lockedout

Oh, I'm sorry... Have we met? Maybe you were the guy I bored to death with my life story in my local that night after I had one too many snifters of the 18 year old Glenmorangie? Alternatively please don't assume that because I don't agree with your point of view that I am in some way inferior to you and that my opinions have no value. The noun 'Opinion' has two definitions - 'a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge', being the generally accepted definition pertinent to these circumstances. The second being - 'a statement of advice by an expert on a professional matter', now while I have little doubt that you consider yourself to be an expert, I don't think we can call this a 'professional matter'. My opinion, and anyone else's for that matter, has exactly the same value as yours and it is arrogant and foolhardy to assert a contrary view.

In response to the OP, I would say this: Find a boat you like Find a boat you can afford Get the boat surveyed, properly Take a cold hard look at the survey with head rather than heart Make your decision accordingly Enjoy your time on the water

All I would say in response to this is you seem to be assuming an awful lot about something you know little about. Maybe one day, over a pint or three, I will tell you what I do for a living and what my boating experience is. But until that day, please don't assume that the rest of us are idiots. As Jesse Jackson said - "Never look down on anyone, unless you are helping them up".

Oh dear... narcissistic personality disorder anyone?

... and mine. As the owner of a Liverpool Boat for nearly 10 happy years, I hope he doesn't choose to express his ill-informed, stereotypical opinions to me without being asked. (I haven't been here for a while, just started back a few days ago, good to see the keyboard warriors are still going strong)

Lechlade?

Just for info... If you have a Brewers Decorating Centre near you, they have OSMO in stock most of the time. (no connection, just trying to help)

Late to the post... Deffo Osmo Polyx. Use it on our European Oak window liners, excellent stuff, reapply once every 18 months or so, takes about an hour to do 9 windows, no sweat.

A bit late to this... Apologies for repeating what others have said. When we got repainted, I took the opportunity to change the old Caldwell windows for new DG units from Channel Glaze, the windows fit well and look great with an anodised finish. I had some bespoke Oak trims made for inside which took a bit of work but look the mutt's nuts now they are in. I treated the wood with Osmo Oil. We get minimal condensation on the frames, but the Osmo protects the wood really well. Advantages - Heat retention Sound reduction Better security Looks the Biz Adds value to the boat

So... Not sure about marinas specifically, but 'Er Indoors is on EE and I am on Three. Generally whilst out and about on the network I get rubbish coverage compared with the distaff side. I will be changing my provider fairly soon, to get the hell away from Three.

Oh dear... Figure of speech - briefly, a phrase or word having different meanings than its literal meanings.

Wow! You go away for a day and look what happens... Thanks everyone for your contributions, every day is a school day and even with a certain divergence of opinion I have learned a lot. I am reluctant to change all of the batteries just yet - apart from anything else, lifting them out of the engine 'ole is a complete bu**er! I am going to take the duff one out and take it back to Bardens and ask their opinion on the basis that I may get a discount on a replacement (I can dream). I may just run with three until they all eventually die then replace the whole lot in one go. I am also going to have a look at my charger and see if it needs replacement with something better. Thanks everyone.

When I rebuilt the bank, I configured the 4 batteries to connect through bus bars using brand new cables, all exactly the same size and length. I can't remember the diameter, but they are good and thick, as advised by Bardens who made them up for me. Good advice about resetting the charger, I will put it on the maintenance list.

So, trying to answer some of the points raised: My method of measuring the state of the bank as a whole is Smartguage/Smartbank . We certainly don't hammer the batteries when we are off grid, as I say, we have never been below 60% since the batteries were new and we always drive enough during a day to get it up to 100% at the end of the day. We don't have solar (yet). The boat spends most of it's time on shore power, we are holiday boaters with weeks, long weekends and days here and there but we use it year round. I can't remember the name of the charger, maybe I should look at getting something better, I think I have the space for a Vectron combined unit. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

Hmmmmm... Now that's not a bad idea. we have just had two weeks working on 3 and we got on fine. Certainly worth thinking about. Thanks