John K

Advise for my neighbour please, he has Morso Squirrel with back boiler and smoke hood fitted. Having swept the chimney, how are the deposits removed when the gap between boiler and top of stove is very small. With smoke hood fitted it is impossible to get hand in to clear soot etc. Have looked at all Morso related website advise but found nothing of use. Is it possible to take grate out and allow soot etc to fall down the back into bottom of stove? Edited to say... a cleaner nozzle will not fit either!

Did the Cheshire Ring in July with friends. Met four young lads who had been swimming in the canal at Ashton. Our friend, who used to be a police lady in Ashton,started to talk to them. They were so inquizative about our boats, we ended up taking them up a couple of locks, letting them help and steer the boats. We gave them drinks and asked about why they were not at school. Exam time they said... yeah right... just the excuses I used many years ago for waggin school. We laughed! They thanked us for being so kind. Enjoy the Cheshire ring, its reputation is undeserved

Hi Jo and Paul, If you need any info or advice please feel free to contact me. Three of my work collegues have boats, all different designs and layouts. You are more than welcome to visit and nosey round,( providing you bring some form of entrance fee..... brandy works well!!!). We are moored at Anderton. John K

Question for those who live on board all year round.... what type of washing machines do you have? Any recommendations, type, cost, installation problems etc. Thanks.

Having giving it some severe testing in freezing weather, it did seem to distibute warm air to the rear of the boat. It certainly has made a difference but whether that difference is worth £80 + is another question!

Over the years of being involed in boating I have noticed that boaters seem, on the whole, to be mild mannered, very courteous, and very helpful to other boaters. I have only ever met one " lady" who was very rude, swearing in front of her children, and being generally disruptive to all around. Does boating make you more relaxed and chilled out, or do you have to have that sort of personallity to enjoy boating.... I wonder?

Was "baptised" late last year in the Llangollen. Was being clever exiting a lock, couple of people taking, pics lost my footing and in I went. Think I now qualify as a confirmed boater. Overheard someone mutter " pillock", I thought ..... yep thats me!!!

Got the flying saucer type aerial, plus signal booster fitted. Unless moored in good reception, area picture has never been good. Went to local caravan shop and bought normal tele aerial plus extentable poles. With just one pole clamped to roof and aerial pointing towards transmitter, the picture is almost perfect. I also have a "Freeview" box that works well to. Cost of aerial, about £20 and the extendable poles were £4-99 each, or came in box of three plus clamp for about £17.

Beautiful boat, cant help but notice the JCB in the back ground. I wonder if that cab is detachable? That would fit wouldn't it???

Hi Bernie, I was thinking more of a solid molded cover similar to an aircraft cockpit. It would give all round vision and be low enough for most bridges. I will try and find a link to an aircraft and add it, will give you some idea of what I'm thinking of. ( That also assumes I can suss out how to post a link!!!)

Recently purchased a boat with Trad stern. My thoughts difted towards weather protection ( 50% of body is already protected). Having had cruiser stern previous, a brolly was all that could be used. Not keen on the small fabric canopies that are around. I was wondering if an aircraft style canopy would work. Imagine a fighter aircraft with the bubble perspex canopy over. I think, given the dimensions of the boat, it would be easy... ish to manufacture. Any other ideas JK

Thanks for all your replies, on the strength of them I bought a two blade fan today. Wildly differing prices for same thing. From £80/£100. I have bought one for £89. Will give it some severe testing and report back JK

Hi All, Your thoughts on Eco fans for distributing heat around the boat please. They seem expensive ( circa £80 /£90 ), but would be worth it if they illiminate hot spots around stove and at roof level. Dont know anyone who has one, and having done search, this topic doesn't seem to have been covered before. Thanks in advance J.K.