Chris3

Have 3 of these which are just entering year 4. Performance improved by better 'housekeeping' .. led lighting etc and installing a solar panel but otherwise fine. http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/190-ah-xplorer-leisure-battery/

Bought the last years version of this. Thought it was a childs toy whe first unpacked ...... ' my first vacuum' ! .. but it is brilliant on the boat and at home. Not good on edges. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4838711.htm

Thanks for the warning. I shall be careful. Plastic threads can be difficult.

The pump I have has just failed. It came with the boat and the first owner has stuck sheet lead to the undersides of the locker and fitted rubber hoses to it in an attempt to cut down the noise. ! It used to make a noise like a demented wasp. Thanks for your reply, I shall order one up .

Do they make a lot of noise ?

I suspect prices have risen because folk have been cashing in their pensions and spending some, if not all, on boats !!?? I think also that narrowboat prices follow the housing market. I may be well wrong.

I have a lockgate with backboiler. Would not have another through choice. Not cheap to run, dirty process to light and does not produce enough heat for a 57ft boat..

Bigcol, my supplier calls it Newheat. I really have tried the lot and this stuff is streaks ahead.... totally clean burn, stays open so the fire at the bottom can ignite the gas on the top of the fuel stack ... no big bang ! Stays in overnight and is totally magic with the odd log. http://www.coalmerchantsfederation.co.uk/products/smokeless-ovoids

I Use Newheat ovals on a rayburn but on land not on a boat. Can't recommend it highly enough. Huge heat output, lights well and produces hardly any ash. Strange smell when first lit ..... think the grains are formed into ovals using old plastic as glue !... only kidding. Have tried all others and this is by far the best. Wish I had a rayburn on the boat. I buy from a local coal merchant in Somerset but I see CPL have it listed. Good luck sourcing a bag. I buy 2 ton at a time and it comes out under £ 8.00 a 25kg bag.

I second Mr Garland. He and his Dad made some covers for my boat on the K and A some years ago. They did a super job. Lovely story. His father as a young lad had lost his job and wandered down to the docks in Bristol for want of something better to do. A sailmaker spoke to him and offered him an apprentiship. From sails to boat covers. Can't go wrong with the Garlands.

Not Reading I know but may be of help http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels/136495.aspx?stationId=7122 http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels/136495.aspx?stationId=7131

Got to be courgette bargees ! These are delicious and freeze well . I cut back on the chilli as not a great fan. Many other recipes on the same theme. http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/16256/courgette-bhajis.aspx

Brilliant, thank Mike. I am off to order one.