PaulW

Sorry Chris, I meant to say you'll need a Craft Identification number (CIN) which can be provided by the RYA. I obviously need more caffeine in the morning, before posting on here! Cheers Paul

To answer the initial question. I went through a boat build nearly two years ago and got hold of the RCD docs via the RYA, and yes you do have to pay for that privilege. However, you will need to have the RCD docs approved via an authorised agency and the RYA will do that for you. If you follow the RCD route then you should not have any further probs in the future and will have some comfort that your boat has been built to current standards. The BSS is very basic in comparison. Yes it is possible for an intelligent layman to follow the RCD docs, even though some may require several readings to get to the nitty gritty. At the end of the day it is up to the individual boat builder to go down the route he or she feels most comfortable with, however the legislation is clear that if you intend to sell the boat within 5 years, then it should be RCD compliant. Best of luck paul

If you are getting it out of the water I suggest you put some extra blacking on, not because of the Liverpool shell, just its a good opportunity. Cheers Paul

C'mon everyone knows a battery needs more juice in it ... to get it going

I used to own a John White based boat. As far as I can remember it was ok. Someone told me he was trained at Liverpool Boats but I cannot confirm that. As far as LMBS are concerned they source from a number of builders. I have asked them a few queries in the past and they have been most helpful so maybe if you asked, they would tell you. We use Price Fallows shells at the mo as they are superior quality. One thing to mention is that with shells you basically will get the quality you pay for. Don't be fooled into thinking that a 57ft from one builder is the same as one from another builder. My advice would be to visit the shell builders and satisfy yourself about the quality, particularly if you intend doing your own fitout. Best of Luck Paul...Suffolk Narrowboats

After much searching I found the Cafe Rods mentioned above to be the best solution if you want something that is close to the cabin wall. They are fine on windows up to around 1mtr but may bow a little over that. Search google for them, theres loads to choose from and they are relatively cheap. Cheers Paul

I supply our boats from the Bed Centre in Tamworth. They will do made to measure, sprung, hard,soft or whatever. Cheers paul

Chlorine, Just one point about this is that it is apparently a known carcinogen. I.E may cause cancer. It is used in swimming pools as normally a person is not exposed to enough to create a dangerous build up. I know several people with hot tubs who have gone away from using it due to increased risk due to higher exposure. I suggest you research this carefully before adding it to drinking water on a boat. Just my opinion, for what its worth Paul

....mus have been coining it in!...... TEE HEE Paul

No obvious reason at all. Boat builders will use 9mm as its about the minimum you should use to get the stability required, especially for adding fittings such as window frames. The other reason would be cost as 9mm is cheaper by the sheet than 12mm. The benefit of 12mm is that should you require to add light weight shelves etc then you have abit more wood to screw into. One point to bear in mind, I should leave a smal expansion gap at the edges of the boards. best of luck Paul

Nice one John. Seriously though Wedgewood boats are owned by two guys who took over the old Mick Sivewright place at Middlewich a couple of years ago. They then appeared at Venetian, although they could have been there first. They told me that they build their own shells. Hope that helps...."me old china!"

www.suffolknarrowboats.co.uk Suffolk Narrowboats are based in West Suffolk and are a small family firm with many years boating experience.They fit out narrow boats on quality shells from suppliers such as Price Fallows at competative prices. Visit the web site for details of current builds or for contact details.

Isleham Marina do have moorings available and is very convenient for West Suffolk (I'm near Bury St Edmunds). They only have them without 240v though. Cheers Paul

I read on one of the vinyl transfer web sites that a good way to apply them is to use masking tape first to mark the bottom edge of the line. Apply the masking tape then ensure you are happy its straight. Once done, apply the vinyl line by following the upper edge of the masking tape. I have to admit I haven't tried it yet, but the logic seems sound! Paul

Hi Brad I have done exactly what you are thinking about. We have a small property renovation company and decided to have a go at boat fitout about 9 months ago, having owned boats for many years. Our first spec boat will go on the market shortly. We decided to go for a fitout using higher end, quality materials (solid oak trims, more expensive power systems, bigger engine etc). Our first boat is a 58ft cruiser and is likely to be priced around the £60 - £70k range. This puts it in competiton with the cheaper end builds but with a far higher fit-out quaility. (you can see her at suffolknarrowboats.co.uk). The problems we will have (and all new builders) is that we are not tried and tested so getting that first sale may be an uphill struggle. Your first strategy should be to look at the costs you will incur and do a realistic business plan. Identify the sub-contracting costs as these can be expensive. There are lots of new builds around at a price in the range £55k - £65k so look at the competition and see if you can match it. Our strategy was to use a quality hull as this sets it apart from the competion. We have the benefit of in-house technical ability so that enables us to keep the cost base down. Best of luck, its hard work. Paul