to be in over to the left and a switch which needs to be on. Any thoughts or ideas as to what the problem could be ? Thanks Aileen

Hi Folks, Time to give Lily a little makeover. I'm using Dulux weather shield gloss on the gunnels and side, but wondering about using a satin finish on the coach sides ? What are you thoughts ? Thanks

Are you using the gloss or satin finish on the coach sides ? I've been repaiting with the satin finish, think the weather was too hot today as it was drying too quickly and showing the brush strokes .. Or maybe just my technique isn't great. What do you suggest to get a smooth finish on the top coat ? Brush , roller, or sponge and should I thin the paint down for the final coat ?? Advice will be mist helpful thanks

Really ..... I thought the insurance covers the boat not the individual .. Mine does

We gave a 30 ft Springer that sleeps 4. Now that we have her home on the Ouse near St Ives we quite fancy exploring other parts of the country ... Would quite like to do the K & A but not too fussed really , so if you fancy doing a swap for a few days whenever ,.., let us know. I would probably be ok with up to 50ft but wouldn't want to go any bigger.

Anyone know where I can get metal registration plates made ? Our boat was purchased on BW but now we have moved her to EA we have a new registration number. If I remove the existing plates I will have about 12 holes to fill and paint over so ideally want the same size plates made with our new number. Thanks A

Good Luck John ... You will have so much fun. We purchased our 30ft springer in Derby and moved her home to St Ives on the Ouse . 247 odd miles, 128 locks and 3 tunnels and I had never driven a narrow boat before ! I'm still learning but gosh what a wonderful experience ... Now that she is home after 4 months of weekend cruising and car hopping I'm feeling a little deflated as no big goal in site anymore. Advice I can give us to make sure you have the tel number of a mechanic in case you get stuck or clogged up with weed as we did after foxton locks . A decent sized umbrella also comes in handy, have fun :)

Thanks everyone for all the tips and advice I can report back that the greaser is now once again fully loaded without too much mess and hey ho drip has stopped !! Must say the disposable gloves were a winner. The method I used was unwinding the plunger at the same time as pressing down on the plate in the grease tin.... Worked brilliantly ... I'm well chuffed and will know what to do next time

Thanks Phil, I'll try and see if i can unscrew the barrel. Is the re packing a big job ?

Hi Folks After we had a service a few months ago our guy advised us that the stern gland would need repacking at some point. I'm thinking that we have now reached that point as we have a steady drip. I'm not sure how to tell if the grease gun needs refilling ?? I can't seem to turn the tap at all as it's too stiff ... How do I fill the grease thing and should the tap be so stiff ? Stiff novice boaters especially on the maintenance stuff so any advice much appreciated ... Thanks

Today marks the end of our journey from Derby to Hemingford - 220 miles, 140 locks, and 3 tunnels not bad for a novice driver ! we are well chuffed... the tidal bit between Salter's Lode and Denver was a bit of a challenge but Lily gave it her all and came out tops... thanks to all the forum folk who have advise us along the way

Happy go lucky..... nothing a golf umbrella couldn't sort..... we had the time of our lives... very nervous tho being on the tidal bit going up to Denver,.... that was scary stuff feeling the difference being on tidal water... but hey ho we survived

Alex hi No not the same tiger lily .... Ours was originally called Telford- she is a 30ft springer Happy go lucky , we'll wave as we pass by on Sat the 24th .... Happy sanding

Will keep an eye out for you Trojan ..... Thanks everyone for the details of the lock keeper .... Much appreciated. What a great forum this is....

I did my course on through Trent Boating - it was fantastic. I gained really experience as it was on our own boat. Great to be challenged and taken onto waters that one might usually avoid, but with an experienced naval officer who forces you to deal with the wind etc, its everything you need. I suggest you book on a day when the weather won't be perfect, that way you will get the most out of your course. Good luck it's a great feeling once you've completed it.